Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- ¾ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving a little extra paper hanging over the sides. This will make it easier to remove the bread after baking.
You can lightly grease the pan before adding the parchment paper to help keep everything in place.
Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese and Eggs
Add the cottage cheese and eggs to a blender or food processor.
Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, with no large cottage cheese curds remaining.
This step is important because a smooth mixture helps create a more even bread texture.
Step 3: Transfer to a Mixing Bowl
Pour the blended cottage cheese and egg mixture into a large mixing bowl.
Use a spatula to scrape the sides of the blender so you don’t leave any of the mixture behind.
Step 4: Add the Self-Rising Flour
Gradually add the self-rising flour to the wet mixture.
Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the ingredients come together and form a thick, sticky dough.
Avoid overmixing. Stop once the flour is incorporated and no large dry patches remain.
The dough will be thicker and stickier than traditional sandwich bread dough. This is normal for this recipe.
Step 5: Transfer the Dough to the Loaf Pan
Spoon the dough into your prepared loaf pan.
Spread it evenly using a spatula, gently smoothing the surface.
Because the dough is thick, take a moment to distribute it evenly so the loaf bakes consistently.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top becomes beautifully golden brown and the center is fully baked.
Insert a toothpick into the middle of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet dough.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the remaining baking time.
Step 7: Cool in the Pan
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes.
This resting period helps the loaf settle and makes it easier to remove without breaking.
Step 8: Transfer to a Wire Rack
Carefully lift the bread out of the pan using the parchment paper.
Transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool before slicing.
Cooling completely helps the crumb set and prevents the slices from becoming gummy or falling apart.
Step 9: Slice and Enjoy!
Cut the loaf into slices using a sharp serrated bread knife.
Serve warm with butter, toast it with your favorite toppings, or use it to prepare delicious homemade sandwiches.