I always thought I disliked dates. I was entirely incorrect. Turns out I love them. This whole grain Date Bread may change your mind, too.

If Date Bread sounds old-fashioned and homey, to be sure, that’s part of its charm. But this version has an updated spin.

Made with 100 percent whole-wheat flour, no dairy and zero added fat, the whole-grain flavor here is just the right counterbalance for sweet, sticky dates, creating a perfectly satisfying combination.

Quickly assembled in a single bowl from simple pantry items, the bread gets a delightfully chewy dimension from the dates, which also help keep it nice and moist. It makes a lovely warm-from-the-oven companion with coffee or Sunday brunch. The last few slices can double the next day for breakfast on-the-go or a late-night snack. And it freezes beautifully.

With their mild caramel-like flavor and paper-thin skins, dates are full of fiber, antioxidants, and valuable nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, iron, and manganese. Interestingly, the date palm is thought to be the oldest tree crop cultivated by man.

If you thought you were not a date fan, you may be surprised how good this bread really is. And then you, too, might start looking for excuses to bake this one again and again.