This is a moist loaf with a rich dark flavour. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee and divine with lashings of butter. Finishing with a graceful sprinkling of chopped walnuts and dates to decorate, adds a wonderful carefree touch.
Date Walnut Loaf
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1 cup chopped dates
1 1/4 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
3 tablespoons oil
1 cup coconut sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
extra chopped walnut and dates, for decorating
Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
Lightly grease and flour an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan and line the bottom with baking parchment.
In a bowl combine the dates, boiling water, instant coffee granules and oil; stir and let stand for 10 minutes, do not drain. Add the coconut sugar, vanilla and egg to the bowl and mix well.
In another bowl combine the flour, baking soda, salt and walnuts. Stir into the date mixture until just combined.
Spoon the batter into the prepared baking tin, sprinkle with chopped walnuts and dates and bake in the preheated oven for about 50 to 60 minutes or until nicely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. If after 30 minutes if you notice the loaf browning too quickly place a piece of aluminium foil gently over top to prevent over browning. When done, allow the loaf to rest in the tin for 10 minutes before removing; then place on a wire rack to cool completely.