Date and Orange Almond Loaf Recipe

This Date and Orange Almond Loaf is a delicious, moist treat that brings together the natural sweetness of dates, the bright zing of oranges, and the nutty flavor of almonds. Whether you're enjoying it for breakfast, at tea time, or as a wholesome dessert, this loaf is a crowd-pleaser. For an extra citrus punch, drizzle it with an optional orange glaze!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices

Ingredients

For the loaf:

150g chopped pitted dates (1 cup)
180ml freshly squeezed orange juice (3/4 cup)
1/2 tsp baking soda
115g unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup)
100g brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
2 large eggs
Zest of 1 orange
1 tsp vanilla extract
100g almond flour (1 cup)
100g all-purpose flour (3/4 cup)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
60g sliced almonds (1/2 cup), plus extra for topping

Optional Orange Glaze:

60g powdered sugar (1/2 cup)
1–2 tbsp fresh orange juice
Orange zest for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to help remove the loaf easily later.
Soak the Dates
In a small bowl, combine the chopped dates, orange juice, and baking soda. Stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes to soften the dates and meld the flavors.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add Eggs, Zest, and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the date mixture to the butter mixture and mix until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the sliced almonds.
Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle extra sliced almonds on top for decoration. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes.
Cool the Loaf
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Orange Glaze (Optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust the juice to achieve the desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf and garnish with additional orange zest.
Slice and Serve
Slice the loaf into thick pieces and enjoy as a snack, dessert, or breakfast. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Pro Tips

Date Substitution: If fresh dates aren't available, use dried dates soaked in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them before chopping.
Nut-Free Option: Replace almond flour with more all-purpose flour and omit the sliced almonds for a nut-free version.
Fresh Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice—store-bought juice lacks the same vibrancy.
Make Ahead: This loaf can be made a day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more flavorful!

Nutrition Facts (Per Slice, based on 10 servings)

Calories: 280
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 20g

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This loaf is the perfect balance of sweetness, citrus brightness, and nutty crunch. Dates naturally sweeten the bread, while orange juice and zest add a refreshing twist. Almonds boost the texture and nutritional value, making it a wholesome choice for any occasion.

Ready to bake? Grab your ingredients and enjoy a slice of this zesty, nutty goodness—it’s sure to be a hit!