Irresistibly Moist Date Loaf (Dairy-Free, Egg-Free)

Hey there, my sweet-loving friends! Thank you for stopping by my cozy kitchen corner today. If you’ve ever craved a naturally sweet loaf that’s rich, soft, and full of warm flavor, you’re about to fall head over heels for this Date Loaf. It’s one of those bakes that fills your home with the smell of caramel and comfort — without a drop of dairy or a single egg!

This recipe is simple, wholesome, and full of nostalgia. My grandmother used to make a similar loaf every weekend, and I can still remember sneaking slices while it was warm from the oven. This version keeps the same moist, sticky sweetness but makes it friendly for everyone — vegan, dairy-free, and egg-free bakers included.

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Overview of Recipe Content

What This Recipe Is

A classic date loaf made modern — moist, tender, and loaded with juicy, chopped dates that melt into the batter for a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert with your favorite cup of tea.

Why You’ll Love It

• Naturally sweetened with dates — no refined sugar needed.
• Egg-free and dairy-free, making it ideal for plant-based eaters.
• Perfect texture: soft, moist, and not too dense.
• Freezes beautifully for meal prep!

What It Tastes Like

Think warm brown sugar, honeyed fruit, and buttery richness — but made from pure dates and a touch of oil. It’s tender, not crumbly, with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb that feels comforting and indulgent.

Health Benefits

• Naturally sweet with fiber-rich dates.
• No refined sugar, no dairy, no eggs.
• Perfect source of plant-based energy and iron.

Full Ingredient List

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• 1 cup Deglet Noor dates, pitted and chopped (or Medjool dates for extra richness)
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ cup avocado oil (or light olive oil)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but lovely!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacer)
• 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (like oat or almond milk)

Tools Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan or heat-safe bowl
• Wooden spoon or whisk
• Parchment paper

Substitutions and Additions

• Use whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
• Swap dates for chopped figs or raisins for variety.
• Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• For a festive version, stir in 1 teaspoon orange zest.

How to Make Date Loaf (Dairy-Free, Egg-Free)

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over them and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Stir in brown sugar, then add applesauce, avocado oil, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
5. Fold in the softened date mixture (including all liquid) until the batter is evenly mixed.
6. Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Poulef’s Tip: This loaf’s flavor deepens overnight. Slice it the next day for the most perfect, rich texture and flavor!

What to Serve with Date Loaf

Serve it with:

• A spread of almond butter or vegan butter
• A drizzle of maple syrup for breakfast
• Or warm it slightly and serve with coconut ice cream for dessert!

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Soak the dates well — it’s what gives the loaf its luscious, moist texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter; gentle folding keeps it soft.
• For a darker color, use dark brown sugar or molasses.
• To prevent overbrowning, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: Up to 7 days.
• Freeze: Slice and wrap individually; thaw overnight at room temperature.

General Information

Date loaf is a timeless recipe that has traveled across generations. Traditionally served with tea, it’s a humble yet elegant bake that never fails to delight. My version is all about comfort without compromise — the rich sweetness of dates balanced with tender crumb and zero dairy.

Follow my daily food adventures on Pinterest @poulefrecipe

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum) for best results.

2. Do I need eggs or dairy?
Nope! The applesauce replaces eggs, and avocado oil keeps it moist.

3. Can I use Medjool dates instead?
Absolutely — they’ll make the loaf richer and sweeter.

4. How can I make it lower sugar?
Skip the added sugar and rely only on the dates — it’ll still be delicious!

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just bake in two pans or a 9×13 dish and adjust bake time slightly.

Conclusion

And there you have it — your Date Loaf (Dairy-Free, Egg-Free), tender and full of natural sweetness! Each bite is proof that comfort baking doesn’t need butter, eggs, or refined sugar to be absolutely divine.

If you adored this recipe, try my Almond Flour Carrot Cake next for another cozy, plant-based treat.

Bake with love, share with joy, and don’t forget to tag me on Pinterest — I love seeing your bakes!

Interactive Elements

If you make this loaf, tag me on Pinterest: @poulefrecipe
or leave a comment below sharing how it turned out!

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	210
Protein	2g
Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	26g
Sodium	130mg

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