Date nut bread is a retro dessert that deserves a full comeback. Like banana bread or zucchini bread, it's wonderful for breakfast or as a snack - traditionally served slathered in cream cheese. It's a delightful, simple recipe to add to your repertoire.
Prepare a nonstick loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together boiling water, orange juice, baking soda, and chopped dates. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer or in the bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth - approximately 3 minutes at high speed.
Add egg and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until just combined.
Add flour and salt and mix on medium-low speed until just combined.
Mix in the dates and all the liquid they are sitting in until just combined.
Gently mix in walnuts until incorporated.
Pour batter out into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the loaf comes out clean, about one hour.
Remove from oven and wait 10 minutes before gently turning the loaf out onto a cooling rack.
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Notes
Optionally serve this bread with cream cheese.This lasts about 5 days at room temperature or it can be frozen for many months.