Description
This Citrus Cardamom Date Loaf with Walnuts is a moist and flavorful baked treat combining the natural sweetness of dates with zesty orange, aromatic cardamom, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a wholesome dessert, this loaf offers a delightful blend of spices and citrus with a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 200g pitted dates, chopped
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 250ml boiling water
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 120g light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 180g all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Add-ins
- 100g chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease a loaf tin thoroughly and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy release of the baked loaf.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly and aerate the mixture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar; Add Eggs and Flavorings: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and ground cardamom for aromatic flavor.
- Soak Dates and Combine: In a small bowl, pour the boiling water over the chopped dates along with the baking soda to soak and soften them. Add this date mixture, including all the soaking liquid, into the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly to combine.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients and Walnuts: Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing. Then stir in the chopped walnuts to add crunchy texture.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your flavorful citrus cardamom date loaf!
Notes
- Make sure dates are well soaked to keep the loaf moist and impart deep flavor.
- Check oven temperature as slight variations might affect baking time.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the walnuts lightly before adding them to the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
