Fresh Orange Date Walnut Bread

Orange Date Walnut Bread 3

I was looking for something new to try baking early yesterday morning before I settled into work for the day.

It was a cool, rainy day after a wonderful stretch of warmth and sunshine.  I was in the mood for a nut bread, but after traveling most of the week, I didn’t have a lot of fresh ingredients on hand.

Orange Date Walnut Bread 1

I found a bag of dates, but I wanted to “Springify” a date and nut bread recipe up a bit, so I thought fresh orange flavor might just do the trick.  Adding a bit of freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh orange zest was just the ticket to brighten up this lovely bread.

Orange Date Walnut Bread 2

It’s nice to have something like this on hand for a quick breakfast with coffee, a nice little treat for a guest or a late night or after dinner urge for something just a bit sweet, but not too.

I’m sure this would freeze well and be great to pull out when needed.

Hope you enjoy your weekend!

May it be bright and fresh and Springy, but a little nutty too!

Fresh Orange Date Walnut Bread

Ingredients:Orange Date Walnut Bread 3

3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1 Tbsp freshly grated orange zest
2 eggs
1  3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
 3/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped walnuts

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom only of 9×5-inch loaf pan. Set aside.

Beat sugar and butter at medium speed with mixer, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add sour cream, orange juice, orange zest and eggs; continue beating until well mixed. Add flour, baking powder and baking soda; beat at low speed until well mixed. Gently stir in dates and walnuts.

Pour into prepared pan. Bake 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely.

*Adapted from LandoLakes Recipe

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi