We celebrate the healthy, wholesome, and flavorful bread that is enjoyed for breakfast and teatime on National Date Nut Bread Day, December 22. Dates and nuts such as walnuts and pecans are thrown into the mix and baked to perfection but, really, you can use any add-ons you like. Date nut bread is popular during the holiday season as it is sweet but not overly so.
History of National Date Nut Bread Day
National Date Nut Bread is a baker’s delight and we’d gladly lay a spread to celebrate this day. The origins of this holiday are unknown despite it being around for years. But that’s not the dilemma here, the big question is whether to choose cream cheese or butter to go with it!
Printed recipes for bread go as far back as the 1920s, but bread baked with fruit was eaten in various parts of the world long before that. It is widely believed that date nut bread was originally baked and first became popular in England.
The first-ever date nut bread recipe was published in 1939, however, dates are among the world’s oldest fruits. The seeds have been excavated by archaeologists in subtropical regions around the world. It is believed by historians that dates were brought to Spain by the ancient Moors and later distributed to America.
There are different traditions for eating date nut bread in countries where it is popular. Britain enjoys a date-and-walnut loaf made with treacle and paired with a cup of tea, of course. The sweet treat is also popular in Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland. In the USA, date nut bread is a go-to during the holidays. This is probably why National Date Nut day is celebrated on December 22, whereas the same holiday is observed on September 8 in other parts of the world. Date nut bread is packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients, without being overwhelmingly sweet. For an added punch, cheese frosting is often used as a topping or filling.
National Date Nut Bread Day timeline
A date nut bread eating contest is hosted in New York, with the winner eating 29 sandwiches in under eight minutes.
Sugar and shortening content is increased to evolve the traditional date nut bread recipe to what we know it as today.
The first-ever date nut bread recipe is published.
The Spaniards bring dates with them to California.
National Date Nut Bread Day FAQs
Does date nut bread need to be refrigerated?
No, simply cover your date nut bread with plastic wrap or foil to maximize its shelf life and prevent it from drying out.
Are dates a nut?
No, the date is a stone fruit that grows on the flowering plant species of the Arecaceae palm family, scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera.
How many calories are in date nut bread?
There are approximately 290 calories in a single serving of date nut bread.
National Date Nut Bread Day Activities
Bake date nut bread
Is there any better way to celebrate this day? Bake date nut bread and share it with friends and family. Health-conscious family members and weight-watchers can indulge to their heart’s content, too!
Host a tea party
Plan a tea party for your friends and ‘break bread’ with them.
Post on social media
Share your favorite way to bake date nut bread on social media, using the hashtag #NationalDateNutBreadDay.
5 Fruity Facts About Dates
Dates have been around for centuries
Dates have grown since 3200 B.C. in Egypt. Since then, Egypt has been the top exporter of dates in the world.
Good things come in small sizes
Dates are full of essential nutrients like magnesium, selenium, iron, calcium, copper, manganese, proteins, and vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, and B5.
Wholesome and filling
Not only are dates filling, but they are also good for muscles, bones, and the nervous system of the human body.
Date trees grow really tall
Date trees typically grow to a height of about 69–75 feet.
That comes from dates?
Strong liquor and vinegar are all extracted from dates.
Why We Love National Date Nut Bread Day
We are just nuts about date nut bread
We can’t help it, we just love such tasty confectionaries! And if we can binge on it without having to worry about sugar content or calories, that is an added bonus.
Date nut bread is super healthy
We love how date nut bread can be enjoyed by all. It really is unfair to people suffering from health ailments to not be able to enjoy some sweet-baked items. But with this one they can, so yay!
A holiday staple
Date nut bread can be enjoyed year-round but, during the holiday season, it just becomes one of the essentials of the dinner table. It adds to the whole festive vibe of Christmas, and we love it!
National Date Nut Bread Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 22 | Sunday |
| 2025 | December 22 | Monday |
| 2026 | December 22 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | December 22 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | December 22 | Friday |
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