11. Spiced Date and Orange Loaf with Pecan Streusel
This Spiced Date and Orange Loaf brings sophisticated, warming flavors to your dessert table, perfect for an afternoon treat or an elegant finish to any meal. Tender, moist cake is studded with sweet, sticky dates and brightened by fragrant orange zest, all crowned with a crunchy pecan streusel that offers a delightful textural contrast. While the recipe leans toward medium difficulty, the payoff is a deeply flavorful loaf that slices beautifully and keeps wonderfully wrapped at room temperature for several days.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Place chopped dates and orange juice in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes until dates are softened; remove from heat and cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together oil, eggs, brown sugar, and orange zest until smooth.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.
Fold the cooled date mixture into the wet ingredients, then add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
To make the streusel, combine pecans, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter in a small bowl and rub together with your fingertips until crumbly.
Sprinkle streusel evenly over the batter.
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store the Spiced Date and Orange Loaf to keep it fresh?
This loaf is best stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, though letting it come to room temperature before serving will restore the best texture. It also freezes beautifully when wrapped well for up to three months.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil in this recipe for butter?
While vegetable oil ensures a very moist texture, you can substitute it with an equal amount of melted unsalted butter. Ensure the butter is melted but not hot when combining it with the eggs and brown sugar during the mixing process for the best loaf structure.
What are the best serving suggestions for this Spiced Date and Orange Loaf?
This loaf is delicious served slightly warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for an afternoon tea or dessert. For an elevated experience, serve a slice with a dollop of lightly sweetened crème fraîche or a drizzle of honey to complement the spiced dates and orange notes.
