Date and Walnut Loaf Recipe: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

There’s something about a slice of date and walnut loaf that feels like a warm hug on a chilly afternoon. Whether you’re after a teatime treat or a lunchbox staple, the combination of sweet dates and crunchy walnuts is hard to beat.

Prep time: 15 minutes ·
Cook time: 45–60 minutes ·
Servings: 8–10 slices ·
Key ingredients: dates, walnuts, self-raising flour ·
Dietary note: can be made with margarine

Four key facts, one pattern: the ingredient ratios are remarkably consistent across UK recipes despite variations in technique.

What ingredients are needed for a date and walnut loaf?

Most recipes rely on the same core pantry staples. The table below shows the common ingredients and their typical quantities.

• Self-raising flour: 225g (Baking with Granny (home baking blog))
• Chopped dates: 200g (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher))
• Chopped walnuts: 100g (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher))
• Butter or margarine: 100g (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher))
• Caster sugar or brown sugar: 100g (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher); Baking with Granny (home baking blog) uses 85g)
• Egg: 1 large (Baking with Granny (home baking blog))
• Bicarbonate of soda: 1 tsp (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher))
• Boiling water: 120–150ml (Baking with Granny (home baking blog))

Dates and walnut varieties

• Medjool dates are sweeter and softer, but standard dried dates work well (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher))
• Walnuts can be chopped or roughly broken; toasting beforehand enhances flavour (Caroline’s Cooking (recipe blog))

Flour and leavening options

• Self-raising flour is standard; if using plain flour, add 2 tsp baking powder (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher))
• Bicarbonate of soda reacts with the dates’ acidity to create a tender crumb (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher))

Sugar and fat choices

• Brown sugar adds deeper molasses notes; caster sugar gives a lighter result (Flora (UK margarine brand))
• Butter, margarine, or even oil can be used – Flora (UK margarine brand) uses their spread for a dairy-free version

The pattern: home bakers who follow these ratios get consistent results across every UK source tested.

How do you make a date and walnut loaf from scratch?

Follow these steps for a fail-proof bake. The method is consistent across top UK recipes.

1. Prepare the dates. Chop dates into small pieces and place in a bowl with the butter, bicarbonate of soda, and boiling water. Leave for 15–20 minutes until the dates soften (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher)). Some recipes skip the soak and simply add dry dates, but soaking ensures a moister texture (Caroline’s Cooking (recipe blog)).
2. Mix the batter. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and sugar until light, then fold in the flour and walnuts (Baking with Granny (home baking blog)). Add the date mixture and stir gently until just combined – overmixing toughens the loaf (Everyday Cooks (recipe blog)). If the batter seems stiff, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk (Sarah’s Slice (personal blog)).
3. Bake the loaf. Pour batter into a greased and lined 2lb loaf tin (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher)). Bake at 170°C (150°C fan) for 45–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher); Allrecipes (recipe database)). Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher)).

The implication: your soak time directly controls the final texture, so choose based on how much time you have.

What is the best date and walnut loaf recipe?

Three popular UK versions stand out. We compared their methods side by side.

Mary Berry’s method

• Mary Berry uses soft dates and dusts the finished loaf with icing sugar (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher) – her recipe is published there)
• Her recipe typically includes a higher butter ratio for a richer taste

Delia Smith’s version

• Delia Smith adds orange zest to the batter, giving a citrus lift (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher) notes this variation)
• She also recommends using medjool dates for maximum sweetness

BBC Good Food standard

• The BBC Good Food recipe is the most searched UK version, using bicarbonate of soda and a 20-minute soak (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher))
• It bakes at 170°C for 45–50 minutes and is known for its reliable texture

The catch: each chef’s signature tweak matters, but the BBC Good Food method offers the most reliable baseline for first-time bakers.

Why did my date and walnut loaf turn out dry?

Dryness is the most common complaint. Here’s how to diagnose and fix it.

Overbaking signs

• Check at 45 minutes with a skewer – if it comes out clean, it’s done (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher))
• Oven temperatures vary; use an oven thermometer for accuracy (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher))
• If the loaf is golden but still wet inside, cover loosely with foil and continue baking

Ingredient ratio adjustments

• Add 1–2 tablespoons milk if the batter seems stiff before baking (Sarah’s Slice (personal blog))
• Increase the date quantity by 25g for extra moisture (Caroline’s Cooking (recipe blog))
• Ensure the soaking water is boiling hot – it helps break down the dates (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher))

Storage solutions

• Store in an airtight container; adding a slice of bread helps retain moisture (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher))
• Reheat slices briefly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) to restore softness
• Freeze the loaf as soon as it’s cooled if you’re not eating it within two days

The pattern: controlling moisture at the soaking stage prevents most dryness problems before they start.

Is date and walnut loaf healthy?

Compared to many cakes, this loaf offers some nutritional perks – but it’s still a treat.

Calorie and sugar content

• One slice (approx 80g) contains roughly 200–250 kcal (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher))
• Dates provide natural sweetness, reducing the need for refined sugar (BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher))
• Total sugar per slice: about 15–20g, depending on the recipe

Heart health benefits

• Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health (Irish Heart Foundation (cardiac health charity))
• Dates provide dietary fibre (about 3g per slice) and potassium (Irish Heart Foundation (cardiac health charity))
• The loaf can be made with margarine instead of butter for a lower saturated fat option (Flora (UK margarine brand))

Tips for a healthier version

• Reduce sugar to 75g and rely on the date’s sweetness
• Replace half the white flour with wholemeal flour for extra fibre
• Use a low-fat spread or applesauce to cut down on fat

“Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3s, and dates provide fibre – this loaf can be a smarter choice than a standard sponge when you want something sweet.”

— Irish Heart Foundation (cardiac health charity)

“The key to a moist date and walnut loaf is letting the dates soak properly. That 20-minute rest is where the magic happens.”

— BBC Good Food (UK’s leading recipe publisher)

For the baker who wants a reliable, crowd-pleasing tea loaf, the choice is clear: stick with the BBC Good Food method and soak those dates for 20 minutes. Or, if you’re short on time, Caroline’s Cooking’s 5-minute soak still delivers a decent crumb. Either way, you’ll end up with a loaf that freezes beautifully and makes any afternoon feel a little more special.

Related reading: BBC Good Food – Date and Walnut Loaf · Allrecipes – Moist Date Nut Bread

For another take on fruit-and-nut loaves, you might enjoy Mary Berrys banana bread variations, which offers a similar approach to achieving a moist crumb.

Frequently asked questions