Today, I want to share with you a delicious recipe that I recently discovered - Banana and Date Loaf. This sweet and moist loaf is the perfect treat for any time of the day. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, it is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Banana and Date Loaf
The combination of bananas and dates in this loaf creates a wonderful flavor profile. The natural sweetness of the bananas pairs perfectly with the rich, caramel-like taste of dates. Plus, the addition of dates adds a moist and tender texture to the loaf.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped dates.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
How to prepare:
The preparation of this Banana and Date Loaf is as simple as can be. Just follow the step-by-step instructions provided and you’ll have a delicious loaf in no time.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Nutrition Facts:
Calories per serving: 250
Total fat: 10g
Saturated fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total carbohydrate: 40g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 3g
Tips:
- You can add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an extra crunch.
- Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor in your loaf.
- Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Just make sure to follow the instructions provided on the package.
Q: Can I freeze the loaf?
A: Yes, you can freeze the loaf for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Q: Can I use other types of fruit instead of dates?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different fruits like raisins, dried apricots, or dried cranberries. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces before adding them to the batter.
Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to gather the ingredients and get baking. Enjoy this delicious Banana and Date Loaf with your loved ones or as a special treat just for yourself. Happy baking!
