19 Apr 2025
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 cup dates
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
2 cups self-raising flour
2 bananas
1/3 cup walnuts
1 tsp baking soda
Indulge in the delightful fusion of rich dates, crunchy walnuts, and sweet bananas with this Date, Walnut and Banana Loaf. Perfect for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon snack, this loaf is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Date Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped dates, brown sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dates are soft. Remove from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and baking soda. Set aside.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the cooled date mixture to the bananas and mix until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add Walnuts:
Fold in the chopped walnuts gently into the batter.
7. Transfer to Loaf Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
9. Cool:
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve:
Slice and serve your delicious Date, Walnut, and Banana Loaf. Enjoy it as is, or spread with a bit of butter for an extra treat!
Tips:
- Make sure the date mixture has cooled significantly before adding it to the dry ingredients to avoid activating the baking soda too early.
- For extra flavor, toast the walnuts lightly in a pan before adding them to the batter.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the dates with the water and sugar until smooth after boiling and cooling.
- Store the loaf in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to a week.
Enjoy your homemade Date, Walnut and Banana Loaf, a perfect combination of sweetness and crunch. This loaf is great for sharing with family and friends, or as a wholesome treat just for you.