Date loaves

cherie’s date loaves – make one to eat and one to freeze.

There’s something quietly comforting about a good old-fashioned date loaf. No icing, no fuss — just a warm slice, a generous spread of butter (teeth mark indents are encouraged), and a cup of tea at smoko.

This date loaf recipe from my friend Cherie is one of those dependable, handwritten-recipe-card kind of treasures. The sort you make once… and then find yourself making again and again. Especially because this recipe makes two loaves — one for eating now, and one tucked into the freezer for later.

And honestly, that’s half the beauty of it.

Date loaf has long been a New Zealand baking classic. It’s simple, economical, and perfect for farm life — whether you’re packing smoko bags, feeding unexpected visitors, or just wanting something homemade sitting on the bench.

Cherie’s version is particularly good because it:

• Keeps beautifully for several days
• Freezes exceptionally well
• Slices neatly for lunchboxes or smoko
• Is even better with butter (non-negotiable in my opinion)

Warm from the oven, the loaf is soft and fragrant, with that rich caramel sweetness that only dates can bring. But give it a few hours — or even overnight — and it becomes the perfect sliceable, butter-ready loaf.

Make Two — You’ll Be Glad You Did

One of my favourite things about this recipe is that it makes two loaves.

One goes straight onto the bench — sliced thick, buttered generously, and enjoyed while it’s still slightly warm.

The second loaf? Straight into the freezer.

Future-you will be very pleased.

There’s nothing quite like pulling out a homemade date loaf from the freezer when:

• Visitors drop in unexpectedly
• Smoko needs filling in a hurry
• Lunchboxes need something homemade
• You just feel like baking… without actually baking

Simply defrost, slice, and butter — it’s as easy as that.

For tips on defrosting baking – check out this answer from Nigella Lawson.

Why Date Loaf Still Deserves a Spot in Kiwi Kitchens

Date loaf might not be flashy, but it’s one of those reliable New Zealand baking recipes that quietly earns its place. It’s:

• Affordable
• Pantry-friendly
• Great for freezing
• Perfect for sharing
• Ideal for smoko

And like many of the best recipes, it comes from a friend — passed along, made often, and shared generously.

Thanks Cherie — this one’s a keeper.

Because really, you can never have too much date loaf and butter on hand.

Tips for Freezing Date Loaf

If you’re freezing one loaf (which I highly recommend):

• Let loaf cool completely
• Wrap tightly in baking paper or foil
• Place in a freezer bag or airtight container
• Label with date (if you’re organised — I rarely am)

Date loaf freezes well for up to 3 months, though it rarely lasts that long in our house.

Still looking for a loaf idea?

You could try either of these recipes of mine.

Irish Tea Loaves

Easy Gingerbread Loaf