Banana-Date-Nut Bread
A moist and flavorful banana-date-nut bread that combines ripe bananas, sweet dates, and crunchy nuts for a delightful treat. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting, it appeals to fruit lovers and those seeking a wholesome, homemade loaf with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together.
- Add beaten eggs and mix well.
- Add baking soda to sour milk or hot water to activate it.
- Mix in mashed bananas.
- Add chopped nuts, chopped dates, and flour to the mixture.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If you don't have sour milk, adding a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk works well. To enhance the banana flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you're looking for a twist, try mixing in shredded coconut, reminiscent of Banana Coconut Bread.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of cream cheese or a spread of almond butter for added richness. Enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or snack. For a special occasion, it pairs beautifully with a slice of Heavenly Orange Cheesecake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Banana-Date-Nut 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. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or toast until golden brown for a delicious treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana-Date-Nut Bread contains roughly 731 calories, with 4g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 654mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
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, using frozen bananas is a great option! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They will provide the same sweetness and moisture as fresh bananas.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Banana-Date-Nut Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, such as baking soda and nuts, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I add other ingredients to this bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor. Experimenting with different nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can also add a wonderful crunch and taste.
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).