Date and Walnut Loaf - Dairy Free & Fat Free

This is a very tasty, moist, sin free loaf. When sliced it's also great toasted, spread with low fat cream cheese. You can also include mixed nuts & carob buttons to the walnuts as a variation. You can also substitute the maple syrup for golden syrup. The loaf also freezes well.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12 slices

Ingredients

• 1  cup  chopped dried pitted dates
• 1  cup  chopped walnuts
• 2  tablespoons maple syrup
• 1  cup boiling water
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 3⁄4 cup rolled oats
• 1 1⁄4 cups plain flour
• 1  teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
•  sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to moderate (180C/160C fan forced) Grease a 14cm x 21cm loaf pan.
2. Combine dates and maple syrup in a large heatproof bowl, add the boiling water and stand for 15 minutes.
3. Add walnuts, sugar, rolled oats, sifted flour and soda, stir into date mixture until well combined.
4. Spread mixture into the prepared pan, sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake for approximately 50 minutes or until cooked when tested. Stand for 5 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool.
5. Enjoy!