This Healthy Date Loaf is full of flavour and made for sharing. It's vegan, refined sugar free and on the table in 40 minutes.

This healthy date loaf was first published exactly a year ago, and since then has become one of the most popular recipes on the blog! Every day a steady stream of googlers find their way to this recipe, so I thought it was about time I gave it a facelift. New photos. Recipe tips. And a pre-amble that was more fitting to this delicious loaf.
Dates are natures candy, and I won't fool you into thinking this loaf is "sugar free". But it's filled with good for you ingredients and is the perfect treat for morning or afternoon tea. I love that I nearly always have the ingredients for this on hand, so I can whip it up when in a pinch to feed unexpected guests.

This date loaf lends itself well the modifications, so if you don't have an ingredient in the cupboard, don't stress. There is probably an easy substitute that you already have.
Recipe Q&A:
1. What can I substitute for rice malt syrup?
Any liquid sweetener you prefer or have on hand. Honey or maple syrup would work well.
2. What should I top my loaf with?
I've made this loaf in 3 different ways - no topping, topped with sliced banana, and topped with sunflower and pepita seeds. I love them all equally, I just happened to have seeds on hand the day I photographed it. Banana will caramelise and add even more sweetness to your loaf - so let that be your guide if you are a sweet tooth like me!
3. Can I substitute wholemeal flour for anything?
I've made this with plain white flour before and it worked well. I can't vouch for others but if you generally have success substituting wholemeal flour for another type of flour - go for it! And then let us know how it went in the comments 🙂
4. Not a fan of coconut oil - what else can I use?
Olive oil, rice bran or whatever you use at home as long as it has a mild flavour should work.
5. Can I add walnuts into the mixture?
Absolutely. Just mix them in right before you pour your mixture into the date loaf. No other changes to the recipe required.
6. I hate dates - what else you got?
May I introduce you to the world's best healthy banana bread recipe. You're welcome.

MORE SCRUMPTIOUS SNACK RECIPES:
- Air Fryer Brownies
- Spinach and Feta Pinwheels
- Healthy Apricot Energy Balls
- No Bake Chocolate Coconut Slice
- Healthy Banana Bread
- Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Strawberry Mango Popsicles
- Lemon Brownies
- OR see all Snack Recipes
If you’ve tried this Healthy Date Loaf I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it! Pop a comment and a star rating below!
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4.95
59 comments & reviews
robin rue
October 11, 2017
I've never had a date before. Does that make me weird? I am sure I'd like them, so I need to make this loaf so I can finally say I've tried a date.
Cassie
October 12, 2017
Haha I don't think it makes you weird but they seriously are perfect for sweetening recipes!
Kelli A
October 11, 2017
I'm one of the only people I know that actually like dates. I think I would love this bread. Saving this recipe! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Cassie
October 12, 2017
I love them too!
Joanna Everyday Made Fresh
October 11, 2017
Oh, I love dates so much, and never buy them, unless I have a reason. I think I found a reason! This looks so good.
Cassie
October 11, 2017
It is SO good!
Erika
October 11, 2017
I like dates and this loaf looks yummy!
Cassie
October 12, 2017
Definitely hit the spot!
Roger D Willis
October 11, 2017
I love dates and banana bread! This looks so delicious!
Cassie
October 12, 2017
Thanks Roger!
Pip
October 11, 2017
My children will love this. Looks great!
Cassie
October 12, 2017
Thanks Pip 🙂
Joely Smith
October 11, 2017
Thank you for this healthier recipe! We do not need loads of sugar when the recipe is this good! I am drooling on my keyboard here lol.
Cassie
October 12, 2017
Haha it is so good! I have had to exert lots of self control to not eat the whole loaf at once!
tara pittman
October 11, 2017
That banana on top gives the bread a cool look. My boys love quick bread/
Cassie
October 12, 2017
I can't stop doing it now haha
Natalie
October 11, 2017
Oh my goodness I am bookmarking this! I love banana loaf, but have yet to make a vegan one. This must taste amazing with the added sweetness of dates.
Cassie
October 12, 2017
So sweet without much need for a sweetener!
Bernadette Callahan
October 12, 2017
I have not had dates in forever! Might be picking some up this weekend to make this. Looks delicious.
Cassie
October 12, 2017
Hope you enjoy if you do!