Soak the dates in hot filtered water for 30 minutes.

Cut the bread up into small cubes and put in a large bowl.

Grease a loaf pan with coconut oil or butter.

Set the oven to 350F/180C/gas mark 4 and set the timer for 30 minutes.

Drain the dates and add to a blender with all the ingredients except the bread. Blend custard mixture well until smooth and no date flecks remain.

Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and stir well with a spatula, making sure that all cubes are thoroughly covered. Let sit until the timer goes off.

When the timer goes off, stir the bread mixture again, smooshing everything a little bit. Pack into the prepared pan, making sure you press the mixture down into the corners of the pan, and smoothing the top evenly.

Bake until puffed and golden brown about 30 minutes.

Let cool on a wire rack before cutting. Serve with fresh berries if desired.