Apricot Date Nut Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful bread that combines the sweetness of apricots and dates with the crunchy texture of nuts. This recipe offers a wonderful balance of flavors, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert. With its simple preparation and delightful taste, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Apricot-Date Nut Bread
A Short History
Fruit and nut breads have a long-standing tradition in baking, with various cultures incorporating local fruits and nuts into their bread recipes. The combination of apricots and dates in bread likely stems from their availability and popularity in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where these fruits are staples. Over time, the recipe has been embraced and adapted by bakers around the world, resulting in the delicious Apricot Date Nut Bread we enjoy today.
Tips for Making Apricot Date Nut Bread
- Pre-soaking Fruits: Soaking the chopped dates and apricots in boiling water not only softens them but also enhances their flavors, making the bread moist and rich.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Starting with creaming butter and sugar ensures the bread has a light texture, as it introduces air into the batter.
- Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternating the addition of the flour mixture with the date-apricot water helps to incorporate the ingredients evenly without overmixing, which could result in a denser bread.
- Folding in Fruits and Nuts: Gently folding in the apricots, dates, and nuts preserves the texture of the fruits and distributes the nuts evenly throughout the batter.
- Baking: Dividing the batter into two loaf pans allows for more even baking and results in loaves that are the perfect size for sharing or gifting.
- Cooling: Allowing the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
Apricot-Date Nut Bread Recipe Card

Front of the Apricot-Date Nut Bread recipe card.
Apricot-Date Nut Bread Recipe
Apricot Date Nut Bread is a testament to the beauty of baking with fruits and nuts, offering a harmonious blend of sweet and nutty flavors in every slice. Whether enjoyed on its own, with a spread of butter, or as part of a brunch spread, this bread is sure to impress with its moist crumb and rich taste. Bake a loaf to share with friends and family and enjoy the delightful combination of apricots, dates, and nuts in this timeless recipe.
Apricot Date Nut Bread
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup dates, chopped
- 1 cup apricots, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 egg, well beaten
- 2 3/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup nuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Pour the boiling water over the dates and apricots
- Let stand until ready for use
- Mix the butter and sugar together and then stir in the egg
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt
- Drain the water from the dates and apricots and add the water to the egg mixture alternatively with the flour mixture
- Fold in the apricots, dates, nut, and vanilla
- Place in two 4" x 8" loaf pans
- Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour

Linda
Saturday 14th of December 2024
So glad to find this recipe. I have made it for years from a little recipe from a magazine of some sort taped to a card. Could not find it this year! As soon as I saw the chop and pour over boiling water I knew it was the same one! Thank you for posting!
Heather George
Sunday 7th of May 2023
This is awesome and got rave reviews from the friends I gave some to.I made some small loaves so that I could share it.Thank you