Banana Bread With Dates
A moist and flavorful banana bread with chopped dates and walnuts, offering rich sweetness and texture. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix mayonnaise and sugar well.
- Add mashed bananas to sifted flour, soda, chopped dates, and broken walnuts.
- Mix the ingredients together until combined.
- Pour the batter into well greased and floured pans (2 medium pans or 5 small foil pans).
- Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes for small pans and 1 hour for medium pans.
- Cool in pans for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter banana bread, consider substituting half of the mayonnaise with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor. You can also swap the walnuts for pecans or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. To enhance the flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of banana bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful twist, consider serving alongside a bowl of No Sugar Fresh Fruit Ambrosia for a fresh contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Bread With Dates contains roughly 685 calories, with 14g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas work well in banana bread, providing the same moisture and sweetness as fresh ripe bananas.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this banana bread vegan, substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayonnaise or replace it with 1/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce and add a bit more flour if needed. Ensure that the dates used are also vegan-friendly.
How can I enhance the flavor of my banana bread?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also mix in chocolate chips or dried fruit for added sweetness and texture. Experimenting with these additions can elevate your banana bread to a new level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).