Ever tried a Date and Orange Almond Loaf? Trust me its a game changer for yr morning coffee or afternoon tea. This loaf combines sweet dates w/ zesty orange and nutty almonds creating something thats both familiar and exciting. Not too sweet not too heavy just perfect. And the smell while it bakes? Gonna make ur kitchen the most popular room in the house. Keep reading to find out why this might become ur new go-to recipe.
Ingredients for the Perfect Date and Orange Almond Loaf
For the Loaf:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – provides structure but can sub half w/ whole wheat for nuttier flavor
- 1 cup chopped dates – the star of the show gives natural sweetness and moisture
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – balances the citrus dont reduce too much or texture suffers
- 1/2 cup butter room temp – use unsalted so u control salt level
- 2 large eggs – binds everything provides richness
- Zest of 2 oranges – essential for that citrus punch use organic if possible
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice – about 1 large orange dont use store-bought lacks flavor
- 1 cup almond flour – gives amazing texture and nutty flavor
- 1 tsp baking powder – for proper rise
- 1/2 tsp baking soda – works w/ acid in orange juice for fluffiness
- 1/2 tsp salt – enhances all flavors
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – creates smooth glaze
- 2 tbsp orange juice – thins glaze adds more orange flavor
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds – for decoration and extra crunch
If ur watching calories skip the glaze. For gluten-free version replace flour w/ gluten-free blend plus 1/2 tsp xanthan gum. Vegans can sub flax eggs and plant butter works great.
How to Make Date and Orange Almond Loaf
- Prep stuff. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 loaf pan w/ parchment paper letting it hang over sides for easy removal. Chop dates into small pieces.
- Mix dry ingredients. In medium bowl whisk flour almond flour baking powder baking soda and salt together. This helps distribute leavening agents evenly.
- Cream butter & sugar. In large bowl beat room temp butter and sugar till light and fluffy about 3 mins. Looks pale yellow when ready. Dont rush this step creates air pockets for tender crumb.
- Add eggs & orange. Beat in eggs one at a time then orange zest. Mixture might look curdled thats ok. Add orange juice mix till combined.
- Combine wet & dry. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixing just till combined. Overmixing = tough loaf. Fold in chopped dates gently.
- Bake it. Pour batter into prepared pan smooth top. Bake 50-55 mins until toothpick comes out clean. If top browns too quick cover w/ foil last 15 mins.
- Cool & glaze. Let loaf cool in pan 10 mins then use parchment to lift onto cooling rack. Once completely cool whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over top. Sprinkle w/ sliced almonds before glaze sets.
The loaf is done when it pulls away slightly from pan sides and toothpick inserted in center comes out w/ just a few crumbs no wet batter.
Tasty Variations of Date and Orange Almond Loaf
Lemon Blueberry Swap
Replace orange w/ lemon zest and juice add 1 cup fresh blueberries for tangy summer version.
Chocolate Chunk Addition
Add 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks to batter for indulgent twist great for dessert.
Spiced Date and Orange Almond Loaf
Add 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp cardamom 1/4 tsp nutmeg for warming spice notes perfect for holidays.
Coconut Tropical Version
Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to batter and use coconut oil instead of butter for tropical vibes.
Maple Pecan Twist
Replace 1/4 cup sugar w/ maple syrup add 1/2 cup chopped pecans instead of almonds for fall flavors.
Maybe try our Passion Fruit Mojito alongside a slice for afternoon treat!
FAQ: Your Date and Orange Almond Loaf Questions Answered
How long does Date and Orange Almond Loaf stay fresh?
This loaf stays moist for 3-4 days at room temp in airtight container. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap then foil and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or toast from frozen.
Can I make Date and Orange Almond Loaf ahead of time?
Definitely! Actually tastes better next day when flavors meld. Make up to 2 days ahead for party or brunch. Add glaze just before serving for best look.
What can I substitute for dates in this recipe?
Dried figs prunes or even raisins work great instead of dates. Each gives different flavor profile but all provide necessary moisture and sweetness. If using raisins soak in hot water 10 mins first then drain.
Is this Date and Orange Almond Loaf healthy?
Healthier than most desserts for sure! Dates provide natural sugar fiber and potassium. Almond flour adds protein and good fats. Skip glaze and reduce sugar to 1/2 cup for even healthier version. One slice makes satisfying snack without sugar crash.
Why did my loaf sink in the middle?
Few reasons: opening oven door too early under-baking or too much leavening agent. Make sure to bake fully until toothpick test passes and dont peek before 40 mins. Measure baking powder precisely.
Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Pour batter into lined muffin tin fill 3/4 full. Bake at same temp but reduce time to 18-22 mins. Makes about 14 muffins perfect for grab-n-go breakfast. After busy morning try our Sleepy Girl Mocktail to unwind.
What pairs well with Date and Orange Almond Loaf?
Cream cheese whipped cream vanilla ice cream or just simple butter all work great. Coffee tea or milk complement flavors perfectly. For brunch serve w/ fresh fruit and yogurt for complete meal.
Make This Date and Orange Almond Loaf Your Own
Made this Date and Orange Almond Loaf for my moms birthday last month. She loves dates but never had them w/ orange before. Her face lit up after first bite said it reminded her of cake grandma used to make but somehow better. Thats what cooking should do connect us to memories while creating new ones.
What I love most about this Date and Orange Almond Loaf is how it balances old-school comfort w/ modern flavors. Traditional enough for the pickiest eaters but interesting enough for foodies. Its become my signature bring-along for gatherings and always disappears fast.
Hope this recipe finds its way into ur regular rotation. Make it urs adjust it share it. Food tastes better when its made w/ confidence and shared w/ people u care about.
Date and Orange Almond Loaf
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temp
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Chop dates into small pieces and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add orange zest and juice. Mix well.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chopped dates.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cover with foil in the last 15 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice and drizzle over cooled loaf. Top with sliced almonds.