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Classic Christmas Date Nut Bread Loaf

A warm and inviting bread perfect for holiday gatherings, with dates, walnuts, and orange juice for added flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the bread
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening For creaming
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar For sweetness
  • 2 large eggs Bind the ingredients
  • 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract Enhances flavor
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour Base of the bread
  • 2 tsp baking soda Leavening agent
  • 2 tsp baking powder Leavening agent
  • 1/4 tsp salt Enhances flavor
  • 1 1/2 cups orange juice For brightness
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pitted dates Main flavor component
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts For crunch
  • Shortening and flour, for the pans For greasing and flouring the pans
  • Waxed or parchment paper For lining the pans

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8x4-inch loaf pans and line the bottoms with waxed or parchment paper.
Creaming
  1. In a large bowl, beat the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth and airy.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the orange juice, mixing just until blended.
Folding in Additions
  1. Gently fold in the chopped dates and walnuts. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
Baking
  1. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the loaves in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving
  1. Slice and serve plain, or enjoy with cream cheese or butter.

Notes

Dates should be soft and fresh. If using firm dates, chop finely or toss lightly in flour to evenly distribute.