Description
This Sticky Date Loaf with Orange Zest is a moist and flavorful loaf cake featuring rich brown sugar, sweet dates soaked in boiling water, and a refreshing burst of orange zest and juice. Perfect for afternoon tea or a comforting dessert, this loaf combines warm spices with a tender crumb and a subtle tang from yogurt or sour cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- Juice of 1 large orange
- ½ cup (120ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
Other
- 1 cup (220g) pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
Instructions
- Soak Dates: Soak the chopped dates in boiling water for about 10 minutes to soften them, then mash them slightly to break them down.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together using a mixer or wooden spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Dates: Mix the soaked and mashed dates along with their soaking liquid into the wet ingredient mixture.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the plain yogurt (or sour cream) to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Prepare and Fill Pan: Pour the batter into a greased or lined loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent sogginess.
- Serve: Once cooled, slice the loaf and serve it plain or with butter, cream, or a drizzle of honey as desired.
Notes
- Use pitted dates for convenience; if using whole dates, remove pits before chopping.
- For extra moisture, you can substitute some yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk.
- Orange zest adds brightness—ensure to only grate the orange part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Store leftover loaf wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This loaf freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
