Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of warm, moist banana bread that's not just ordinary, but a spectacular fusion of sweet bananas, caramel-like dates, and warm cinnamon spices. This isn't just another banana bread recipe - it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of comfort and flavor. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home chef, this Spiced Banana Date Bread will become your new go-to recipe that promises to impress family and friends with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth and mostly lump-free. The bananas should be very soft and have dark brown spots for maximum sweetness.
- Chop the pitted dates into small, uniform pieces. This will help them distribute evenly throughout the bread and ensure a consistent texture.
- In the same bowl with mashed bananas, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined and slightly frothy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- Gently fold in the chopped dates, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- For best flavor, wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap and let it sit overnight. The flavors will meld and intensify, creating a more delicious bread.
Tips
- Choose overripe bananas with dark brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
- Always sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Do not overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to maintain its structural integrity.
- For enhanced flavor, let the bread rest overnight, allowing spices and ingredients to meld together.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
- For extra richness, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
