Date Banana Bread
A moist, flavorful banana bread infused with dates and nuts, perfect for breakfast or snacks, offering warm spices and natural sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together salt, soda, cinnamon, cloves, and flour in a bowl.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together margarine, oil, and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in chopped nuts and chopped dates.
- Add mashed bananas gradually and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Pour batter into greased loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute half of the sugar with brown sugar for added moisture. If you don't have chopped dates, dried figs or raisins can work as good alternatives. Be sure to let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy. This Date Banana Bread pairs beautifully with Margarine Cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Date Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but can also be served with a dollop of cream cheese or butter for added richness. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting snack. It also makes a great breakfast item, especially when served alongside fresh fruit or yogurt.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Date Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast for a few minutes to revive its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Banana Bread contains roughly 340 calories, with 5g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1142mg per serving (50% 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, frozen bananas work great for banana bread! Just thaw them beforehand, and make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will keep your batter from becoming too wet and ensures a perfect loaf every time.
What can I use instead of nuts if there's a nut allergy?
If you have a nut allergy, you can simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch. You could also consider adding more chopped dates or using chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
To check if your Date Banana Bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it's ready. If batter sticks to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
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).