Rating: 3.82
(115)

Dates Pecan Tea Bread

February 28, 2025

Dates pecan tea bread is a warm, inviting loaf that’s perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee. With its rich, naturally sweet flavor from dates and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, this bread feels both comforting and elegant. Whether served at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a light dessert, it’s a wholesome treat that delivers both flavor and texture in every bite.

What makes this tea bread so delightful is the way the ingredients work together. The dates, often soaked in hot water or brewed tea to soften, create a moist texture and caramel-like sweetness. Pecans, on the other hand, add a toasty, buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb of the bread. A touch of brown sugar and a hint of vanilla or cinnamon can enhance the flavor, giving the loaf a gently spiced, earthy undertone.

The batter for dates pecan tea bread is usually quick to prepare, made with pantry staples like flour, baking soda, eggs, and oil or butter. Once baked, the loaf develops a golden crust while staying tender and moist inside. It slices easily, holds its shape, and stores well for several days — in fact, the flavor deepens after a day or two, making it even better with time.

This bread is especially enjoyable during the cooler months when its warm, nutty aroma fills the kitchen as it bakes. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift, wrapped in parchment and twine. Serve it as-is or with a smear of butter or cream cheese for a touch of richness. Some variations include chopped apples, orange zest, or a drizzle of glaze on top, but even the simplest version is deeply satisfying.

Dates pecan tea bread is a lovely nod to traditional baking — a sweet, nutty loaf that brings comfort and charm to any table.

Dates Pecan Tea Bread
Dates Pecan Tea Bread
3.82 from 115 votes
A delightful and moist tea bread perfect for an afternoon snack or a cozy breakfast. This Dates Pecan Tea Bread combines the natural sweetness of dates with the crunchy texture of pecans, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 1 minute

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup chopped dates pitted and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda to soften dates
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pecans chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda. Set aside to cool.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Add the cooled date mixture to the sugar and butter mixture and stir to combine.
  • Gradually add the flour, mixing until just blended. Fold in the chopped pecans.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 111mgPotassium: 145mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 75IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
Calories: 210kcal
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baking, snacks, tea bread
Cooking Method: Baked
Diet: Low-carb
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar chandra.upton says:

    5 stars
    This bread is so yummy! The dates give it a nice sweetness. Definitely a keeper.🍞

  2. User avatar pat.luettgen57 says:

    2 stars
    I followed the recipe exactly but my bread came out super dense. What did I do wrong? 🤔

  3. 4 stars
    Never tried dates in bread before. Sounds weird but I’m curious. Anyone else ever made this?

    1. User avatar lacy.nolan1990 says:

      5 stars
      I’ve made this before and it was unexpectedly delicious! The dates add a nice sweetness. You should definitely try it!

  4. 3 stars
    Yummy bread but why boiling watter? Can’t we use cold? 😕

    1. User avatar virgilio.konopelski1999 says:

      2 stars
      Why would you boil the water? Seems silly. I just use cold water for everything hehe.

    2. User avatar Slaughterfish says:

      5 stars
      Boiling water helps to soften the dates, making them easier to mix in. Cold water wouldn’t do that. Trust me, it’s necessary! 😊

  5. User avatar karen.friesen says:

    3 stars
    I thought it was too sweet for my taste. I mean, 1 cup of sugar? That’s a lot. I’ll try less sugar next time. 3 stars.

  6. User avatar dorsey.marks says:

    5 stars
    I can’t believe how easy this was! Will make again for sure.

  7. User avatar kristi.tromp60 says:

    2 stars
    This was a disaster. I burnt it because I didn’t check the oven time. Can you please make the instructions clearer?

  8. User avatar ArabianNights says:

    4 stars
    I accidentally used salted butter—oops—but it still worked. Next time I’ll stick to unsalted and maybe toast the pecans first for extra flavor.

  9. User avatar osvaldo.toy59 says:

    3 stars
    Not my favorite. The flavor was kinda strange, but the texture is nice.

  10. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    2 stars
    Dates? Really? I thought it was a cake! Anyway, it tastes okay.

    1. User avatar byron.goyette11 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, I’m not really into dates. They taste funny to me. I would like it better with chocolate instead.

