Name: Date and walnut loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 250 gram pitted dates; 1 cup (250ml) boiling water; 90 gram butter, melted, plus extra butter, to serve; 3/4 cup (165g) caster sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 1/2 cup (225g) self-raising flour; 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda; 1 teaspoon mixed spice; 1 pinch salt; 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts, plus 2 tbsp extra

Date and walnut loaf

Packed full of naturally sweet, caramelised dates and crunchy walnut pieces, this dense, golden loaf is perfect served toasted with a drizzle of butter for an easy dessert or morning treat.

Serves 10

Prep

15M

Cook

45M

Total

Ingredients

250 gram pitted dates

1 cup (250ml) boiling water

90 gram butter, melted, plus extra butter, to serve

3/4 cup (165g) caster sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 1/2 cup (225g) self-raising flour

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

1 teaspoon mixed spice

1 pinch salt

1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts, plus 2 tbsp extra

Method

1.Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line a 21cm x 11cm loaf pan.

2.Place dates in a large heatproof bowl. Pour over boiling water. Cover with a plate. Stand 5 minutes, until dates soften.

3.Stir in melted butter and sugar until well combined. Stir in vanilla and egg.

4.Sift together flour, bicarbonate of soda, mixed spice and a little salt. Fold into date mixture. Fold through walnuts. Spoon mixture into prepared pan and scatter over extra walnuts. Bake 45 minutes, until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan 2 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Slice and serve with extra butter.