Autumn is here and this is the kind of thing I love with a cup of coffee, not massively sweet and with some more complex flavours thanks to the dates and mixed spice. I think the whole family will like this and it is really easy to make.

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.