Zesty Orange & Date Pumpkin Loaf
This delightful Zesty Orange & Date Pumpkin Loaf is a perfect blend of seasonal flavors, combining the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the bright zest of orange and the chewy richness of dates. This recipe is a delectable addition to your collection of quick breads, ideal for breakfast or as a wholesome snack. If dates aren’t your favorite, feel free to substitute them with raisins for a similar texture. With a moist and tender crumb, this loaf is great for sharing or freezing, ensuring you can savor the flavors of fall all year long. Get ready to enjoy a slice of warmth and nostalgia with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 cups (measured)
Whole wheat flour
1 1/3 cups (measured)
Baking powder
2 teaspoons (measured)
Ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon (measured)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Egg substitute or eggs
1 cup or 4 eggs (measured)
Canned pumpkin
15 ounces (opened)
Granulated sugar
1/2 cup (measured)
Splenda sugar substitute
1/4 cup (measured)
Honey
1/3 cup (measured)
Cooking oil
3 tablespoons (measured)
Unsweetened applesauce
7 teaspoons (measured)
Finely shredded orange peel
1 teaspoon (zested)
Orange juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed or bottled)
Chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup (chopped)
Pitted dates, diced
1/2 cup (diced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two loaf pans by lightly coating them with nonstick cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, salt, and baking soda until well combined. Set aside.
3
In another medium bowl, mix together the canned pumpkin, sugar, egg substitute (or eggs), honey, cooking oil, unsweetened applesauce, finely shredded orange peel, and fresh orange juice until smooth and well-blended.
4
Gently fold the pumpkin mixture into the dry flour mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined—overmixing will lead to dense bread. Stir in the chopped walnuts (or pecans) and diced dates (or raisins) carefully.
5
For easier chopping, use a light coat of cooking spray on your knife to prevent the sticky dates from clumping. Toss the chopped dates in about 2 tablespoons of the flour mixture to help evenly distribute them in the batter.
6
Divide the batter equally between the two prepared loaf pans and smooth the tops.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
8
Allow the bread to cool in the pans on wire racks for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove the loaves from the pans to cool completely on the racks.
9
This bread freezes beautifully, so feel free to save some for later enjoyment!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
This recipe is for the Zesty Orange & Date Pumpkin Loaf.
What are the primary flavors in this pumpkin loaf?
The loaf combines earthy pumpkin sweetness with bright orange zest and the rich chewiness of dates.
Can I substitute dates with another ingredient?
Yes, if you don't like dates, you can substitute them with raisins for a similar texture.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
This recipe makes two loaves.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
Is this pumpkin loaf suitable for freezing?
Yes, this bread freezes beautifully, making it great for saving for later enjoyment.
What types of flour are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a mix of 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 1/3 cups of whole wheat flour.
Can I use real eggs instead of an egg substitute?
Yes, you can use 4 eggs instead of the 1 cup of egg substitute.
What spice provides the warm flavor in this loaf?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg for its warm spice profile.
Does this recipe include sugar substitutes?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 cup of Splenda sugar substitute in addition to granulated sugar and honey.
How long should I bake the loaves?
Bake the loaves for approximately 50 minutes.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
What is the secret to chopping sticky dates easily?
Use a light coat of cooking spray on your knife to prevent the dates from sticking to the blade while chopping.
How do I prevent the dates from clumping together in the batter?
Toss the chopped dates in about 2 tablespoons of the flour mixture before adding them to the batter to ensure even distribution.
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans based on your preference.
What role does applesauce play in this recipe?
The 7 teaspoons of unsweetened applesauce help keep the loaf moist and tender.
How much orange juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of fresh or bottled orange juice.
How long should the bread cool in the pans?
Allow the bread to cool in the pans on wire racks for about 10 minutes before removing them.
What happens if I overmix the batter?
Overmixing the batter will lead to a dense bread texture rather than a light and tender crumb.
What is the best way to prepare the loaf pans?
Lightly coat the loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray.
How much pumpkin is required?
You will need one 15-ounce can of pumpkin.
Is there honey in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/3 cup of honey for added sweetness and moisture.
Does this bread use baking soda or baking powder?
It uses both: 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
How much orange zest is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of finely shredded orange peel.
Is this a quick bread or a yeast bread?
This is a quick bread, which means it uses chemical leaveners instead of yeast and requires no rising time.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of standard salt.
How much cooking oil is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of cooking oil.
Is this recipe good for fall?
Yes, it is specifically described as a seasonal fall recipe featuring flavors like pumpkin and nutmeg.
Can this be served as a snack?
Yes, it is an ideal wholesome snack or breakfast item.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 total ingredients in this Zesty Orange & Date Pumpkin Loaf recipe.