AUTUMN "DATES" NIGHT BREAD

Autumn

Provided by Nancy Fuller

Categories dessert

Time 1h15m

Yield 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 14

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1 1/2 cups chopped pitted dates
2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for the pan)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for the pan)
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons dark rum or brandy
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
1 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour an 8 1/2- by 4 1/2-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Bring 1/2 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the dates and set aside until cool. Drain.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt onto a piece of parchment paper. Set aside.
In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and brown sugar on high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs and sour cream and beat to combine, scraping the bowl down. Add the rum and vanilla and beat to combine. Add the flour mixture on low speed until just combined. Add the milk, increase the speed to medium, and beat until just smooth, about 15 seconds. Add the drained dates and the nuts and stir just until distributed.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes. Cool in the pan on a rack for 15 minutes, then unmold and cool completely before slicing.