Banana Date Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 bananas ((large, mashed))
• 100 grams walnuts ((optional extra, roughly chopped))
• 150 grams dates ((pitted and chopped))
• 120 grams hot water ((recently boiled))
• 1 teaspoon baking soda ((bicarb))
• 60 grams butter ((melted))
• 110 grams light brown sugar
• 2 eggs ((med/large))
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 250 grams plain flour ((all-purpose/standard grade))
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F. Place the rack in the middle of the oven. Grease and line a 9"x5" (23cm x 13cm) loaf pan with baking paper or parchment paper. Allow for the paper to hang over the edges of the loaf pan for easy removal.

2. 2

   On a plate, mash the bananas with a fork. Set aside. Chop the dates and set aside. Then chop the walnuts if making a banana date and walnut loaf. Set aside.

3. 3

   In a heat-proof bowl, combine the chopped dates, baking soda, and hot water. Stir to combine and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Combine the melted butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together until fully combined. If the butter is hot, allow to cool for 5 minutes before moving on.

5. 5

   Add in the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until thoroughly combined.

6. 6

   Add the mashed bananas, the date mixture, and the nuts. Stir through to fully combine.

7. 7

   Toss in the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until you have a nice batter. Do not overmix.

8. 8

   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the batter into the pan using the back of a spoon or offset spatula. Score down the center of the batter with a butter knife.

9. 9

   Bake the banana and date loaf in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Or until a cake tester or toothpick comes out clean from the middle of the loaf.

10. 10

    Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before lifting it out onto a wired rack to cool completely. When the banana and date loaf are completely cooled, slice, serve, and enjoy. The slices of bread can be served with some butter.