Date Bread w/ chopped pecans – a perfect holiday sweet treat! This perfectly sweet, soft, and moist bread is made without any butter, oil, dairy, refined sugar, or gluten.
Ever since I met my husband, Date Bread has been a part of our holiday tradition. My mother-in-law makes it every year and I always swoon over it. One piece quickly leads to another and another. I just can’t stop myself – it’s so good!!
This year, I decided I would try to make a vegan version. After so many trials I lost count, I have a winner! Trust me, it was worth all the failed attempts to get here. I think you guys are going to love this!
My Mother-in-law’s Awesome Date Bread
When I set out to make my vegan version of date bread, I wanted to make sure I captured the texture, as close to possible, to my mother-in-law’s bread. Hers is dense, but not in a heavy way, just in a gooey delicious date way…it’s very soft and moist. There is very little crust because she bakes hers in cans. I looked this up and it’s actually quite a popular thing. Who knew? So, while my version does form a crust on top, it’s still quite soft. And I put in a hefty dose of chopped pecans just as she does.
I also found that a lot of date bread recipes soak their dates in coffee. My mother-in-law’s recipe didn’t call for that, so I didn’t do it either.
Through my numerous trials, however, I did find that just a hint of molasses really deepens the flavor of the dates, but without the caffeine kick and with an added boost of iron.
Gluten Free
Did I mention that I went through many trials of this recipe? The flour I found worked best for the texture I was aiming for is Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour. This gluten free flour is made from a combination of brown rice, sweet white rice, whole grain sorghum, potato starch, tapioca flour, and a touch of xantham gum. Bob’s Red Mill says, “just enough xantham gum to create chewy cookies and springy muffins.” That “springy” texture is just what I wanted and it worked out perfectly!
Not all gluten free flour mixes are the same, so I can not guarantee results with any other brand. Bob’s Red Mill has kindly offered to let me provide you with a coupon to ensure your holiday baking turns out just perfectly!
I love Bob’s Red Mill so much and use their products all the time. Check out these other recipes I created using these awesome products: Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies and Baked Oatmeal Muffins w/ Cranberries.
Holiday Gift Idea
Obviously, this Vegan Date Bread is the perfect sweet treat for any holiday function. But, it also would make a great gift for neighbors, teachers, friends or family. Tie it up with a pretty red bow and stick it in a paperboard bakery box. Delicious homemade gifts that say “I appreciate you” – done!
Vegan Date Bread
I hope you guys love this Vegan Date Bread as much as we do. If you try it, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback and star rating. You can also find me on social media. Snap a quick pic and be sure to tag @veggie_inspired and #veggieinspired so I’m sure to see it! Enjoy!
- 1 cup pitted dates (chopped)
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour
- 3/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas)
- 1/4 cup runny raw almond butter (I use this this one)
- 1 tbsp molasses (not blackstrap)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 6-cavity mini loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a small bowl, pour the hot water over the dates and let them soak while you prepare the batter.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the aquafaba, almond butter, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and water from the dates.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and stir until combined.
- Stir them dates into the batter.
- Spoon the batter evenly into each cavity of the loaf pan.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean.
- Let cool in the loaf pan on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. Remove the loaves from the pan and continue to let cool on the wire rack.
Nutrition facts calculated assuming 2 servings per mini loaf.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
More Holiday Treats to Love:
Cranberry Pistachio Vegan Biscotti
Melissa says
Just made this recipe as one large loaf, and it turned out great! Increased the cooking time to about an hour, and it rose beautifully.
Jenn S. says
Hi, Melissa! So glad you loved it! And great to know it worked as a full loaf! I’ve actually never done it that way because I love to give it as gifts and the smaller size is perfect for that. Thank you for your comment!
Jill Roberts @ WellnessGeekyw says
Vegan date bread is pure combination of taste, I like a balanced diet! I’m seriously so inspired right now. I need to add cinnamon to recipe and it would be perfect. Thx for sharing Jenn!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Jill. Enjoy!
Melissa says
This date bread looks scrumptious! I could eat this for breakfast without feeling guilty! My son would love it, too. He’s a big fan of dates. I’ve been meaning to try this flour and I think it’s about time 🙂
Jenn S. says
I can tell you for certain that it is, indeed, delicious for breakfast! 🙂 Thanks, Melissa! I hope you guys love it.
Sarah says
I love quickbreads! This looks delicious!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Sarah!
Ginny McMeans says
Dates and Pecans sound like a great quick bread. I’m always trying to find a good gluten free bread and this one sounds perfect.
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Ginny! Gluten free can be finicky for sure, but this worked out really well!
Mandy says
These little loaves are adorable and so perfect for a sweet holiday gift! I can’t believe I’ve never had date bread before, but I’m 100% sure I’d love it – especially with pecans – I love pecans in baked goods. I’m so intrigued by baking in cans??? What a crazy idea! But since I’m a huge fan of crust, I’m guessing your version is more up my alley 😉 I actually have some mini loaf pans begging to be used…I think I’ll have to try this for my family!
