Toasted Date Nut Bread with Cream Cheese

Serves 4 · 10 min prep · 6 min cook

Ingredients

• 8 thick slices date nut bread
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
• pinch flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. 1Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator 20 minutes ahead so it softens enough to spread smoothly.
2. 2In a small bowl, stir the softened cream cheese with the honey and orange zest until creamy and lightly sweetened.
3. 3Preheat a toaster oven or regular oven to 375°F, or heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
4. 4Arrange the date nut bread slices in a single layer and toast until the edges turn golden and the surface feels crisp, about 4 to 6 minutes depending on thickness.
5. 5Watch closely so the natural sugars in the dates do not scorch; flip once if using a skillet for even browning.
6. 6Transfer the hot toast to a serving board or plates immediately.
7. 7Spread a generous layer of the honey-orange cream cheese over each warm slice so it melts slightly into the crumb.
8. 8Sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts over the cream cheese and finish with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt.
9. 9Serve at once while the contrast of warm toasted bread, cool tangy cheese, and crunchy nuts is at its peak.
10. 10Offer extra honey on the side for those who want more sweetness.