Date & Walnut Loaf Recipe
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Nuts
Servings
12
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Calories
220
Enjoy the comforting warmth of a classic Date & Walnut Loaf, a beloved British bake that’s perfect for cozy teatimes or a satisfying snack.
This simple yet flavorful recipe combines sweet, sticky dates with crunchy walnuts and a hint of cinnamon for a moist, tender loaf.
Ready in about 1 hour 20 minutes and yielding 12 slices, it is ideal for sharing or savouring toasted with butter alongside a steaming cup of tea.
Ingredients
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200g pitted dates, roughly chopped
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250ml boiling water
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1tsp bicarbonate of soda
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150g unsalted butter, softened
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150g light brown sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1tsp vanilla extract
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200g plain flour
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1tsp baking powder
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½tsp fine sea salt
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1tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
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100g walnuts, chopped
Directions
Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 160 °C fan (180°C/350°F).
Line and grease a 2-lb (23 × 13 cm) loaf tin with baking parchment, leaving a small overhang.
Soak the Dates
Place the chopped dates in a heatproof bowl, pour over the boiling water, stir in the bicarbonate of soda, and set aside to soften for 10 minutes.
Cream Butter & Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add Eggs & Flavor
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Fold to Make Batter
Fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture in thirds, alternating with the date mixture (including any liquid).
Stir gently until just combined, then fold in the chopped walnuts.
Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared tin, level the top, and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with a sheet of foil for the last 15 minutes.
Cool & Slice
Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack.
Cool completely before slicing into 12 even pieces.
Recipe Notes
More Tasty Recipes:
If you have any questions about how to make this recipe, please post a comment below and we will get back to you.
Servings: The recipe typically yields 12 delicious portions of Walnut Loaf.
Calories per serving: 220 calories.
Remember: Please tag #whitakerschocolates with photos of your homemade loaf.
Date Tips: For extra depth of flavor, stir 1 tbsp of molasses or treacle into the date soak.
Walnut Swap: You can replace half the walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts for a different nutty profile.
Make-Ahead: The loaf keeps well for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, and freezes beautifully. Just slice first and freeze between sheets of parchment.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Tea Pairing: Serve a slice alongside a steaming mug of strong black tea, such as Assam or Earl Grey, to complement the loaf’s rich, caramel-like date flavor.
For a milder option, a chai latte with its warm spices pairs beautifully with the optional cinnamon in the loaf, creating a cozy afternoon treat.
Toasted with Spreads: Lightly toast a slice to bring out its nutty warmth, then spread with a generous layer of salted butter for a simple, indulgent bite.
For a creamier twist, smear with cream cheese or mascarpone, which adds a tangy contrast to the loaf’s sweetness.
A drizzle of honey over the spread can elevate it further for a touch of elegance.
Dessert Upgrade: Transform the loaf into a dessert by serving a thick slice with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream.
The cold creaminess against the dense, moist loaf creates a delightful contrast.
Alternatively, pair with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a lighter yet satisfying option.
Cheese Board Companion: Add thin slices of the loaf to a cheese board for a sweet-savory balance.
It pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses like brie or camembert, or a sharp cheddar, which cuts through the loaf’s sweetness.
Include some fresh grapes or figs to round out the flavors and add a fresh element.
Breakfast Boost: Enjoy a slice as part of a hearty breakfast by toasting it and serving alongside scrambled eggs or a fruit platter.
For a grab-and-go option, spread with almond or peanut butter for a protein-packed start to the day that complements the loaf’s nutty profile.
How to Store Your Homemade Date & Walnut Loaf
To keep your homemade loaf fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines:
Room Temperature: Store the loaf in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in cling film at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat to maintain its moist texture and flavor.
Refrigeration (Optional): If you need to store it longer or live in a warm climate, place the loaf in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days.
Be aware that refrigeration may slightly firm up the texture, so allow slices to come to room temperature or lightly toast them before serving for the best experience.
Freezing: For extended storage, the loaf freezes well. Slice it first for convenience, then wrap each slice tightly in cling film and place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Alternatively, wrap the whole loaf securely. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To enjoy, thaw slices at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge, or gently warm in a low oven for a freshly baked feel.
Make-Ahead Tip: The loaf can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
Its flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Preventing Drying Out: Ensure the loaf is fully sealed when stored to avoid exposure to air, which can dry it out, especially for cut surfaces.
If the loaf is sliced, consider placing a sheet of parchment paper between slices to maintain moisture.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per slice (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 200 kcal |
| Fat | 8 g |
| of which saturates | 3 g |
| Carbohydrate | 28 g |
| of which sugars | 16 g |
| Fibre | 3 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Salt | 0.3 g |
These figures are approximate and based on a typical date and walnut loaf recipe that yields 12 slices. Actual values can vary with exact ingredients and portion sizes. For precise details, enter your full recipe into a nutrition calculator.
The History of the Date and Walnut Loaf in the UK
The date and walnut loaf has deep roots in British kitchens. It started as a practical bake that used dried dates and walnuts. These ingredients kept well and added natural sweetness and texture.
In the early twentieth century, such loaves grew in popularity. During the 1940s, with food rationing in place, bakers turned to simple recipes like this one. The dates helped keep the loaf moist without much fat or sugar. It gave families a filling treat from basic stores.
Tea rooms across the country soon offered slices of date and walnut loaf. People liked to spread butter on it and enjoy it with a hot drink. The mix of soft, sticky fruit and crunchy nuts made it stand out from plain bread or cake.
Recipes often included a pinch of spice or a splash of tea to soak the dates. This added extra taste and colour. Yet the loaf stayed easy to make at home with just one bowl and a loaf tin.
It remains a favourite today. Many still bake it for family gatherings or as a weekend treat. Its simple charm and long shelf life keep it in home recipe books all over the UK.
