Apple Date Nut Bread Recipe – Old-Fashioned & Moist

Apple Date Nut Bread is an old-fashioned recipe made with chopped apples, dates, and pecans. The bread is moist, lightly sweet, and full of chopped fruit and nuts in every slice.

Looking for more Fall baking recipes and Thanksgiving dessert recipes? Be sure to browse my other apple dessert recipes, like my popular apple cobbler, Apple bundt Cake, apple pie, and apple bread recipes on Call Me Pmc.

Apple Date Nut Bread

This is one of those recipes that feels right at home on a holiday table, but there’s no reason to save it for Christmas. Apples, dates, and pecans make this a good fall and winter quick bread, and it’s especially nice with a cup of coffee.

The recipe is also incredibly simple. You mix the batter in one bowl, stir in the apples, dates, and pecans, then let the oven do the work.

Ingredients for Apple Date Nut Bread

Sugar

I use both granulated sugar and brown sugar. The combination gives the bread sweetness and a little extra depth from the brown sugar.

Eggs

Use large eggs at room temperature. They help bind the ingredients and create the structure for the bread.

Oil

Oil keeps this bread moist. Unlike butter, oil stays liquid after the bread cools, which helps give you a soft texture.

Vanilla

Pure vanilla extract adds flavor to the batter.

Self-Rising Flour

Self-rising flour makes this recipe especially easy because the leavening and salt are already included.

Pecans

Chopped pecans add plenty of crunch. I recommend chopping them fairly small so you get pecans throughout every slice.

Dates

Chopped dates add chewy, naturally sweet pieces throughout the bread. Medjool dates work well, but regular pitted dates are also a good choice.

Apples

Choose a firm apple that holds its shape when baked. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady are all good choices.

How to Make Apple Date Nut Bread

1. Prepare the pan

Grease and flour a 9×5×3-inch loaf pan.

One important detail: this recipe starts in a cold oven. Don’t preheat the oven.

2. Make the batter

Beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and oil together until well combined.

Add the sifted self-rising flour and mix just until combined.

Don’t overmix once the flour has been added.

3. Add the apples, dates, and pecans

Stir in the chopped pecans, dates, and apples.

The batter will be thick. That’s exactly what you want because the apples release moisture as the bread bakes.

4. Bake from a cold oven

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Place the pan in the oven, and bake for approximately 65 to 75 minutes, or until the center is firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out without wet batter.

Because ovens vary, start checking at the 1-hour mark.

5. Cool completely

Allow the bread to cool completely before removing it from the pan.

For the cleanest slices, use a very sharp knife.

What Are the Best Apples for Apple Bread?

I recommend a firm apple with a good balance of sweet and tart flavor.

Good choices include:

• Granny Smith
• Honeycrisp
• Pink Lady
• Fuji
• Gala
• Braeburn

You don’t need to peel the apples, but I prefer peeling them for this bread. It gives the finished loaf a more tender texture.

Do You Have to Soak Dates Before Baking?

No. You don’t need to soak the dates for this recipe.

Simply remove the pits if necessary and chop the dates into small pieces.

If your dates are unusually dry or hard, you can soak them briefly in warm water. Drain and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.

Can I Make Apple Date Nut Bread Ahead?

Yes. This is a great make-ahead bread.

Once completely cool, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for a couple of days.

For longer storage, freeze the bread.

How to Freeze Apple Date Nut Bread

You can freeze the entire loaf or freeze individual slices.

1. Cool the bread completely.
2. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
3. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
4. Freeze for up to about 3 months for the best quality.
5. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

My favorite method: Slice the cooled bread before freezing. Then you can remove individual slices whenever you want one.

What to Serve with Apple Date Nut Bread

This bread is especially good served slightly warm with:

• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Apple butter
• A drizzle of honey
• A cup of coffee
• Hot tea

For breakfast, serve a slice alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit.

It also makes a nice addition to a holiday breakfast or brunch.

Apple Date Nut Bread Frequently Asked Questions