Easy date loaf

Serves: 14
Prep: 15
Cook: 50

A deliciously healthy afternoon treat or a perfect lunchbox snack.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups chopped pitted dates
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tbs margarine
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup self-raising wholemeal flour
  • ½ cup self-raising white flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder

Method

  1. Place dates, sugar, margarine, and water in saucepan. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. If you would like to use the microwave, place the dates, sugar, margarine and water in covered glass bowl and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
  2. Add the egg and mix well. Stir through sifted flours and baking powder, then place in a lightly greased 14 cm x 21cm loaf tin.
  3. Bake in moderate oven (180°C) for 50 minutes.

Tips

  • Fresh or dried dates make a wonderful addition to a cheese platter, or try adding dates and a handful of walnuts to a fresh fruit salad.
  • To make a delicious savoury spread, simmer half a cup of dried dates with half a cup of water until soft. Add enough peanut butter to make mixture spreadable. Store in a sterilised jar in the refrigerator and use on sandwiches or with steamed vegetables.
  • The sensational buttery sweetness of dates makes them a great addition to muffins and scones. Try adding dates and ginger to a wholemeal muffin mix for a healthy, high fibre and very tasty treat.
  • To create a gluten free treat, simply substitute the self-raising flours with gluten free self-raising flour. Best eaten fresh.
Remember to always check the label of each ingredient to ensure it is gluten free.

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