Description
A classic, comforting bake combining sweet dates and crunchy walnuts in a soft, rich loaf that’s perfect for tea-time or snacking.
Ingredients
- 75 g salted butter, plus extra for greasing and serving
- 200 g pitted dates, finely chopped
- 220 g dark brown sugar (1 cup, firmly packed)
- 250 ml water (1 cup)
- 90 g walnuts, chopped (¾ cup)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 300 g plain flour (2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease two roll tins (approx. 20 cm x 8 cm) and ensure the bases are secure.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, dates, brown sugar, and water. Stir until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Let cool slightly.
- Once warm, stir in chopped walnuts and beaten egg until combined.
- Sift flour, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda over the bowl, then gently fold into the wet ingredients without overmixing.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared tins and secure the lids. Place upright on a baking tray.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the rolls rest in the tins for 10 minutes, then remove lids and cool completely upright on a wire rack.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature with butter if desired.
Notes
- For a citrus touch, add orange zest to the batter.
- Walnuts can be swapped with pecans or almonds.
- Spice it up with ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or mixed spice.
- For added texture, stir in sesame or sunflower seeds.
- Wrap and freeze slices individually for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
