Date and Orange Almond Loaf

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A Moist, Fragrant Tea Cake Packed with Natural Sweetness

Why You’ll Love This

🍊 Zesty orange brightens every bite
🌰 Nutty almond crunch in every slice
🍯 Naturally sweetened with dates – no refined sugar needed
☕ Perfect with tea or coffee for afternoon indulgence

Ingredients

Main Batter

1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (50g) almond flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
2 large eggs
½ cup (120ml) milk
⅓ cup (80ml) honey or maple syrup
¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
Zest of 1 orange
¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice

Date Mixture

1 cup (150g) chopped dates
½ cup (120ml) hot water
1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

2 tbsp sliced almonds
1 tbsp turbinado sugar (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Dates

  1. Soak chopped dates in hot water and vanilla for 10 minutes. Drain (reserve liquid).

2. Make Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 9×5″ loaf pan.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients (flours through salt).
  3. In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, honey, oil, zest, and juice.
  4. Fold wet into dry ingredients, then stir in dates.

3. Bake & Glaze

  1. Pour into pan. Top with almonds and sugar.
  2. Bake 45-50 minutes until golden.
  3. Optional: Brush warm loaf with reserved date water.

Pro Tips

🔄 Vegan option: Use flax eggs and almond milk
🍊 Orange boost: Add ½ tsp orange blossom water
🌡 Don’t overbake: Test at 40 minutes

Serving Suggestions

🧀 Pair with cream cheese or mascarpone
🍯 Drizzle with extra honey
☕ Perfect with Earl Grey tea

“Like a sophisticated date square in loaf form!” ✨

Storage: Keeps 5 days wrapped. Freezes well for 2 months.

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