Orange Date Loaf

For a fall or winter treat, a slice of this perfectly spiced loaf will hit the spot. Rich and fragrant ginger, cloves, and cinnamon give it a homey flavour, and the bright taste of citrus adds a light and refreshing touch. You’ll love it with a drizzle of syrup or glaze on top! Or, serve it warmed and buttered with mulled cider, port, or coffee. Plus, a loaf makes a wonderful gift!

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
50 to 60 minutes
Servings
  • ⅔ cup (167 ml) orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed) ⅔ cup (167 ml) orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
  • 1½ cups (233 g) chopped dates, pitted 1½ cups (233 g) chopped dates, pitted
  • 2 tbsp (12 g) finely grated orange zest 2 tbsp (12 g) finely grated orange zest
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) pure vanilla extract 2 tsp (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1¼ tsp (6 g) baking powder 1¼ tsp (6 g) baking powder
  • 1 tsp (5 g) baking soda 1 tsp (5 g) baking soda
  • 1½ tsp (3 g) ground ginger 1½ tsp (3 g) ground ginger
  • 1 tsp (3 g) ground cinnamon 1 tsp (3 g) ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp (3 g) salt ½ tsp (3 g) salt
  • ⅛ tsp (1 g) ground cloves ⅛ tsp (1 g) ground cloves
  • ⅔ cup (144 g) Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar, packed ⅔ cup (144 g) Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar, packed
  • ⅓ cup (67 g) Redpath® Granulated Sugar ⅓ cup (67 g) Redpath® Granulated Sugar
  • ⅓ cup (76 g) butter, melted & cooled ⅓ cup (76 g) butter, melted & cooled
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 egg, lightly beaten
Loaf Pan

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving about a 2-inch overhang on the longer sides for easy unmolding.

Step 2

In a small pot, bring orange juice to a simmer. Remove from heat and add the pitted dates, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool. 

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and cloves until thoroughly blended.

Step 4

In the orange-date mixture, add in the Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar, Redpath® Granulated Sugar, melted butter, and beaten egg. Whisk until well mixed.

Step 5

Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients. Pour wet ingredients into the well. With a rubber spatula, quickly fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until no flour streaks remain; do not overmix. Some lumps are fine.

Step 6

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Place into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until loaf is golden in colour, and a toothpick inserted into the centre of the loaf comes out clean.

Step 7

Remove from oven and allow loaf to cool slightly in pan; about 10 minutes. Run a small offset spatula around the loaf. With the help of the parchment paper, carefully unmold loaf and place onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Serve this loaf with Brown Sugar Coffee Glaze. 

Step 8

The loaf can be kept in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap and kept at room temperature for up to a week, or frozen for up to a month.

Slices of orange date loaf on plates drizzled with sauce

Chef's Tip

*Before juicing any citrus fruit, zest the fruit and use in the recipe or save for future recipes by wrapping the zest in plastic wrap or placing into a small freezer safe bag. 

*Firmly roll the citrus fruit on your work surface with the palm of your hand to maximize the amount of juice that is squeezed from it.

*An overmixed batter will create a loaf that is tough and produce a crumb that may have tunnels (large holes).

*Feel free to substitute the dates with any dried fruit, like figs, cherries, or cranberries

Related recipe: Brown Sugar Coffee Glaze