Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350℉/176℃ and line a 5"x9" loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

Whisk all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.

Step 3

Add the dates and water to a food processor and pulse until a paste is formed, scraping down the sides as needed. Transfer the date paste to the bowl of dry ingredients, along with all remaining ingredients including the chocolate chips if using. Mix until no floury bits remain.

Step 4

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle with additional chocolate chips if you'd like, and gently press them down.

Step 5

Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Then remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before carefully transferring to a cooling rack to completely cool before slicing. Enjoy!