Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Date Nut Banana Bread brings together the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. The bananas add moisture and natural sweetness, while the dates contribute a deep, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the nuts. The addition of walnuts or pecans gives the bread a satisfying crunch in every bite. It’s an easy recipe that requires minimal effort and is ideal for using up overripe bananas while adding a twist to the classic banana bread. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients with dates and nuts!

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or vegetable oil for a lighter version)
1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Stir to combine and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter (or oil) and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the chopped dates and nuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 slices
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Vegan Date Nut Banana Bread: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
Gluten-Free Date Nut Banana Bread: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Chocolate Chip Date Nut Banana Bread: Add 1/4 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
Dried Fruit Banana Bread: You can substitute or add dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots along with the dates for extra flavor.
Spicy Date Nut Banana Bread: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the batter for an additional layer of spice.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Slice the banana bread and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or place it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of nut in this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of nut you like, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts, instead of walnuts or pecans.

2. Can I make this banana bread without dates?

While dates add natural sweetness and flavor, you can substitute them with raisins, dried cranberries, or simply add more banana for sweetness.

3. Can I use a sugar substitute for the brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or another sweetener of your choice. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly.

4. How ripe should the bananas be?

Use very ripe bananas, preferably ones with brown spots on the peel. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

5. Can I add other spices to this banana bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices such as ground ginger, allspice, or nutmeg for an added depth of flavor.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Make sure it has the necessary binders like xanthan gum for proper texture.

7. How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?

Be careful not to overmix the batter, as overmixing can result in dense bread. Also, make sure your bananas are mashed well and evenly incorporated into the mixture.

8. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, to make it egg-free, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or chia eggs.

9. Can I use oat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute oat flour, but the texture may be a bit denser. You may want to add a bit more liquid or try a combination of oat flour and almond flour for better structure.

10. How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top, and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. If the bread is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.

Conclusion

This Date Nut Banana Bread is a hearty, delicious twist on the classic banana bread, with the sweetness of dates and the crunch of nuts enhancing the flavor in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Simple to make, and even easier to enjoy, this bread is perfect for using up ripe bananas while adding extra richness and flavor!