Heartwarming Pioneer Woman Date Nut Bread Recipe for Your Soul

Pioneer Woman’s date nut bread whispers stories of nostalgic family gatherings and cozy weekend mornings.

Fragrant spices dance through the kitchen, promising a slice of pure comfort and warmth.

Medjool dates nestle alongside crunchy nuts, creating a symphony of textures that delights every sense.

Generations have savored this rustic bread, passing down its rich, homemade charm from one kitchen to another.

Effortless to prepare, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable masterpiece.

Unbelievably moist and packed with natural sweetness, this bread turns an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Get ready to bake a slice of pure happiness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients That Make Pioneer Woman Date Nut Bread

• Dates: Choose soft, plump dates that are free from crystalized sugar for the best texture and natural sweetness.
• Eggs: Select fresh, room temperature eggs for smoother mixing and better volume.
• Vegetable Shortening: Look for high-quality, pure shortening without added flavors for a clean taste.
• Boiling Water: Use freshly boiled water to help soften dates and create a rich, moist base.

• Whole Wheat Flour, All-Purpose Flour: Opt for fresh, sifted flours to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth batter.
• Sugar: Choose granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness and smooth texture.
• Baking Soda: Use fresh baking soda for optimal rising and lightness.
• Salt: Select fine-grain table salt for even distribution throughout the batter.

• Walnuts: Pick fresh, crisp walnuts with no sign of rancidity or bitterness for a delightful nutty crunch.

Kitchen Tools for Date Nut Bread Baking

• Mixing Bowls: Two spacious bowls for combining ingredients and blending mixtures.
• Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs and sugar into a smooth, light mixture.
• Loaf Pan (8.5 x 4.5 x 3-inch): Essential for shaping and baking your delicious bread.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Great for smoothing batter and transferring it into the pan.
• Wire Rack: Helps bread cool evenly after baking.
• Toothpick: Handy for checking bread doneness.
• Knife: For slicing the cooled bread into perfect pieces.

How to Prepare and Bake Date Nut Bread

• Preheat and Prep Oven

Warm your oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan thoroughly to ensure smooth bread release.

• Create Date and Nut Base

Mix dates, walnuts, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Pour boiling water over the ingredients and add vegetable shortening. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to develop rich flavors and soften dates.

• Whisk Egg Mixture

Beat eggs and sugar together until the blend becomes smooth and lightens in color. This step creates a fluffy foundation for your bread.

• Combine Ingredients

Gently fold whole wheat and all-purpose flours into the egg mixture. Add the date and walnut mixture, stirring until just combined. Embrace a few lumps for a rustic texture.

• Bake and Cool

Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick. Once baked, let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Date Nut Flavor Enhancements and Add-ins

• Boost Your Baking Success: Pro Tips for Date and Walnut Bread
• Customize Nut Selection: Swap walnuts with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a personalized nutty twist that matches your taste preferences.
• Master Moisture Balance: Check bread doneness by inserting a toothpick – a few moist crumbs are perfect, while completely dry means potential overbaking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to preserve freshness for up to 4 days at room temperature or freeze for 3 months.
• Elevate Serving Style: Toast slices and spread with salted butter, cream cheese, or honey for an extra layer of deliciousness that transforms this simple bread into a gourmet treat.

Serving Slices of Date Nut Bread

• Pair with Morning Brew: Slice a warm piece of bread and enjoy alongside a steaming cup of coffee or black tea for a delightful breakfast experience.
• Create Decadent Dessert: Top a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent after-dinner treat.
• Elevate Breakfast Spread: Transform this bread into French toast by dipping slices in an egg mixture and grilling until golden, then garnish with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Pack for Picnic Pleasure: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper for a perfect portable snack during outdoor adventures or weekend picnics.

Storing Date Nut Bread for Later Enjoyment

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Keep your date walnut bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, maintaining its delightful moisture and soft texture.
• Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: Extend the bread's life by refrigerating for up to a week. Wrap it securely to prevent moisture loss and preserve its delectable flavor profile.
• Freeze for Future Cravings: Slice the bread before freezing, separating layers with parchment paper. Sealed in a freezer-safe bag, your bread will stay delicious for 2-3 months, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever hunger strikes.
• Revive and Savor: Bring refrigerated or frozen bread back to life by warming slightly in the oven or toaster. A quick 10-15 second microwave zap can restore its just-baked warmth and softness, making each slice taste freshly made.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 11

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Pioneer woman date nut bread melds nostalgic flavors from mid-century American kitchens with wholesome ingredients. Warm spices and sweet dates create a comforting quick bread perfect for sharing with loved ones.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (240 ml) Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 cup (120 g) walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60 g) whole wheat flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (180 ml) boiling water
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) vegetable shortening, solid
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsps (7.5 ml) baking soda
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease an 8.5 x 4.5 x 3-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Date-Walnut Base: Combine chopped dates, walnuts, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour boiling water over the ingredients, add vegetable shortening, and mix thoroughly. Let the mixture rest for 15 minutes to soften dates and develop rich flavors.
3. Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs and sugar together until smooth and light, creating a fluffy base for the bread.
4. Flour Integration: Fold whole wheat and all-purpose flours into the egg mixture, creating a dense batter with potential small lumps that contribute to the bread’s unique texture.
5. Batter Fusion: Carefully blend the date-walnut mixture with the flour mixture, stirring gently to maintain the bread’s delicate structure. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface evenly.
6. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 40-50 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out with minimal moist crumbs. After removing from the oven, let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• Soften Dates Strategically: Let the date-water mixture rest for 15 minutes to enhance flavor complexity and ensure dates are perfectly tender.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to maintain bread’s light, delicate texture and avoid developing tough gluten strands.
• Check Moisture Carefully: Use the toothpick test to verify doneness, looking for minimal moist crumbs or a clean insert for perfect baking.
• Cool Completely: Allow bread to rest in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to prevent soggy bottom and maintain ideal bread structure.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg