Scrumptious Gluten Free Coconut & Date Loaf Recipe
Welcome to my latest recipe article, folks! I’m excited to share this new creation with you all – a delicious gluten-free coconut and date loaf recipe that will leave your taste buds thanking you. As a nutritionist and food blogger, I always try to find ways to make healthy cooking exciting and accessible to everyone. That’s why I love experimenting with gluten-free and dairy-free recipes that are both nutritious and packed with flavor.
Now, I know some of you may be skeptical about the idea of a gluten-free dessert, but trust me when I say that this coconut and date loaf is just as delicious as any other cake. In fact, it’s even better because it’s made with wholesome ingredients that are good for you!
But let’s talk about what makes this loaf so special: the combination of sweet pitted dates with shredded coconut creates an irresistible flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up using simple ingredients that can be found at any grocery store.
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet to satisfy your cravings or looking for a wholesome snack to fuel your day, this gluten-free coconut and date loaf is sure to hit the spot. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you crave something sweet, but don’t want to consume unhealthy sugars or gluten? Well, look no further! This delicious Gluten-Free Coconut & Date Loaf recipe is the perfect solution to your cravings.
Firstly, it’s completely gluten-free, which means you can enjoy a moist and fluffy texture without sacrificing your health. Plus, if you are someone with intolerances or allergies towards dairy products, this loaf is also dairy-free for your comfort.
What’s even better about this recipe is that it uses natural sweeteners such as dates and coconut sugar instead of processed white sugar, providing a healthier option. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to indulge in a sweet treat without any guilt!
This Coconut & Date Loaf is also very versatile; you can add different nut varieties like walnuts or almonds to suit your taste preferences. Moreover, the topping of shredded coconut gives an extra flavor kick that adds an interesting dimension to the loaf.
Lastly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, and a perfect gluten and dairy-free treat for breakfast or afternoon tea. It’s dense enough to fill you up and keep you sustained for longer periods.
In conclusion, this recipe has everything that makes it the best date loaf recipe ever – natural sweetness, easy preparation, nutritional benefits, versatility, and most importantly – mouth-watering taste! Trust me; once you’ve tried this loaf – nothing else compares!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients needed to create this scrumptious gluten-free coconut & date loaf!
Dry Ingredients
- Flour (1 cup): Use any gluten-free flour blend of your choice, or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp)
- Baking soda (1 tsp)
- Coconut sugar (1/4 cup) or Brown sugar
- Cinnamon (2 tsp)
Wet Ingredients
- Eggs (1)
- Coconut oil (1/2 cup), or olive oil.
- Boiling water (1/2 cup): Mixed with date mixture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
Other Ingredients
- Pitted dates (1 1/2 cups): Soft dates like Medjool or Halawy will work great as they add a natural sweetness.
- Shredded coconut (1/3 cup): Unsweetened shredded coconut flakes will be ideal for this recipe.
Note: All the ingredients mentioned are gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prep the Dates and Boiling Water
First, I start by preheating my oven to 325°F. While the oven warms up, I chop 2 cups of pitted dates into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Then, I add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 cup of boiling water and pour it over the diced dates. Set aside for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Loaf Ingredients
In another bowl, I sift together 1 1/2 cups of gluten-free flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and 1/4 tsp of salt. To this mixture, I stir in 1/2 cup of coconut flour, don’t be alarmed if the mixture seems a bit lumpy – it will come together when used.
At this point, I also melt 1/3 cup of coconut oil (or any other baking oil) and set it aside.
Step 3: Combine Loaf Ingredients
Once the dates have soaked for at least 10 minutes, I combine them with the dry ingredients mix thoroughly- this is the most important step to ensure that flavors meld together perfectly. Stir in the melted coconut oil and mix again. Lastly, gently mix in 2 lightly beaten eggs to hold your loaf ingredients together.
Step 4: Bake The Loaf
After combining all ingredients well, I pour my batter into a greased tin lined with baking paper *.I bake it for approximately 60 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean from the center of the loaf.
Once baked remove from the oven & let cool down before slicing.
- (Pro tip- leave baking paper overhanging the sides. It’ll make getting your loaf out of the tin much easier)
This recipe makes for perfect tea time, breakfast or anytime snack as it is packed with fiber in added to giving the health benefits of coconut on top of dates!
Substitutions and Variations
There are numerous possible substitutions and variations that can make this gluten-free coconut and date loaf recipe taste even more delectable. Here are some options to consider for modifying the recipe to meet your specific preferences and dietary restrictions.
– Gluten-Free Flour Substitutions: You can try substituting the baking flour with almond flour, oat flour, brown rice flour or sorghum flour if you want a grain-free version of the recipe. For a nuttier flavor, you can also use walnut flour or hazelnut flour. Keep in mind that these flours will produce a denser, heavier loaf.
– Sugar Substitutions: This recipe uses both coconut sugar and brown sugar, but you can easily swap either of these sugars with honey, maple syrup, agave nectar or stevia if you prefer a lower glycemic index. You can also reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe by half or use date paste instead.
