Moist Date loaf

Soft, classic & perfect with butter

Makes: 1 loaf Prep: 10 minutes Bake: 45–55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped dates (packed)

• 1 tsp bicarb soda

• 1 cup boiling water

• 60 g butter, melted

• ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1½ cups plain flour

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: ½ tsp cinnamon

Method

1. Place chopped dates in a bowl. Pour over boiling water and stir in bicarb soda. Set aside for 10 minutes — do not drain.

2. Add melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla to the date mixture. Stir well.

3. Fold in flour, salt, and cinnamon (if using) until just combined.

4. Pour into a lined loaf tin.

5. Bake at 170°C for 45–55 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.

6. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out.

Notes

• Keeps moist for days stored airtight

• Freezes beautifully, sliced

• Best served warm with butter or cream cheese