National Date Nut Bread Day

National Date Nut Bread Day celebrates a beloved sweet bread that combines the natural sweetness of dates with the crunch of nuts, typically enjoyed during the holiday season.

Quick Facts

When is it?: December 22nd (also celebrated on September 8th in some regions)
Tagged as: Food & Drink, Snacks & Desserts
Hashtag: #NationalDateNutBreadDay
When was it founded?: Unknown
Who founded it?: Origins unclear

History

Date nut bread has its roots in England, where it was traditionally made with treacle and served with tea. The first printed recipe appeared in 1939, though the bread had been enjoyed for generations before. Dates, originally cultivated in Iraq and the Middle East around 6000 BC, were brought to Spain by the Moors and later introduced to America by Spanish settlers in 1765.

Timeline

1765: Spaniards bring dates to Mexico and California
1920s: Date nut bread becomes popular in America
1939: First official date nut bread recipe published
2006: New York hosts date nut bread eating contest

Dates for 2025

Year	Date	Day
2025	December 22	Monday
2026	December 22	Tuesday
2027	December 22	Wednesday
2028	December 22	Friday
2029	December 22	Saturday

Observed

The day is celebrated by baking fresh date nut bread, hosting tea parties, and sharing recipes on social media. Many families maintain their own traditional recipes passed down through generations.

Fun Facts About Date Nut Bread

Dates contain 80% sugar content naturally
The bread can be enjoyed with either cream cheese or butter
It’s particularly popular in Britain, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand
The bread actually tastes better after sitting for a day or two

Quiz

When was the first date nut bread recipe published?
Where did dates originally come from?
How many date nut bread sandwiches were eaten in the 2006 contest?
(Answers: 1939, Iraq, 29)

FAQs

Q: Is date nut bread healthy?
A: Yes, it contains protein, fiber, and various minerals from both dates and nuts.

Q: Can it be frozen?
A: Yes, date nut bread freezes well and can be stored for later consumption.

Importance of Date Nut Bread Day

This celebration highlights a traditional holiday treat while promoting awareness of healthy baking alternatives. It brings attention to the nutritional benefits of dates and nuts while preserving a cherished culinary tradition.