    2. User avatar nicol.hegmann78 says:

      5 stars
      I think it’s super tasty! Dates add a unique flavor that makes it special. Maybe try it warm, it’s the best!

  11. User avatar ben.emmerich says:

    3 stars
    I forgot to add the nuts and it still turned out okay. But I can’t imagine how good it would be with them!

  12. 5 stars
    Delicious! This bread is so moist and flavorful. Everyone loved it at the tea party!

  13. User avatar ariel.sawayn97 says:

    2 stars
    The texture is kinda heavy? Like a quick bread that’s more dense than fluffy. Still edible, just not what I was craving.

  14. 2 stars
    I followed the recipe exactly and mine came out really dry. What did I do wrong?

  15. User avatar adriene.oreilly2018 says:

    1 star
    Is this gluten-free? Asking for my friend who’s got some allergy.

  16. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    5 stars
    Fantastic bread! Just baked it today and the smell is divine!

    1. User avatar numbers.gutmann7 says:

      5 stars
      Thanks for sharing the recipe! I’m going to try it this weekend. Can’t wait!

  17. User avatar lucile.zemlak1955 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t get why the dates need to be boiled. Is that really necessary? It seemed weird to me. The bread turned out okay, but I wonder if it would be better without that step.

  18. User avatar kecia.herman says:

    5 stars
    Delish!!! Wish I could show you a pic of mine, it looks so good.

    1. 5 stars
      That sounds amazing! Dates and pecans are a perfect combo. I need to try this recipe!

  19. User avatar olen.quigley says:

    5 stars
    My kids love it! They didn’t even notice the dates. Haha! Perfect with tea. 😊

  20. User avatar ellsworth.kirlin says:

    5 stars
    Best pecan bread! Next time I will add chocolate chips! 🎉

  21. User avatar ernie.damore says:

    5 stars
    This bread is unbelievably good! The dates and pecans make a perfect combo. 5 stars!

  22. User avatar andy.kessler91 says:

    3 stars
    Is it necessary to soak the dates? Doesn’t seem like it would matter much.

    1. 2 stars
      I dunno, I never soaked mine and it turned out fine. Just mash ’em up!

    2. User avatar shalanda.dicki says:

      5 stars
      Soaking the dates helps to soften them and makes them easier to mix into the batter. It really does matter for the texture of the bread!

  23. User avatar Tricia McMillan says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical about dates in bread, but wow, this is surprisingly good! Just need to watch the baking time.

  24. User avatar andre.brakus66 says:

    5 stars
    OMG this is the best bread EVER!! I love dates and pecans. Will make it again for sure! 🥳

  25. 4 stars
    Delicious! I also added some chocolate chips, so good!

  26. User avatar matt.tremblay0 says:

    4 stars
    I thought dates were for old people, but this is surprisingly good. Who knew? LOL!

  27. User avatar michale.abshire12 says:

    2 stars
    1 hour seems too long? I left it for 70 minutes and it got a little dry at the edges. Still delicious with butter, just watch it.

  28. 3 stars
    Dates in bread? Really? I’m not sure about that… Sounds strange but my friend said it was good, so I might give it a shot.

    1. 5 stars
      I thought the same thing at first! But honestly, the sweetness of the dates really compliments the pecans. You should definitely try it!

    2. User avatar miriam.kozey says:

      3 stars
      Dates in bread? Sounds weird. I mean, isn’t that more of a dessert thing? But hey, if your friend liked it, maybe it’s worth a try.

  29. User avatar isis.mraz34 says:

    5 stars
    Dates + pecans is an undefeated combo. Vanilla + that brown sugar-ish vibe from the dates? Delicious. Will definitely make again.

    1. User avatar ming.conroy says:

      3 stars
      Sounds good, but I’m confused—do you use granulated sugar or brown sugar? Either way I guess I’d try it. Also baking soda + boiling water is gonna make the dates look kinda wild lol.

    2. 5 stars
      Yes!! Dates bring this cozy sweetness and the pecans give it that perfect crunch. Vanilla makes it taste super bakery-style. 😋

  30. 5 stars
    Amazin! just like my grandma used to make. 😍

3.82 from 115 votes
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