This date-studded quick bread can be made into mini loaves to give as gifts, or it can be baked as a standard loaf for serving at a meal. The streusel topping uses fresh pecans, a traditional gift in the South.
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How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 375°. Lightly coat three 6-by-3-inch mini loaf pans with vegetable oil spray. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Let cool, then break into large pieces. In a medium bowl, mix the flour with the light brown and granulated sugars, baking powder and salt. Stir in the butter. Add the pecans and squeeze the streusel mixture into large clumps.
In a small saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer with the dates; let cool slightly. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the sugar with the eggs and oil until blended. Beat in the milk, dates and vanilla until combined. Add the dry ingredients all at once and beat at low speed just until the batter is smooth. Spread the batter in the pans and sprinkle with the streusel. Bake for 45 minutes, or until risen and golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let cool for 20 minutes, then turn the loaves out onto a rack.
In a small bowl, stir the confectioners' sugar, butter, milk and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm loaves and cool completely before slicing.
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Notes
To make a larger, single loaf, use a 10-by-5-inch metal loaf pan, reduce the oven temperature to 350° and bake for 55 minutes.
