Banana Nut Date Cake
A moist, flavorful banana nut date cake featuring ripe bananas, chopped dates, and crunchy nuts, perfect for dessert or teatime with a rich, sweet taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter with sugar and eggs until well combined.
- Add mashed bananas and vanilla, mixing thoroughly.
- Sift together dry ingredients: flour, salt, and soda.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in chopped dates and nuts.
- Pour batter into a tube, loaf, or layer pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using browned butter instead of regular butter. You can substitute the buttermilk with yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if needed. If you prefer a sweeter cake, add a bit more sugar or use honey. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. For an interesting twist, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for brunch or dessert. For a twist, enjoy it alongside a slice of Cabbage Au Gratin to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Banana Nut Date Cake 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 microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Nut Date Cake contains roughly 994 calories, with 7g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), potassium (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1020mg per serving (44% 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
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary, and start checking a few minutes before the suggested time.
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).