Banana Date Nut Cake
A moist, flavorful banana date nut cake that combines ripe bananas, sweet dates, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for breakfast, teatime, or as a dessert, it offers a rich, fruity taste with a tender crumb, appealing to banana lovers and those seeking a wholesome treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, process bananas until pureed.
- In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat in the pureed bananas, softened butter, and sour cream until well combined.
- Stir in chopped dates and chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into greased and floured 13 x 9 x 2-inch pans.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. If you don't have sour cream, plain yogurt can be a great substitute. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and moisture. For added texture, you can also incorporate shredded coconut or swap walnuts with pecans. This cake can be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Banana Date Nut Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a brunch option, consider serving it alongside Cherry's Salad for a fresh contrast. Dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To reheat, microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at a low temperature until heated through. This cake also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Date Nut Cake contains roughly 436 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 474mg per serving (21% 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. This helps the flavors meld together. Before serving, you can dust it with powdered sugar for a fresh look.
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).