Autumn Baking

Apple Date Bread is my go to answer for those days when you want something cozy in the kitchen but you do not want a huge project. You know the feeling, it is late afternoon, coffee sounds good, and everyone keeps wandering in asking if there is a snack. This bread hits that sweet spot because it tastes like a treat, but it is still made from simple pantry stuff. The dates melt into little caramel-like pockets, and the apples keep everything soft and fragrant. If you have ever ended up with a couple of wrinkly apples and a half bag of dates, you are already halfway there.

Vegan date apple bread

Let me say this up front: you do not need eggs or dairy to make a really satisfying loaf. This version is a simple vegan bake that still feels rich, mostly because dates are naturally sweet and apples bring moisture. I still call it Apple Date Bread because that is what it tastes like, but it also fits nicely into a plant based week without feeling like you are missing anything.

What you will need

I like keeping the ingredients straightforward. Here is the lineup I use most often.

• Apples: 1 to 2 medium apples, peeled or unpeeled, finely chopped (or grated if you want it extra tender)
• Dates: about 1 cup chopped, pitted (soft Medjool are amazing, but any work)
• Flour: 1 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour (or half whole wheat if you like a heartier loaf)
• Brown sugar or coconut sugar: 1/3 to 1/2 cup depending on how sweet your dates are
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Cinnamon: 1 and 1/2 teaspoons (and a pinch of nutmeg if you are into it)
• Neutral oil or melted coconut oil: 1/3 cup
• Unsweetened applesauce: 1/2 cup (this helps replace eggs and keeps it moist)
• Plant milk: 1/2 cup (almond, oat, soy, whatever you have)
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Optional add ins: chopped walnuts, pecans, or a small handful of pumpkin seeds

Dates can be stubborn if they are dry. If yours feel a little tough, soak them in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, then drain and chop. That one tiny step makes the whole loaf taste more evenly sweet.

Also, if you are in a bread baking mood after this, I keep a running list of favorites in my browser, and I always end up back on this bread recipe collection when I want something new.

Step-by-step instructions

This is the part where I try to save you from the usual quick bread drama. The biggest thing is not overthinking it. Stir, pour, bake, cool. That is basically it. Apple Date Bread is forgiving, which is why I love it when I am tired.

Simple directions (no fancy tools needed)

1. Heat your oven to 350 F. Grease a standard loaf pan and line it with a strip of parchment if you want easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a larger bowl, whisk oil, applesauce, plant milk, sugar, and vanilla.
4. Fold the dry mix into the wet mix until you do not see dry flour anymore. Do not keep stirring once it comes together.
5. Fold in chopped apples and dates (and nuts if using).
6. Pour batter into the pan. Tap the pan on the counter once or twice to settle it.
7. Bake 50 to 60 minutes. Start checking at 50. A toothpick should come out mostly clean, with maybe a couple moist crumbs.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely before slicing. I know it is hard to wait, but it slices so much better once it is cool.

Quick side note: if you love that pull apart, shareable vibe, you would probably enjoy this caramel apple pull apart bread too. It is a totally different mood, but still very apple forward.

“I made this on Sunday and it was gone by Tuesday morning. My kids thought I bought it from a bakery. The dates make it taste like caramel without being too sugary.”

Tips for perfecting your bread

I have made Apple Date Bread enough times to know where things can go a little off track. Here are the tips that actually matter, in plain language.

1. Chop the apples small.
Big chunks can sink and make wet pockets. Small dice or grated apple spreads the moisture evenly.

2. Do not pack the flour.
If you scoop straight from the bag, you can end up with too much flour and a dry loaf. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off.

3. Watch the dates.
If they are super sticky, toss them with a teaspoon of flour before mixing in. This helps them distribute instead of clumping into one big date situation in the center.

4. Let it cool before slicing.
I have ruined my own loaf by rushing. Fresh baked quick bread finishes setting as it cools.

5. Storage tips that keep it soft.
Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly. It stays good at room temp for about 2 days, then I move it to the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes well. I freeze slices so I can toast one whenever I want.

If you want a slightly brighter flavor, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Not enough to taste like vinegar, just enough to wake up the baking soda. And if you are curious about other ways people use it, this post on apple cider vinegar tricks is surprisingly handy to have bookmarked.

More apple recipes

Once apples are in the house, I always end up chasing that same cozy flavor in other recipes. If you are already baking this week, here are a couple of ideas that feel like good companions to Apple Date Bread.

For a fun dessert that is still easy, these air fryer apple hand pies are great when you want something warm and cinnamon-y without turning the kitchen into a full bakery. And if you ever want to go full comfort food, bread desserts are my weakness. I make this bread pudding in a casserole with vanilla sauce when I have leftover bread and a serious sweet tooth.

Recipe card

Here is the quick version you can copy into your notes. This is the Apple Date Bread recipe exactly the way I make it most often.

Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 50 to 60 minutes

Ingredients
1 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/3 cup neutral oil or melted coconut oil
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup plant milk
1/3 to 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 apples, finely chopped or grated (about 1 and 1/2 cups)
1 cup chopped pitted dates
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Directions
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease and line a loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
Whisk wet ingredients in a larger bowl.
Stir dry into wet until just combined.
Fold in apples and dates.
Bake 50 to 60 minutes, then cool fully before slicing.

Common Questions

Can I make Apple Date Bread gluten free?
Yes. Use a 1 to 1 gluten free baking blend. The loaf will be a little more delicate, so cool it completely before slicing.

What apples are best?
I like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith. Tart apples give a nice balance with the dates.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can. If your dates are very soft and sweet, start with 1/3 cup sugar. The dates do a lot of the work here.

How do I know it is done without drying it out?
Check at 50 minutes. If the top is browning fast, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I add nuts or swap in other mix ins?
Totally. Walnuts and pecans are classic. A small handful of shredded coconut is also nice if you like that texture.

A cozy loaf you will want to make again

If you bake one thing this week, make it Apple Date Bread and let your kitchen smell like cinnamon and warm apples for an hour. It is simple, forgiving, and it keeps well, which makes it perfect for busy weeks. If you want to compare versions, I enjoyed reading Apple Date Nut Bread – Rocky Mountain Cooking for a nutty twist, and this Steamed Apple Date Bread #BreadBakers – Food Lust People Love is a fun reminder that there are so many ways to play with the same flavors. Put the kettle on, slice it thick, and tell me you do not feel instantly more relaxed. If you try it, I hope you make it your own, and I hope it becomes one of those recipes you come back to when you need a little comfort.