Spiced, warming, easy and delicious - hits the spot perfectly when you want something sweet but without too much extra added sugar

Date & Oat Loaf

175g dates

150ml water

200g butter

150g honey

200g wholemeal flour

2tsp mixed spice

50ml buttermilk

2 eggs

1tsp bread soda

1 loaf tin

 Oven at 160C

Add the dates and water to the pot and bring to the boil, then simmer very gently until the dates are soft. Blend with a stick blender until it forms a paste.

Beat the butter and honey together until light, add in the eggs and buttermilk and beat well.

Fold in the flour, spice and bread soda.

Pour into a greased lined loaf tin and bake for 50 minutes until a skewer comes out clear.

Leave for a few minutes then remove to cool fully.