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    Home » Baked Goods

    Banana and Date Loaf

    Posted: Aug 10, 2021 · Updated: Aug 21, 2021 by Tonje

    Jump to Recipe
    Banana bread in a loaf pan.
    Two images of sliced banana bread.

    This easy to make banana and date loaf is a moist banana bread with a fantastic texture. It's great as a tasty snack, for breakfast or brunch.

    A plate of sliced banana bread, with half a loaf on the side.
    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love it
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • Serving suggestions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Frequently asked questions
    • You might also like these recipes
    • Recipe
    • Food safety tips

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about it in the privacy policy.

    This easy banana bread recipe is perfect for using up spare bananas, or to prepare a healthy, sweet snack for the lunchbox. Adding dates makes the bread extra sweet, and packed with energy.

    Why you'll love it

    • Really easy to make
    • Perfect moist banana bread
    • The dates add a lovely sweetness
    • Only requires 5 minutes of effort
    • Dairy free option available
    • A great way to use up over ripe bananas

    Ingredients

    Bananas: As ripe as possible. They are best when the banana peels have developed some brown spots.

    Dates: Make sure to remove any pits.

    Salt + cinnamon + vanilla extract: Add flavor.

    Baking soda: Gives the bread a good rise.

    Olive oil: Or vegetable oil. This makes the banana bread moist.

    Honey: Adds sweetness to the bread. You can substitute this with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer.

    Egg: Binds the bread together.

    Milk: Any milk works. Skim milk, oat milk, soy milk or almond milk are great options.

    All-purpose flour: Also known as plain flour. Use whole wheat flour for a more hearty version.

    The ingredients needed to make this recipe.

    Instructions

    You can find full instructions + ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page

    One: Add bananas to a mixing bowl. Use a spoon or fork to mash them.

    Two: Add the wet ingredients to the bowl, and whisk to combine.

    Three: Add the dry ingredients, and stir to combine.

    Step by step images showing how to make this recipe.

    Four: Be careful not to over mix the batter. The ingredients should only be just combined.

    Five: Remove the pits from the dates, and roughly chop them. Stir these into the banana bread batter.

    Six: Pour into a lined loaf pan. Bake at 360 F / 180 C for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick or skewer inserted into the middle of the bread comes out clean.

    Step by step images showing how to make this recipe.

    Top tips

    • Don't over mix the ingredients. You only want them to be barely combined. A few lumps here and there is fine.
    • Preheat your oven to ensure an even cooking result.
    • Use a silicone bread pan, coat the pan with butter, or use parchment paper. All these methods will prevent the loaf from sticking to the pan, and makes it much easier to remove it once the bread is cooked.
    • Make sure to remove any pits from the dates. Many dates are sold without pits, but it's really easy to remove them if needed.
    • This is a great recipe to use up leftover brown or over ripe bananas. They should ideally have several brown spots all over - this means that the bananas will be very soft and sweet.

    Serving suggestions

    Serve sliced banana and date loaf as a snack. I love to enjoy it for afternoon tea, or as a late night treat. You can also enjoy it with a cup of gingerbread latte for breakfast.

    I like to eat banana bread plain, but you can also add a tasty spread to the slices. Try peanut butter, cream cheese, feta cheese spread or any jam that you like.

    Banana bread with dates in a loaf pan.

    Variations

    Extra mix-ins: Add additional mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, raisins, cranberries or diced apples.

    Roasted banana bread: If you don't have any ripe bananas, you can roast bananas at 400 F / 200 C for about 5-10 minutes, or until the peel is completely black. This will make the bananas incredibly soft and sweet.

    Spices: Try adding various spices or flavorings to your banana bread. Cinnamon is a classic option, but vanilla extract, gingerbread spice, pumpkin spice, and nutmeg are all great options that taste fantastic in banana loaves.

    Dairy free: Make sure to use a dairy free milk option. Oat milk, almond milk and soy milk are all excellent options.

    Sliced banana and date loaf.

    Equipment

    To make this banana loaf, you will need a loaf pan or bread pan. Additionally, you will need a mixing bowl.

    I like to use a manual hand whisk, but an electric mixer can also be very helpful.

    Storage

    Store leftover banana bread with dates at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months. Defrost frozen bread at room temperature for a few hours.

    The bread can be served at room temperature, or reheated lightly in a microwave or oven and served warm.

    Sliced banana date bread, with a loaf in the background.

    Frequently asked questions

    What's the difference between banana bread and banana loaf?

    Banana bread and banana loaf are the same thing. Sometimes it's called banana loaf to emphasize that it's made in the shape of a loaf.

    Why did my banana loaf sink?

    If your banana loaf sinks after it is cooked, you might have added too much baking soda, or not cooked it for long enough. Make sure to be careful with the measurements, and use the toothpick test to ensure that the bread is cooked in the middle.

    Can bananas be too ripe for banana bread?

    Check the bananas for signs of mold. If they seem fine, they will be ok to use in banana bread.

    Can you make banana bread with frozen bananas?

    Yes, but the bananas will have to be defrosted before use. Frozen bananas are perfect for banana bread as they are very soft.

    You might also like these recipes

    • Blueberry and White Chocolate Muffins
    • Healthy Banana Bread with Blueberries
    • Banana Overnight Oats
    • Banana Protein Pancakes
    • Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes
    • Banana Carrot Muffins
    • Caramelized Oven Baked Bananas
    • Banana Churros
    • Banana Oat Muffins

    If you make this recipe, make sure to post a photo to Instagram with #hintofhealthy!

    Recipe

    Banana and date loaf.

    Banana and Date Loaf

    This easy banana and date loaf is easy to make with ripe bananas, and taste great. Serve banana bread for breakfast, as a snack, or as a sweet treat in the lunchbox!
    No ratings yet
    Created by: Tonje
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 50 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 slices
    Calories 255 kcal

    Equipment

    • Bread Pan
    • Mixing Bowl
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 3 medium bananas
    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • ⅓ cup honey
    • ½ cup chopped dates
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda (bicarbonate)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 360 F / 180 C.
    • Add bananas to a mixing bowl. Use a spoon or fork to mash them.
      3 medium bananas
    • Add the wet ingredients to the bowl, and whisk to combine.
      ⅓ cup olive oil, ⅓ cup honey, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Add the dry ingredients, and stir to combine. Be careful not to over mix the batter. The ingredients should only be just combined.
      2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt
    • Remove the pits from the dates, and roughly chop them. Stir these into the banana bread batter.
      ½ cup chopped dates
    • Pour into a lined loaf pan. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick or skewer inserted into the middle of the bread comes out clean.

    Video

    Notes

    • Add-ins: You can also add blueberries, raisins, sultanas, chopped walnuts or chocolate chips as additional add-ins. 
    • Line the bread pan with parchment paper, or use a non-stick silicone bread pan. This prevents the bread from sticking to the pan after it's cooked.
    • Allow the bread to cool down slightly before you slice it.
    • Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 255kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 182mgPotassium: 221mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 72IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword banana bread, date, easy, healthy, ripe bananas
    Tried this recipe?Mention @hintofhealthyfood or tag #hintofhealthy!

    Food safety tips

    • Use a toothpick or skewer inserted into the middle of the bread to make sure that it's cooked throughout
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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    Hi, I'm Tonje! I make easy and healthy everyday recipes that your family will love. Browse my recipe collection to discover new favorites, and make sure to let me know what you think!

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