Date and Sultana Loaf with Honey & Cinnamon Glaze

There’s something deeply comforting about a fruit loaf—especially one tied to travel memories. I first encountered this beautifully simple date and sultana loaf during trips through New Zealand, where home baking still feels like a cherished ritual. Over time, I’ve gently adapted the original recipe, adding a warm honey and cinnamon glaze that gives it an extra layer of sweetness and spice.

This recipe is part of the Destination Everyday Recipe Series for the Eat Clean, Health and Dream blog, celebrating the flavours and memories of Aotearoa through simple, wholesome baking.

This loaf is soft, rich with fruit, and wonderfully aromatic. It’s perfect sliced thick with a cup of tea, or lightly toasted with butter for a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Loaf

• 300ml hot water

• 100g sugar

• 1 tsp mixed spice

• 1 tbsp (approx. 15g) butter

• 250g sultanas and dates, chopped

• 200g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 egg

Honey & Cinnamon Glaze

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon (15g) butter

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• A small amount of water

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F).

Line a loaf tin with baking paper and set aside.

Prepare the fruit base

In a medium saucepan, combine the sultanas, dates, butter, mixed spice, sugar, and hot water.

Bring to the boil and simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cool the mixture

Remove from heat and pour into a mixing bowl. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes.

Mix the batter

Add the self-raising flour, baking soda, and egg to the cooled mixture. Stir until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin.

Bake for approximately 1 hour at 180°C.

Check for doneness

The loaf is ready when a skewer or knife inserted into the centre comes out clean, with only a few moist crumbs (no wet batter).

Cool slightly

Remove from the oven and allow the loaf to cool in the tin for about 20 minutes.

Prepare the Glaze

In a small pan, add the honey, butter, cinnamon, and a small amount of water.

Heat gently, stirring well until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth.

While the loaf is still warm, pour the glaze evenly over the top.

Allow the loaf to cool completely so the glaze sets into a soft, spiced finish.

Serving Suggestions

Slice thick and enjoy:

• Warm with butter

• Alongside tea or coffee

• Toasted the next day for an even richer flavour

Final Thoughts

This loaf is a wonderful reminder of how simple ingredients can create something truly special. The natural sweetness of the fruit, the warmth of spice, and the gentle richness of the glaze come together in a way that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

As part of the Destination Everyday Recipe Series, this bake brings a little taste of Aotearoa into everyday life—simple, nourishing, and made to be shared.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself on a quiet afternoon, this recipe carries the spirit of New Zealand comfort straight into your kitchen.