Party Date

Servings: 25 Difficulty: Intermediate
A rich, moist date loaf with a crunchy sugar-nut topping and chocolate bits
Party Date recipe image

Party Date

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 25 Calories: 4395.3

Description

This decadent date loaf is a show-stopping dessert perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks. The base is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to a puree of plump dates and warm water. It combines the deep, caramel-like sweetness of dates with rich cocoa and a generous amount of sugar for a dense, cake-like texture. The top is finished with a crumbly mixture of sugar, chopped nuts, and chocolate bits that bakes into a deliciously crisp crust. While the recipe traditionally uses eggs and shortening, it offers a robust flavor profile that stands up well to various substitutions. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat that disappears quickly.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC). Grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans with shortening or cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cut dates and boiling water. Let stand for 10 minutes until the dates are soft, then mash or blend until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and 3 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the cocoa powder.
  4. Add the flour and baking soda to the shortening mixture. Beat well until combined.
  5. Stir the cooled date mixture into the batter until fully incorporated.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
  7. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 cup of sugar, chopped nuts, and chocolate bits. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the batter in both pans.
  8. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
  10. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 25


Amount Per Serving
Calories 4395.3kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 178.2g275%
Saturated Fat 59.8g299%
Cholesterol 279.8mg94%
Sodium 135.0mg6%
Total Carbohydrate 666.6g223%
Dietary Fiber 40.3g162%
Sugars 417.4g
Protein 57.4g115%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: baking, brownies, cocoa, chocolate, christmas, date, dates, dessert, flour, holiday, loaf, nuts, party, shortening, sugar, sweet, treat
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