Jenn S. says
I’m surprised at how many people have never had date bread. It’s definitely a lovely holiday treat. Baking in cans is an old tradition that started when metals were hard to come by. People would clean and reuse cans instead of buying specialty baking pans. Obviously before we knew about the hazards of BPA! I hope you guys love this Date Bread!
Mary Ellen - VNutrition says
I never heard of baking in cans! That’s a really cool idea. This bread looks delicious and is perfect for the upcoming holidays!
Jenn S. says
I know, I had no idea it was such a big thing. Thanks, Mary Ellen!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
Your date bread looks amazing! I recently bought this flour. I can’t wait to try your recipe!
Jenn S. says
Oh great. I hope you love it, Amy! Thanks!
Emily Kyle says
I love this recipe, dates are the best! I love the way you tied it in a ribbon too, the perfect holiday gift from the heart!
Jenn S. says
Thank you, Emily. I was feeling festive! And my mother-in-law always gifts it at the holidays, so it made total sense! 🙂
Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands says
I LOVE dates and date bars but never thought to try date bread! I cannot wait to try this!
Jenn S. says
Oooh, date bars sounds fab too! Thanks, Sarah!
Alisa Fleming says
These are so pretty Jenn! I really like that new-ish 1:1 flour. It is so much more versatile than a lot of the old-school gf blends.
Jenn S. says
Yes! I’ve used blends in the past that claim to be 1:1, but they turned out crumbly, chalky, or gummy. This one worked so well! I actually trialed it with their all-purpose flour too and ended up liking the 1:1 better! 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
This looks so delicious! Perfect for the holidays!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Taylor!
jacquie says
this looks great. Could I use a flax egg instead of the aquafaba? I rarely buy canned chickpeas so I don’t have any available. If so, how many “eggs” are in the recipe? thanks.
Jenn S. says
Hi, Jacquie. Flax won’t give the bread the rise that aquafaba does. You can find organic chickpeas at Walmart for less than $1. I think it’d be worth the buy here. Not saying it won’t be good with flax, but it will be a different texture for sure. It’s about 2 “eggs” for this recipe.
Lindsay Cotter says
This vegan date bread looks so delicious! Such a great idea for food gift giving!
Jenn S. says
I love gifts that I can eat. So much more practical, don’t you think?! 🙂 Thanks, Lindsay!
Kerri Olkjer says
This looks amazing! I LOVE dates, but have never even heard of date bread. Must. Try.
Jenn S. says
Really? Maybe it’s just a midwest thing? I hope you get a chance to try it. Thanks, Kerri!
Dianne's Vegan Kitchen says
I’ve never had date bread, but it looks delicious! I could go for a slice right now.
Jenn S. says
I’m surprised at the number of people who have never had it before. Here I thought it was pretty common, but maybe just in the midwest? Thanks, Dianne!
Rony Jahid says
Hi Jenn! your photos & this date bread both I love very much. Its sounds so delicious, very healthy & best bread you made! so sweet.
Jenn S. says
Oh, thank you so much, Rony! Let me know if you get a chance to make it.
Rony Jahid says
You most welcome Jenn! Of course I`ll let you know & make it soon. Have a great time.
Maria says
I don’t know what I love more, this bread or your photos!
Jenn S. says
Aw, thank you, Maria!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
Where has this holiday deliciousness been hiding all my life, I put dates in almost everything yet I’ve never had date bread!? And with molasses in there too, mmmm I can see myself going back for a second (and maybe a third!) slice for sure <3
Jenn S. says
I can’t believe you’ve never had date bread! Now, you need to come up with a version that is ONLY date sweetened!!
Becky Striepe says
This looks so much better than those boxed holiday fruitcakes!
Jenn S. says
Oh, for sure!! (Though my father-in-law loves those boxed fruit cakes!) LOL!
Laura says
I love using dates to sweeten baked goods naturally! this sounds so delicious!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Laura. There is definitely sugar in this bread also, but only unrefined. Hope you love it.
amanda -runtothefinish says
I’ve never tried making bread with dates, I love the idea. It sounds delicious and festive, but not a fruit cake!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Amanda. Definitely not fruit cake!
Rebecca - Strength and Sunshine says
These sound lovely, Jenn! What a wonderful holiday bread!!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Rebecca!
Vivian | stayaliveandcooking says
Ohh that looks delicious! I love that you have a “food tradition” in your family, I think we need one too. And trial and error is usually the way the best recipes are created! I’m very curious about date bread, will have to taste it some time… Love the photos!
Jenn S. says
Thank you so much, Vivian! I love the tradition too and look forward to it every year. I hope you give it a try. Have a great week!