Date Nut Bread

• portions: 12 servings
• temps actif: 40 minutes
• temps total: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingrédients

1/3 cup (80 milliliters) neutral oil, such as light-tasting olive oil, avocado or canola, plus more for the pan

2 1/2 cups (10 ounces/283 grams) pitted dates, chopped

3/4 cup (180 milliliters) hot coffee or boiling water

1 1/2 cups (180 grams) whole-wheat pastry flour (see Substitutions)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon fine salt

1/4 cup (60 milliliters) maple syrup

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup (120 grams) coarsely chopped walnuts

Whipped cream cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Lightly brush a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with oil.

In a medium bowl, cover the dates with the coffee or boiling water, and soak until the liquid cools completely, about 25 minutes.

In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt until combined.

Use a slotted spoon to measure out 1 cup of the soaked chopped dates, and transfer to a small bowl. Transfer the remaining dates and their soaking liquid to a blender, add the oil, maple syrup, egg and vanilla, and process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed with a flexible spatula.

Transfer the date mixture to a large bowl. Add the flour mixture in two batches, stirring each until just incorporated. Add the reserved dates and the walnuts, and stir to incorporate.

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly and smoothing the top. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to eliminate any air bubbles. Bake for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and tent the bread with foil to avoid overbrowning. Return to the oven and continue baking for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.

Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully run a butter knife around the perimeter of the bread and unmold it onto a wire rack. Let cool completely, then slice and serve, with whipped cream cheese for spreading, if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 262
• Lipides Totaux: 13 g
• Lipides Saturés: 1 g
• Cholestérol: 14 mg
• Sodium: 295 mg
• Glucides Totaux: 34 g
• Fibres Diététiques: 4 g
• Sucres Totaux: 19 g
• Protéines: 4 g