Date Nut Bread is a classic, comforting recipe that combines the natural sweetness of dates with the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a cozy dessert, this moist and flavorful bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The Pioneer Woman Date Nut Bread adds a delightful twist to the traditional recipe with simple, wholesome ingredients and easy preparation steps.

What is Pioneer Woman Date Nut Bread?

Pioneer Woman Date Nut Bread is a classic quick bread that combines the sweet, caramel-like flavor of dates with the nutty crunch of walnuts. This bread, popularized by the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is known for its moist and tender crumb, making it a delightful treat for any time of the day. It is typically made with simple ingredients, such as dates, nuts, butter, and flour, which come together to create a comforting and flavorful loaf. The natural sweetness of the dates pairs perfectly with the richness of the nuts, resulting in a delicious bread that’s both wholesome and satisfying.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Rich Flavor: The combination of dates and nuts creates a naturally sweet and nutty flavor that is hard to resist.
Moist Texture: The dates help keep the bread moist and tender, making it perfect for slicing.
Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.

Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this bread plain, toasted, or with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Date Nut Bread can be made in advance and stored for easy snacking.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Date Nut Bread

1 cup chopped dates

1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Date Nut Bread

Prepare the Date Mixture

Chop the Dates: Start by chopping the dates into small pieces. Place them in a medium-sized bowl.
Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle the baking soda over the chopped dates.
Pour Boiling Water: Carefully pour the boiling water over the date and baking soda mixture. Stir to combine, then set aside to cool.

Make the Bread Batter

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Add Date Mixture: Stir in the cooled date mixture, including any liquid, until well incorporated.

Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.

Bake the Bread

Pour batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Bread: Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Date Nut Bread

Butter or Cream Cheese: Spread a layer of butter or cream cheese on slices for added richness.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle honey or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.

Fresh Fruit: Serve with slices of apple or pear for a refreshing contrast.
Coffee or Tea: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or snack.
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent dessert.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Date Nut Bread

Use Fresh Dates: Fresh, plump dates will provide the best flavor and moisture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Store Properly: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Date Nut Bread

Chocolate Chip Date Nut Bread: Add a handful of chocolate chips for a sweeter version.

Orange Zest Date Nut Bread: Incorporate orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Coconut Date Nut Bread: Mix in shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
Spiced Date Nut Bread: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a spiced variation.

Gluten-Free Date Nut Bread: Use gluten-free flour to accommodate dietary preferences.

Storing Pioneer Woman Date Nut Bread: Best Practices

Room Temperature: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week if you prefer a longer shelf life.

Freezing: Freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
Reheat Before Serving: Warm slices in the microwave or toaster for a freshly baked taste.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 240 kcal

Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 36g
Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 21g
Protein: 3g

FAQs

How Do You Keep Date Nut Bread Moist?

To keep date nut bread moist, use fresh, plump dates and ensure they are properly soaked in hot water to release their natural sugars and moisture. Incorporating softened butter in the batter adds richness and helps maintain moisture during baking. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense loaf. Additionally, allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to retain moisture, and store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Can You Make Date Nut Bread Without Nuts?

Yes, you can make date nut bread without nuts if you prefer a nut-free version. Simply omit the nuts from the recipe, and the bread will still be delicious and moist. To maintain texture, consider adding other ingredients like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut as substitutes. These additions will provide interesting flavors and textures while keeping the bread nut-free.

What is the Best Way to Serve Date Nut Bread?

The best way to serve date nut bread is by slicing it and enjoying it plain or toasted. You can spread butter or cream cheese on top for added richness. It pairs well with hot beverages like coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or snack option. For a sweeter treat, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the slices, or serve with fresh fruit such as berries or apple slices for a refreshing contrast.

How Do You Store Date Nut Bread for Maximum Freshness?

To store date nut bread for maximum freshness, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate the bread, where it will last up to a week. For even longer storage, freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen slices can be stored for up to three months and should be thawed at room temperature or toasted before serving.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman Date Nut Bread is a delightful and versatile treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread is sure to satisfy your cravings with its rich flavor and moist texture. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a homemade loaf that captures the warmth and comfort of classic baking. Enjoy this delicious bread with your favorite accompaniments, and happy baking!

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