Classic recipes like this Banana and Date loaf never go out of fashion.
Loaves are so incredibly popular, and for good reason. They are really simple to make and they last for several days in addition to freezing well.
I have several loaf recipes on the blog now and many more to come, they are great in lunch boxes and served for afternoon tea also.
This version is banana and date which is a lovely combo. The sweetness of both the bananas and the dates are lovely without being too sweet and give just enough flavour. I have used dried dates but you can use fresh if you prefer.
Do you store overripe bananas in the freezer? They are absolutely perfect for baking, as they are super sweet. Once your bananas go brown on the bench you can simply pop the entire banana, skin and all, in the freezer.
When you require it simply thaw on the bench, or I have been known to thaw them quickly in the microwave when short on time! The bananas I used today were less than ideal but still worked well!
All of the ingredients for this one are simple pantry staples, the browner the bananas the better. See below if you have these on hand
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Self Raising Flour
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Butter
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Caster Sugar
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Dates
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Banans
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Eggs
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Honey
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Vanilla
The method is lovely and easy too. Simply rub the butter into the self raising flour, then stir in the sugar, finely chopped dates and mashed bananas. Then combine the eggs, vanilla and honey and mix. I use a runny honey, but clover honey would be lovely too.
Then it is a matter of spooning it into the prepared loaf tin and spreading until smooth.
This recipe keeps really well and freezes beautifully also. The size of the loaf tin for this recipe is 9 x 5 inches which is approximately 22cm x 12 cm, so quite small but perfect for this recipe.
To line a loaf tin I find the best way is to line it in two directions, one wider piece of baking paper laid on the longer side, up the edges to this forms a sling you can lift out once baked, and another thin piece going up the other direction.
I love baking with banana, such a lovely flavour and I have several recipes which are firm favourites with my followers, check them out below
I hope you enjoy this recipe and add it to your ever growing list of must try baking.
Recipe for Banana and Date Loaf
Banana and Date Loaf
Delicious Banana & Date Loaf, so tasty and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Self Raising Flour, 290 grams
- 75 grams Butter, cubed
- 1/3 Cup Caster Sugar, 70 grams
- 115 grams Dates, pitted finely chopped, nearly one cup
- 2 Overripe Bananas mashed
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 2 Tablespoons Runny Honey, 30mls
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 160 C Bake, 325 F
Prepare a 22 x 12cm loaf tin with baking spray and baking paper lined up each side
In a large bowl add the self raising flour and the cubed butter
Using your fingertips rub the butter into the flour until no lumps of butter remain, this can take a while
Add to this the caster sugar, finely chopped dates and mashed bananas
In a small cup or bowl whisk together the eggs, honey and vanilla and tip that into the larger bowl also
Using a large wooden spoon carefully combine the ingredients until it comes together and no lumps of flour remain
Spoon this into the prepared tin and spread until smooth
Bake in the oven for 1 hour, or until a skewer or knife inserted comes out clean and the loaf is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow the slice to cool for 30 minutes before placing on a wire rack to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container when not serving, this loaf will freeze well also
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 229Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 341mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 2gSugar: 19gProtein: 4g
I cannot wait to hear what you think of this one, be sure to let me know in the comments below.
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Carole says
I’m going to make this today as it sounds delicious. Just wondering how long it keeps in an airtight container?
justamumnz says
Usually 4-5 days if it’s stored in a cool dark place. ☺️
Eleanor Carvill says
Can you use plain flour and baking powder instead of self raising flour? If so wot would be measurements please?
justamumnz says
Yes you can. Use 2 cups of plain white flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to replace the 2 Cups of Self Raising Flour.
Maddie says
Easy recipe to make. The loaf tasted delicious warmed with butter!
Rachna says
Loved the recipe I added walnuts too and it is as amazing.
Angie says
I was wondering whether you can substitute butter with canola oil or olive oil ?
justamumnz says
You can often replace the butter with oil in baking, usually canola as olive oil a strong tasting oil. However in this case the method involves rubbing cold butter into the flour, which you cannot do with oil. I have not tested this recipe with another method. If you do please let me know.