Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and challenge everything you thought you knew about baking! This Cheddar Date Nut Loaf is not just another bread recipe - it's a mind-blowing fusion of sweet dates, sharp cheddar, and crunchy walnuts that will transform your breakfast or snack time into an unforgettable experience. Imagine a loaf so deliciously unexpected, it'll have your friends and family begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 65 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine chopped dates and boiling water. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften the dates and allow them to absorb the water.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking soda to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the softened date mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve at room temperature, optionally toasted and spread with butter or cream cheese.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is truly softened to room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest mixture.
- Don't skip letting the dates sit in boiling water - this step ensures they're perfectly soft and flavor-packed.
- When mixing flour, fold gently to avoid developing tough gluten and maintain a tender crumb.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for the most vibrant cheese flavor - pre-shredded cheese can be drier.
- Check your loaf early! Every oven is different, so start checking at 45 minutes to prevent over-baking.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing to help it maintain its structure.
- For an extra indulgent treat, try toasting a slice and spreading with cream cheese or salted butter.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
