Banana Date Nut Bread
Banana bread is not a French trademark, but it’s actually one that the French have come to love. I have used this banana date nut bread recipe for years, as it’s a favorite among my family and friends, and I think it will quickly become one of your favorites too!
Easy Banana Date Nut Bread Recipe
What I also know is that a banana date nut bread like this can signify warmth, love, and comfort, which the world can always use a good dose of.
The tender crumb of this banana date nut bread and aroma of fall spices makes each slice of this loaf feel like a warm embrace.
This bread truly exemplifies the best of classic, comforting baked goods.
The use of oil in this bread (rather than butter) and fully ripened bananas ensure that the banana bread is extremely moist.
And when I say ripened bananas, I mean those bananas need to be littered with black spots; the bananas shouldn’t look appetizing.
When you use bananas that have almost gone bad, you get the best texture, moisture, and sweetness for your bread, and that’s what will make this banana date nut bread your favorite quick bread.
To give this banana bread a seasonal twist, I mixed in a pinch of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and stir in chopped dates and nuts into the batter. They give the bread more texture and also make the bread a bit heartier so that you can enjoy a slice for breakfast.
When you’re shopping for dates, try to look for dates that are really sticky. Appearance-wise, they should look somewhat slick and glossy rather than matte and muted.
Also, try to buy pitted dates because removing the pits can be a pain.
As for the nuts, you can use any type you want, but pecans during this time of the year are always a favorite.
This banana date nut bread would also make a lovely holiday gift for a neighbor, colleague, or just as a thoughtful gift to cheer someone up, as we could all use a little bit of cheering up from time to time, non?
Banana Date Nut Bread
Supremely moist and tender banana bread studded with chopped dates and pecans.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 1/8 cups sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- 3 very ripe, large bananas
- 3/4 cup chopped dates, plus 1/2 a tablespoon of flour
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 1 lb. loaf pan with baking spray or softened butter.
- Combine the salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the flour. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg, sugar, and oil together. Add the flour mixture in and mix until combined well.
- Add in your vanilla extract and yogurt; mix to combine. Add the bananas (Note: if you're not using an electric mixer, mash the bananas first before mixing them in). Mix until the batter is somewhat smooth (there should be small lumps left when you're done mixing).
- Toss the dates with the 1/2 tablespoon of flour (this will prevent the dates from sinking in the batter). Stir in the chopped dates and pecans. Pour your batter into your prepared pan.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Notes
Note: You can also bake the banana bread in 4 mini loaf pans. Distribute the batter among the greased loaf pans, then bake at 350°F for closer to 40 to 50 min, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1 LoafAmount Per Serving: Calories: 3911Total Fat: 158gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 3gUnsaturated Fat: 135gCholesterol: 188mgSodium: 1946mgCarbohydrates: 606gFiber: 33gSugar: 349gProtein: 46g
What happened/happening in Paris, Beirut, Mali, Saint Bernardino, and many many more places is truly sad. I sometimes loose hope. Everyday innocent people are becoming victims of greed because of leaders who shouldn’t be leaders. Even typing this makes me sad and angry…
But thank God for a good cake. Nowadays, one is lucky if they can have a cup of coffee at a cafe without getting shot. Or if you are able to come back home from work without getting shot by a lunatic.
Anyhow… Banana bread is a staple in our house. I usually add some chocolate in there too. Though I just realized, I haven’t made a plain version (like yours) for sometime now. But I am getting on it now. Thanks to your recipe. 🙂
Be safe and careful in Paris. <3
I know exactly what you mean, Aysegul! I think it’s really hard not to be angry or upset during times like this. I’ve learned that we just have to focus on nurturing love, positivity, and withholding judgement. After all, most of the people who commit these acts do so after getting to a point where they have lacked such emotions and feelings of acceptance in their life. Nothing good can ever come out of negativity.
I love your idea of adding chocolate in – such a wonderful treat! Thanks so much for your sweet and thoughtful comment – I really appreciate it <3 XO
What a well written post (though yours always are), Beeta! I’m glad to hear you aren’t canceling your trip, you are the kind of inspiration the world needs during times like these.
Wonderful recipe as well, banana bread is my favorite bread and I love the addition of dates and nuts. <3
Aww thanks so much, Sam! That really means a lot <3 Banana bread is my favorite too, and the dates and nuts just add such great flavor and texture. Thanks again <3
So happy you’re not canceling your trip, Beeta! Fear is a terrible thing. It can grip us or make us even more courageous. The grieving never goes away from the terror that rips across our planet. This bread sounds so warming and delicious. I’m a big date fan so I know this is something I’d love! Wishing you a fabulously delicious trip my dear! Can’t wait to hear all about it and see all the food inspiration you bring back! xox
Thank you so much, Traci! I agree, fear can be our worst enemy. But I try to avoid it as best as I can as it can keep you from living your life! Thank you so much for your well wishes and I can’t wait to report back with lots of new, yummy recipes! 🙂
Okay, first of all… this bread looks amazing! Such a delicious recipe! I love it! And secondly, you are so brave! I think that you love for your city and desire to go home is beautiful!! 🙂
Thanks so much, Cailee!! I feel more inspired than brave, especially seeing the French back out in the streets living their lives. Thanks so much for your support <3
Such a beautifully written post Beeta! You’re so right, love is the answer, not fear <3
Banana bread is such a comfort food! and i love your cold season twist – gorgeous!
hope you’ve had a lovely lead up to december! xx
Thank you so much, Bec! So glad you agree that love is always more powerful <3 And banana bread is such a comfort food, especially in the cold season! Hope you have a lovely holiday season <3
Je beaucoup aimé lire tes sentiments. Moi aussi j’étais totalement en état de choc. Maintenant il faut être forts et essayer de continuer à vivre librement. Prendre un verre en terrasse était normal maintenant ce presque un acte militante. Je trouve que ce très courageux de ta part venir en France, je peut comprendre ton entourage mais je te comprends aussi à toi!
En tout cas je suis ravie qu’on peut se rencontrer et si la météo le permets on mangera en terrasse!
Ton cake es parfait, gourmand et généreux ! xo
Aww, merci Eva!! Tu est très gentille!! J’ai hâte de te rencontrer quand je visite Bordeaux! Merci beaucoup pour tes mots gentils. XO
Honestly, I give you made props for not cancelling your trip, Beeta! I think its beautiful you want to go over there and show your support and love for a place that is so clearly apart of who you are. KUDOS, girlfriend! 🙂 Anyways, I have no clue where banana bread came from… that’s a great question for Google or Bing. 😉 But, what I do know is that I love ‘naner bread! LOVE the addition of dates, pecans and spices in here. I could devour a loaf of this for breakfast!! Cheers, my dear! xo
LOL Google is always to the rescue huh? I need to get on that! And I love that you call it ‘naner bread – that is so great! Thanks so much for your sweet words – always a joy to see you here! XO
This sounds amazing! Dates and bananas are perfect as sweeteners, yum!
Thanks so much Lindsey! They really are the perfect sweeteners! <3
But with 1 1/8 c of sugar in the recipe who needs more sugar, not to mention the sweetness from the bananas
Hi Carmen! It may seem like it’s very sweet but the banana bread is perfect as is written. I don’t like my baked goods overly sweet, but this recipe needs the amount of sugar outlined. 🙂