Date & Walnut Loaf

I sincerely hope you would share the same passion as me!

Date and walnut loaf is traditionally eaten in Britain. 

It is especially popular to eat during afternoon tea. Though it is great for any occasion. 

Date loaf was first recorded as a recipe in 1939. 

Ideally cut into slices and buttered, but can be eaten plain too.

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Ingredients
  • 300ml Boiling Water
  • 12gm Bicarbonate of Soda
  • 2 Eggs, whisked
  • Pinch of salt
  • 100gm Brown Soft Sugar
  • 250gm Self-raising Flour
  • 100gm Butter, softened
  • 60gm Walnuts, chopped
  • 250gm Dates, chopped
Step 1

Place the dates and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl.  Pour in boiling water over the dates.  Stir and cover with a cling film and soak overnight.

However, should you want to prepare and bake the same day, then simply soak the dates for 3 to 4 hours. Then allow to completely cool down.
Step 2

Roughly chop the pitted dates.

Step 3

And the walnuts
Step 4

Using a whisk beat the eggs.

Step 5

In a mixing bowl add flour, butter, sugar and pinch of salt.
Step 6

Using your fingertips, rub together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. 

You can also use food processor to achieve this.

Step 7

Add in the chopped walnuts, chopped dates, finally the whisked eggs.
Step 8

Stir rapidly to blend ingredients into a smooth mixture.

Step 9

Carefully spoon into a lined 2lb/900gm loaf tin and bake on the middle shelf in a preheated oven at 170C Fan.
Step 10

Bake for about an hour, until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

Step 11

Allow the loaf to cool before serving.

Slice and serve it plain or with butter.