– Fat Substitutions: This recipe calls for coconut oil and butter, but you can substitute it with olive oil, ghee or vegan butter to make it dairy-free. You could also try using mashed avocado instead of oil for a healthier fat option.
– Nut Substitutions: This recipe uses chopped dates and walnuts, but you could substitute them with pecans, almonds, macadamia nuts or any other nut that you prefer.
– Fruit Substitutions: Instead of dates, you can use raisins, apricots or prunes. You could also add grated apple or mashed banana to give it a natural sweetness without adding extra sugar.
– Toppings: If you feel like getting creative, there are so many toppings and additions that would go well with this coconut and date loaf cake. Some delicious options include caramel sauce, chocolate chips or shredded coconut on top.
Remember to experiment with different substitutions to find the flavor profile that appeals most to your taste buds. With some creativity and imagination, you can create a customized version of this gluten-free coconut and date loaf recipe that satisfies your dietary requirements and taste.
Serving and Pairing
This coconut and date loaf is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of beverages, making it the perfect afternoon treat or dessert.
For a cuppa, enjoy a slice of this sweet loaf with a hot cup of tea. The floral and fruity notes of green tea and chamomile complement the coconut and date flavors in the loaf. If you’re looking for something heartier, opt for a robust black tea with hints of cinnamon or cardamom.
For coffee lovers, pair this gluten-free treat with a cup of coffee that has caramel or toffee notes to perfectly compliment the flavors of this loaf. For those who prefer an alternative to coffee or tea, try serving it with hot cocoa made from scratch!
In addition, you can showcase this delicious coconut date loaf as an elegant dessert by adding some homemade caramel sauce drizzled on top! This adds a luxurious touch while enhancing the flavors and texture of the dish.
Lastly, you can choose to serve it on its own for less sugary occasions, yet it still delivers a balance of sweetness and richness all by itself. This is perfect for those who want something simple yet gratifying.
No matter how you decide to serve it, this rich, moist and decadent coconut date loaf will be sure to hit the spot!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this gluten-free coconut and date loaf is that it is perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can bake it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days at room temperature or in the fridge. This makes it ideal if you’re busy and want to have a healthy snack or breakfast that’s ready to go.
When reheating your loaf, you have a few options. You can either slice it up and microwave it for a few seconds until warm, or you can reheat it in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 180°C. This will give your loaf a fresh-baked taste and texture.
If you want to freeze your coconut and date loaf, we recommend wrapping slices individually in cling wrap then placing them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. This will keep the slices fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply defrost them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for quick thawing.
Making this loaf ahead of time also makes it perfect for picnics, road trips, and work lunches. Simply pack a few slices in some foil or plastic wrap, toss them in your bag with some fruit and veggies, and you’ll have a tasty and healthy meal on-the-go.
Overall, making ahead of time and storing properly makes this gluten-free coconut and date loaf a convenient and easy option when following dietary restrictions.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’re feeling confident in making this delicious gluten-free coconut and date loaf, allow me to share some tips that will ensure the best result!
1. Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh ingredients is crucial for any recipe, as they provide more flavor and a better texture. Make sure your pitted dates are fresh, moist, and not dried out.
2. Measure the ingredients precisely: Measuring the ingredients correctly is vital, especially when it comes to gluten-free baking. Even a slight difference in measurements can affect the texture and flavor of the loaf.
3. Do not overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough and dense loaf. Mix until just combined, and when adding the dry ingredients, make sure to fold them in gently.
4. Add boiling water gradually: When adding boiling water to the batter, do it gradually instead of all at once. This method helps to activate the baking soda and ensures an even rise.
5. Let it cool before slicing: As tempting as it may be to dig into your coconut and date loaf right away, resist the urge! Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing it.
6. Store properly: The gluten-free coconut and date loaf can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
7. Experiment with variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of this recipe! Try adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch or drizzle a caramel sauce on top for added sweetness.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your gluten-free coconut and date loaf comes out perfectly every time!
Bottom Line
:
In conclusion, the Gluten-Free Coconut & Date Loaf Recipe is a delicious and healthy option for those with dietary restrictions. This recipe is free from gluten, dairy, and grains, making it perfect for those on a vegan, gluten-free, or paleo diet.
Not only is this recipe nutritious and easy to make, but it’s also versatile. You can mix things up by adding different toppings such as a toffee coconut or caramel sauce. You could even swap out the dates for other fruits like bananas or apples.
Overall, this recipe should be added to your repertoire of tasty and nutritious treats. So go ahead and try it out today! Your taste buds (and body) will thank you for it.
Gluten Free Coconut & Date Loaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 140 g pitted dates
- 125 ml boiling water
- 75 g butter
- 100 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 110 g soya flour
- 20 g shredded coconut
Instructions
- Combine dates with boiling water, cover and stand.
- Beat butter and sugar in a bowl with electric mixer untill light and fluffy. Add egg and beat until combined.
- Stir in sifted flour, coconut and undrained dates.
- Spread mixture into prepared, greaseproof paper-lined loaf tins.
- Bake for about 40 mins 180°C.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found