This classic date, walnut & banana loaf is perfectly moist, not overly sweet and packed full of flavour.
I have been experimenting with this date, walnut & banana loaf using spelt flour and I am finally happy with the outcome. I have the fondest memories of baking with my grandmother as a little girl. Oh, it brings me such joy just thinking about it…Me kneeling on a kitchen chair so that I would be tall enough to see what she was making and reach the countertop. One of the cakes she loved baking was a date & walnut loaf, as it became a family favourite. My grandmother would often let me mix and add ingredients because I would nag to help her and she would rather give in than listen to my constant groaning and mumbling. Those good old days brings a smile to my face, even now!
The date & walnut loaf was used as a base recipe but a few changes were made. ย I wanted this recipe to include bananas as this meant that I could drop the sugar quantity in the recipe. Sour cream was included for added moisture and mouthfeel. My grandmother softened the dates in a bicarb and hot water mix, but to be honest I prefer the use of freshly chopped dates, which means the “softening” step is not required in this recipe. The final change that I made was adding spelt flour in place of the traditional cake flour.
Recently I went on a little getaway to the Wilderness area and visited AfriCamps at Oakhurst. Just as a side note, if you looking to do some glamping you will really love this place and should definitely check it out. The setup is beyond special and the sunsets are another added benefit!
Before departing, I ย had a bunch of ripe bananas and some leftover sour cream in the fridge and instead of letting those ingredients go to waste, I thought that I will make a date, walnutย & banana loaf to take with as a snack. This is really a quick recipe to put together, which is amazing if you only have a short amount of time. Once the loaf is baked, it can be sliced and it is perfect served on its own or with some thickly spread butter.
I discovered that this loaf makes for easy travelling as I sliced it before leaving home and then just wrapped it up securely. Now tell me, is there a better way to enjoy a pit stop than with a slice of date, walnut & banana loaf in one hand and a coffee in the other? In my opinion, I would say, NO as this combo was the perfect match. The leftovers were had for breakfast the next morning as this loaf keeps really well. It can also be easily frozen and taken out at a later time.
If you ever find yourself with a bunch of overripe bananas on the shelf, then why not give this super delicious Spelt Date, Walnut & Banana Loaf a try, please let me know what you think. Your comments are most welcome!
Date, Walnut & Banana Loaf
Ingredients
- 125 grams Butter
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup *Ripe Banana’s (Mashed)
- 150 grams Dates (Fresh, Chopped)
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups *Spelt Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 50 grams Walnuts (Chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 160 degrees celsius.
- Mix the sugar and the butter until combined. Add the eggs one at a time until light and fluffy. Add the mashed banana, chopped dates, sour cream and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Sift dry ingredients (Spelt Flour, Salt, Baking Soda and Baking Powder) together and slowly fold into the wet mixture. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the mixture into a greased loaf tin (Garnish with nuts if you desire) and bake for 55 – 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool in tin for 5 – 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool.
- Ensure loaf is completely cooled before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutritional information for convenience and as a courtesy only.
