Irresistible Sticky Medjool Date and Orange Loaf Recipe

Welcome, lovely readers! I’m so delighted you’re here—today I’m sharing a warmly comforting, yet delightfully zesty Sticky Medjool Date and Orange Loaf, a recipe that brings pure joy and sunshine to your kitchen. If you love this, don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes by email!

Overview of Recipe Content

This Sticky Medjool Date and Orange Loaf is the perfect treat for brunch, cozy afternoon tea, or a light dessert. The medjool dates provide chewy sweetness, while bright orange zest and juice lend freshness—together, they create a luscious texture that’s just heavenly.

Why you’ll love it

• Makes your kitchen smell like sunshine and spice
• Balanced sweetness—no cloying aftertaste
• Great make-ahead loaf; perfect slice-and-share

Flavors and Benefits

• Taste: sticky, sweet, citrusy, and slightly spiced
• Medjool dates are full of fiber and add natural sweetness

Ingredients

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• 200 g (1 ¼ cups) pitted Medjool dates, chopped
• 150 ml (⅔ cup) boiling water
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 120 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 150 g (¾ cup) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 60 ml (¼ cup) fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200 g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Sticky Citrus Glaze

• 80 g (⅓ cup) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp golden syrup

Tools Needed

• 9” (23 cm) loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Zester or microplane
• Saucepan

Substitutions & Additions

• Use golden syrup or corn syrup in place of honey in glaze
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
• Swap medjool dates with prunes or dried apricots for variation

How to Make Sticky Medjool Date and Orange Loaf

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1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Grease and line the loaf pan.
2. Soak the dates: In a bowl, combine chopped dates with boiling water and baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes until dates are plump.
3. Cream butter & sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and light brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs & citrus: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add orange zest, juice, and vanilla—smells incredible!
5. Combine dry ingredients: Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Fold batter: Gently fold in soaked dates (with their liquid) and dry mix until just combined.
7. Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 45–50 minutes or until a skewer comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Make the glaze while the loaf bakes—warm powdered sugar, juice, and syrup until smooth.
9. Glaze while warm: When loaf is hot out of the oven, poke holes with a toothpick and pour glaze on top—watch it soak in!
10. Cool & enjoy: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

(Oh, that sticky glaze! It makes each slice feel like a hug.)

What to Serve with Sticky Medjool Date and Orange Loaf

• A dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone
• Fresh berries or orange slices to echo the citrus note
• A hot cup of Earl Grey tea or your favorite coffee
• A dollop of Greek yogurt for tangy contrast

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Chop dates evenly for consistent texture
• Soak thoroughly – baking soda helps soften dates beautifully
• Don’t overmix—fold gently to keep loaf tender
• Make ahead: Bake a day in advance and drizzle glaze fresh before serving

Storage Instructions

• Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Lasts 5 days—bring slices to room temp before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap whole loaf or slices tightly and freeze for 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.

General Information

Date loafs are traditional in Middle Eastern kitchens, but this version brings in American brunch delight with orange zing. It’s a lovely bridge between cultures and seasons—perfect for winter citrus and holiday tables.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried apricots instead of dates?
Yes! Chop well and soak with baking soda to soften—flavor will be sweeter and less caramel-like.

Will this loaf rise too much?
It bites up nicely but shouldn’t overflow a standard loaf pan. Loose batter means more room to rise!

Can I skip the glaze?
You can, but you’d be missing out on that sticky, citrusy magic that finishes this loaf beautifully.

Is this vegan?
No—but you can swap butter for vegan butter and use flax eggs (1 Tbsp flax + 3 Tbsp water per egg).

Can I add nuts?
Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.

Conclusion

Your kitchen just got a burst of sunshine with this Sticky Medjool Date and Orange Loaf—chewy, citrus-kissed, and oh-so-satisfying. If you loved this, you might also enjoy my Olive Oil Lemon Cake, Maple Pecan Banana Bread, and Spiced Plum Upside‑Down Cake.

Thanks for baking with me—drop a comment below, share a pic on Pinterest or tag me @poulefrecipe, and subscribe for more! Until next time, sending sweetness from my nonna’s kitchen to yours 💛

Interactive Elements

I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Leave a review, drop a comment, or snap a pic and share on Pinterest at poulefrecipe. Tag me—you know I’ll be cheering in the kitchen!

Nutritional Information (per slice, makes ~12)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220 kcal
Carbohydrates	30 g
Sugars	18 g
Fiber	2 g
Fat	10 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Protein	3 g
Sodium	120 mg

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