Help Dry Loaves

[Giggsie]

My date and walnut loaves always seem to be a bit dry. What am I doing or not doing to cause this please. Anyone help? I love really moist loaves.

[woofgang]

do you soak the dates before putting them in the mix?

[Old_Geezer]

No expert but wouldn't adding a small percentage extra water to the mix, help matters ?

[Giggsie]

Yes soak dates in boiling water with pinch bicarbonate and leave to cool. Hubby always says ok but I think they are dry. Thanks woofgang.

[Giggsie]

Yes old geezer I have thought maybe mix too dry perhaps. All my other loaves are fine only happens with date and walnut.

[thelewisgang]

I have a lovely recipe for date & walnut loaf & it is definitely very moist. I will post tomorrow with it. Just wondering if you are cooking yours for a little longer than you should? That would make it dry.

[thelewisgang]

just located the recipe so here it is. I cannot eat nuts but just add them to the recipe.
180g chopped dates
200g dark brown sugar
55g butter
250ml boiling water
220g self raising flour
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.

combine dates & walnuts, brown sugar & butter & pour in the boiling water. Let it stand for 15 minutes. Stir in the flour, bicarb & vanilla. Pour into a loaf tin & bake at 200 degrees for 40-45 mins.

[Giggsie]

Thankyou thelewisgang will certainly try this recipe as is slightly different to mine.

[thelewisgang]

Should have said to soak dates etc...the walnuts can be added afterwards. It does brown on top, sort of looks like it's over cooking but even the top stays moist so don't be concerned about that. I've given the recipe to friends who have all raved about it

[Giggsie]

Thank you will try just noticed no egg?

[thelewisgang]

no, no egg in this cake. I think you will be happy with how moist it is. Incidentally, it freezes well too. I cut it into slices & wrap them in a couple of layers of cling film. Lovely cake & hope you will give it a go

[Giggsie]

I certainly will thelewisgang. Will let you know the outcome thank you

[thelewisgang]

Giggsie, did you try the date loaf? Just wondering x

[Giggsie]

Yes I have made it twice lovely loaf. Thank you for sharing the recipe. First ever I have made a loaf without an egg in it. True to your word lovely moist loaf. Have since passed on recipe to my sister.

[thelewisgang]

Thanks for posting. I hope others will see it & give it a try. I have copied the recipe & given it to friends who also say how lovely it is