I am a fan of date loaf, so I was intrigued by this week's Tuesday with Dorie recipe, a Date Nut Loaf, chosen by Mary of Popsicles and Sandy Feet. The intriguing part of the recipe for me was the addition of cream cheese to the batter, which I have never seen done before.
The date and walnut loaf bakes up big and handsome looking:
However, unfortunately, just like some men of this description, it was slightly disappointing. It was a little on the dry side, and didn't have the same juicy moistness of my Mum's date loaf, where the dates are soaked with a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and boiling water before being added to the cake. Don't get me wrong - this cake is quite pleasant, but it will not replace my existing date loaf recipe.
To get the recipe, buy Baking From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan, or visit Mary's website. To see what the other TWD members thought of this cake, visit the LYL section of the TWD website.
This loaf looks delicious, but maybe I'll try the soaking method of the dates like our mother's when I try this recipe. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI laughed at your reference to this loaf and men!! I thought this was tasty, I would love to try your Mums recipe. I think my mom had a recipe where the dates were boiled for a minute then soaked till plump. Maybe I will ask her if she can find it. Mom is 83 and leaves most of the cooking to me.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Hi Cindy, that would be great if you could get your Mom's recipe - maybe we can swap! You have a great week too.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this date loaf was different from that of my childhood also, which was more dense and quick bread-like. This one won out when toasted; we loved it that way! But that might have been because of the whole wheat flour I added. That helped give a darker color, and also I used dark brown sugar (and I've added that to my post)
ReplyDeleteYou know I don't think I've ever baked a date and nut loaf. I tend to eat dates like they're going out of fashion. Perhaps I should save some for baking! :D
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for you, but almost glad to read you thought it was dry as well. Mine was pretty dry. I'm hoping it is better today. Your cake looks lovely however. I used apricots in mine.
ReplyDeleteI never had date-nut loaf before and it was a pleasant surprise. Yours certainly looks good. I love your plate.
ReplyDeleteHa ha....great comparison to a big ole dry man!!!I have those tried and true recipes too that nothing can come close too! Im glad you enjoyed it anyways!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to be back, thanks for the welcome back on my blog! I have missed TWD :)
Sorry to hear it wasn't a big hit for you - it looks wonderful! :)
ReplyDeleteReally look nice and delicious Cakelaw I think my Mom make a similar cake, I will the recipe, xxgloria
ReplyDeleteBig, handsome and dull--I've known some men (and cakes!) of that description! ;-) As you know, I like a good date cake, too!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Love your brown-and-white plate.
Mine wasn't dry at all, and I thought it was because of the cream cheese. I love dates so this was a big hit.
ReplyDeleteha- i like that comparison! we enjoyed this loaf, but your mum's technique is a good one. that's how i make my sticky date pudding.
ReplyDeleteSorry that this was a disappointment for you-even so, your loaf is lovely!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis didn't replace the date bread that I used to eat growing up either. My mom's date cake recipe calls for soaking the dates in water and baking soda first - I wonder if that makes them softer than just water?
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you didn't love my TWD pick. I laughed out loud when I read your comment on men...so true, all around the world! Please post your mom's date nut loaf recipe at some point so I can try it too!
ReplyDeletetoo bad you didn't care for this one. We actually liked it and I didn't expect to.
ReplyDeleteLooks good, tho.