Top-Rated Date and Orange Almond Loaf – 5-Star Moist Citrus Delight

Date and Orange Almond Loaf

This date and orange almond loaf is one of those quietly magical bakes—soft, zesty, naturally sweet from dates, and dotted with nutty almonds. It’s the kind of loaf that feels just right for cozy mornings, afternoon tea, or a thoughtful homemade gift. With fresh orange juice, warm spices, and a soft crumb thanks to almond flour, this loaf delivers on both flavor and texture.

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Why You’ll Love This Date and Orange Almond Loaf

This loaf is a total flavor celebration: sweet dates softened in fresh orange juice, almond flour for richness, and just the right amount of spice. It’s soft, moist, and carries a beautiful orange aroma throughout every bite.

It’s also super easy to make—no mixer needed—and perfect for weekend baking or prepping ahead for a week of feel-good snacking.

Highlights:

• Sweetened naturally with dates and brown sugar
• Almond flour adds moisture and richness
• Optional orange glaze for a beautiful finish
• Freezer-friendly and ideal for gifting!

Ingredients List

For the loaf:

• 150 g chopped pitted dates (1 cup)
• 180 ml freshly squeezed orange juice (3/4 cup)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 115 g unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup)
• 100 g brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
• 2 large eggs
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 100 g almond flour (1 cup)
• 100 g all-purpose flour (3/4 cup)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• 60 g sliced almonds (1/2 cup), plus extra for topping

For the optional orange glaze:

• 60 g powdered sugar (1/2 cup)
• 1–2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• Orange zest for garnish

Necessary Tools for Preparation

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Loaf pan (8×4 or 9×5 inch)
• Parchment paper (for easier removal)
• Small saucepan (optional for softening dates)

Step-by-Step Instructions Date and Orange Almond Loaf

1. Soften the dates
   In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped dates and orange juice. Heat until just simmering, then stir in baking soda. Let cool to room temperature—this softens the dates and enhances their sweetness.
2. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
3. Cream butter and sugar
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add wet ingredients
   Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in orange zest and vanilla extract.
5. Combine flours and spices
   In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
6. Mix and fold
   Add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing gently until just combined. Fold in the soaked date mixture and sliced almonds.
7. Bake the loaf
   Pour batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle with extra almonds. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool and glaze
   Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice to desired consistency. Drizzle over cooled loaf and top with orange zest.

Tips for Perfecting the Date and Orange Almond Loaf Recipe

• Soaking the dates with orange juice and baking soda creates a softer, jammy texture that blends perfectly into the loaf.
• Let the loaf cool completely before glazing for a clean finish.
• For added crunch, toast your sliced almonds before folding them in.

What to Serve With It

• Serve slices warm with a pat of butter or a smear of almond butter.
• Pair with Earl Grey tea, chamomile, or coffee.
• Add a side of Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious brunch plate.

Storage Instructions

• Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.

General Information

This loaf is naturally sweetened with fruit, made with nutrient-rich almond flour, and has the perfect balance of citrus and spice. It’s gluten-flexible, simple, and feels like a bakery-level treat made right at home.

Looking for more cozy loaves or citrusy bakes? Try these reader-favorites:

• Almond Flour Banana Bread
• Lemon coconut almond cake
• Moist and delicious pineapple cake

And check out our baking board on Pinterest for more!

FAQ

Can I use orange zest instead of juice?
Both are needed—zest gives aroma, juice provides moisture and sweetness.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap butter for vegan butter or coconut oil.

What if I don’t have almond flour?
You can substitute with finely ground oats (oat flour) or more all-purpose flour, but the texture will be less moist.

Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely! The loaf is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a beautiful finish.

Conclusion

This date and orange almond loaf is your new go-to for a moist, flavorful, and nourishing treat. Whether for breakfast, snack, or a cozy dessert, it’s got everything you need—zesty citrus, sweet dates, and the richness of almonds.

💬 Baked this loaf? Let us know in the comments or tag us on Pinterest—we’d love to see it!

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