Date and Orange Almond Loaf

Why You’ll Love Date and Orange Almond Loaf Recipe

This recipe is a wonderful combination of taste and texture. The dates give a natural caramel-like sweetness, while the orange zest and juice add a refreshing citrus punch. Ground almonds and chopped nuts add a lovely nutty flavor and moist crumb, making this loaf rich and tender. Plus, it’s easy to make and feels indulgent without being overly sweet.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pitted dates

• Boiling water

• Baking soda

• Unsalted butter

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Orange zest

• Fresh orange juice

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Ground almonds

• Chopped almonds (optional for topping)

• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. In a bowl, combine the chopped dates with boiling water and baking soda. Let it sit to soften.

3. Cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the orange zest and juice.

5. Stir in the softened dates with their soaking liquid.

6. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground almonds.

7. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle with chopped almonds if using.

9. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10 slices.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 50–60 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in place of butter.

• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note.

• Nut-Free Option: Replace ground almonds with oat flour or extra flour and omit the topping.

• Extra Citrus: Add a tablespoon of orange marmalade to the batter for a deeper citrus flavor.

• Chocolate Twist: Fold in dark chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.

• Mini Loaves: Bake in mini loaf pans and reduce baking time by 15–20 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or toast lightly.

FAQs

How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done.

Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh orange juice adds a brighter, more natural flavor.

Do I need to soak the dates?

Yes, soaking softens them and helps them blend into the batter, adding moisture and sweetness.

Can I make this loaf ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavor often improves after a day as the citrus and dates meld.

What kind of dates work best?

Medjool dates are ideal for their soft texture and rich sweetness, but Deglet Noor also works well.

Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds?

Yes, they are often interchangeable in baking recipes.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses or just use white sugar, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I skip the almonds on top?

Definitely. The topping is optional and the loaf will still taste delicious without it.

How do I keep the loaf moist?

Don’t overbake it, and store it in an airtight container once fully cooled.

Can I turn this into muffins?

Yes, simply pour the batter into a muffin tin and reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes.

Conclusion

This Date and Orange Almond Loaf is a beautifully balanced, moist, and flavorful treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With natural sweetness from dates, zingy orange citrus, and rich almonds, it’s perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon indulgences. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or with a smear of butter, this loaf is bound to become a favorite.

Date and Orange Almond Loaf

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A deliciously moist loaf combining the natural sweetness of dates and the zesty freshness of orange, with a hint of almond flavor for a perfect balance of taste and texture.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 150 g chopped pitted dates (1 cup)
• 180 ml freshly squeezed orange juice (3/4 cup)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 115 g unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup)
• 100 g brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
• 2 large eggs
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200 g all-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups)
• 50 g ground almonds (1/2 cup)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dates and orange juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the dates have softened and absorbed the juice. Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda. Let it cool for a few minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the flour and ground almonds, mixing until just combined.
7. Add the cooled date mixture to the batter and mix until incorporated.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Make sure the date mixture is cooled before adding to the batter to prevent scrambling the eggs.
• You can substitute ground almonds with almond flour for a finer texture.
• This loaf stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
• Serve with a spread of butter or cream cheese for added richness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg