Indulge in the wholesome goodness of this *Healthy Date Walnut Fruit Loaf*—a moist and flavorful treat made entirely without butter, oil, or eggs! Bursting with natural sweetness from plump dates, a hint of nutty crunch from walnuts, and the option to include chewy raisins or dried fruit, this loaf is a nutritious choice for breakfast or a guilt-free snack. The recipe uses a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flours, along with a simple homemade buttermilk substitute, ensuring a tender yet hearty texture. With no refined oils and minimal added sugar, this quick bread is perfect for those seeking a healthier dessert alternative without compromising on taste. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make loaf is an ideal option for meal prep or sharing with loved ones. Serve it warm with a dollop of your favorite spread, or enjoy it on its own with a steaming cup of tea.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dates and hot water. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soften.
Once the dates have softened, mash them gently with a fork to create a rough date paste. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until well combined. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Stir the chopped walnuts and raisins (if using) into the dry ingredients to coat them evenly with flour. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
In a small bowl, combine the milk with the lemon juice or vinegar to make a buttermilk substitute. Let it sit for a minute until it curdles slightly.
Pour the date mixture and the milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and enjoy your healthy Date Walnut Fruit Loaf! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Calories |
2528 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 73.0 g | 94% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.3 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 1989 mg | 86% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 448.2 g | 163% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.3 g | 137% | |
| Total Sugars | 228.6 g | ||
| Protein | 54.5 g | 109% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 501 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 16.3 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 3028 mg | 64% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.