Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe

This moist, spiced Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe is made with plump dates and pecans, and ready in 1 hour 45 minutes. Slicing the warm loaf reveals a dense crumb generously studded with tender fruit. I love smearing a thick slice with orange cream cheese for a weekend treat.

Why This Classic Works

I used to skip soaking the dates in orange liqueur, assuming it was an unnecessary extra step. The lesson I learned was that a brief thirty-minute soak completely transforms the dried fruit into incredibly soft, flavor-packed gems.

The batter itself relies on a simple creaming method that I find foolproof, provided your butter is at room temperature. I always serve it alongside the signature orange cream cheese spread, as the bright citrus notes balance the warm spices perfectly.

Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 2 cups coarsely chopped pitted dates (10 ounces)
• 1/3 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 extra-large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans

For the Orange Cream Cheese Spread:

• 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest

How To Make Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom of an 8 1/2 by 4 1/2-inch loaf pan, line it with parchment paper, then butter and flour the pan.
2. Soak the Dates: Combine the chopped dates and orange liqueur in a small bowl. Set aside for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the fruit plump up.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together on medium speed for 1 minute until pale. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: With your mixer on low, blend in the egg, vanilla extract, and grated orange zest until well incorporated.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
6. Finish the Batter: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and orange juice to the creamed butter mixture on low speed. Mix only until just combined, being careful not to overwork it.
7. Fold and Bake: Gently fold in the soaked dates along with their liquid and the chopped pecans using a spatula. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Cool and Serve: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack.
9. Make the Spread: Beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and orange zest together on medium speed until smooth. Serve alongside slices of the cooled bread.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh spices: Since this is a spice bread, stale cinnamon or nutmeg will leave the final result tasting flat. Check your expiration dates before baking.
• Don’t skip the soak: Marinating the dates in orange liqueur is crucial for softening them and injecting extra moisture into the crumb.
• Avoid overmixing: Once you add the flour, only mix until you no longer see dry streaks to ensure a tender, soft bread.
• Toast the nuts: Lightly toasting the pecans in a dry skillet before folding them in brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor.

What To Serve With Date Nut Bread

This spiced bread is fantastic on its own alongside a hot cup of black coffee or Earl Grey tea. I also like pairing it with fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or segmented oranges, to complement the citrus spread.

How To Store

Wrap the fully cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze the loaf by wrapping it in plastic and aluminum foil for up to three months. Store the cream cheese spread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

FAQs

Can I use a different liquid instead of orange liqueur?

Yes, you can substitute the orange liqueur with an equal amount of freshly squeezed orange juice or even apple cider if you prefer an alcohol-free option.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

A sunken middle usually means the bread was underbaked. Make sure your toothpick comes out entirely clean and check your oven temperature with a standalone thermometer.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Walnuts are a great substitute and offer a very similar texture and flavor profile. Just chop them coarsely before adding them to the batter.

Nutrition

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
• Protein: 5 g