There’s nothing quite like the scent of a freshly baked loaf wafting through the kitchen, and this Zesty Orange Date & Oat Loaf is a true delight for the senses! It strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. The bright, citrusy notes of fresh orange are beautifully complemented by the caramel-like sweetness of dates and the hearty, nutty texture of whole wheat and rolled oats. It’s a wonderfully moist quick bread that’s perfect for a sunny breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea, or even a simple dessert. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
• for Orange Date Oat Loaf
• 1½ cups / 180g whole wheat flour
• 1 cup / 120g all-purpose white flour, plus 2 tablespoons reserved
• ½ teaspoon / 3g salt
• 2 teaspoons / 8g baking powder
• 4 tablespoons / 57g unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup / 150g granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 cup / 240ml fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest, from about 1 large orange
• ½ cup / 75g chopped dates
• ½ cup / 45g rolled oats
Instructions
1. Step-by-Step
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C. Generously butter one large 9×5-inch loaf pan or two small 7×3-inch loaf pans.
3. In a medium bowl, sift or whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside all but 2 tablespoons of this flour mixture.
4. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg until well combined.
5. With the mixer on low, begin to alternately add the flour mixture and the orange juice to the creamed butter mixture. Start and end with the flour, beating just until combined after each addition. Stir in the fresh orange zest.
6. In a small bowl, toss the chopped dates with the 2 tablespoons of reserved flour. This clever trick prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf!
7. Gently fold the flour-coated dates and the rolled oats into the batter until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
8. Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan(s). Bake for 55-65 minutes for a large loaf, or 40-50 minutes for small loaves. The loaf is done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a generous smear of cream cheese!
Nutritional Information
• Nutritional Highlights
• A great source of dietary fiber from the whole wheat flour and rolled oats, promoting digestive health.
• Packed with natural sweetness and energy from dates.
• Provides Vitamin C and antioxidants from the fresh orange juice and zest.
Pro Tips
• for the Perfect Loaf
• Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added. Mix just until the are combined to ensure a tender, soft crumb.
• For an even richer flavor, soak the chopped dates in the orange juice for 20-30 minutes before you begin mixing the batter.
• If the top of the loaf is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
• This loaf freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this orange date oat loaf vegan
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan. Replace the unsalted butter with an equal amount of plant-based butter or melted coconut oil. For the egg, use a flax egg by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and letting it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Q: Is this vegetarian loaf a good source of protein
A: While this loaf is a fantastic source of dietary fiber, it is not considered a high-protein food. To increase the protein content, you can add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans, or serve a slice with a generous spread of nut butter or a side of Greek yogurt.
Q: How should I store this orange date loaf to keep it fresh
A: Store the completely cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, this loaf freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Q: What can I use instead of whole wheat flour
A: If you don’t have whole wheat flour, you can make this loaf using only all-purpose white flour. Simply substitute the 1½ cups of whole wheat flour with an additional 1½ cups of all-purpose flour. The loaf will have a slightly lighter texture and color but will still be delicious.
