Step 1

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 2

• In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda.
• Pour the boiling water over the dates and let it sit for about 10 minutes to soften.

Step 3

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
• Stir in the date mixture (including the liquid) and fold in the chopped walnuts.

Step 5

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.