The Little Mom Aid

The other day I was looking in my pantry looking for something to snack on.  I am BIG on snacking. I wanted some sort of baked good, like a muffin or something but there was nothing! Ugh… so disappointing.  I looked at what my options were and decided that I should bake up a little something with my toddler.  We decided to bake a Date Bread. It is a delicious  quick bread with a delicate sweetness.  It has become a new favourite of mine. I absolutely love it with my morning coffee or with a glass of milk at the end of the day!

My little girlie loves dates and she munched on them the whole time we baked together.  I let her sit on the counter while we bake so she can help scoop, pour, mix and whisk.  Most of all, she enjoys tasting things (especially when chocolate chips are involved).  

This Date Bread recipe is very easy to throw together and fairly healthy. The longest part is letting the dates soften in hot water.  While waiting on the dates simply prepare the batter, and line your loaf pan. This Date Bread is also a fun recipe to make with your kids.  They can help out with everything except adding the dates to the boiling water and draining.  Other than that, your kiddos will love cracking the eggs and trying to mash those bananas.

Don’t have time to make this Date Bread now? No worries, Pin it for later!

Step 1: Begin by boiling water in a small saucepan.  Add your dates to the pot and remove it from the heat.  Let those dates soak for around 20 minutes. In the meantime get the batter whipped up. In a large bowl stir together the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 2:  In a separate bowl whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, oil, bananas and milk.

Step 3:  Next, pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture and stir until well combined.  

Step 4:  Drain the dates and let them cool enough to handle.  Roughly chop them up and toss them into with the batter.  Fold in the dates, then pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake.

Date Bread

Prep: 20     Bake: 60 mins      Servings: 1 Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pitted dates
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 2 mashed bananas
• ½ cup milk

Directions

1. Line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Boil water in a small saucepan then remove from heat. Add in the dates and let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, mix the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
4. In a separate bowl whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, oil, bananas and milk.
5. Next, pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Stir until well combined.
6. Preheat the oven to 350F. Next,  drain the dates and let them cool enough to handle. They should be tender and sticky.  Roughly chop them then fold them into the batter.  Transfer to the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes. Let cool in pan for about 20 minutes on a wire rack then remove. Let cool completely before serving.