Banana Date Loaf

A delicious banana loaf sweetened with dates instead of sugar! Yum!

Serves: 1 loaf (9x5x3 loaf pan), freezes well.

Prep Time: 15-20 min

Cooking Time: 50-60 min

Total:  65- 80 min

Ingredients

1 cup dried dates, pitted
1/2 cup hot water
4 tbsp. butter or margarine, room temperature
2 eggs, at room temperature
1 tbsp. vanilla
2 cups flour, white or whole wheat
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2/3 cup chopped pecan or walnut pieces
1-2 bananas, cut lengthwise in half  (optional)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, cover dates with hot water and allow to soften for 10 minutes.
2. Pour dates into a larger bowl.  Using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat dates so that a smooth puree forms.
3. Add butter or margarine and beat well.  Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Add vanilla and mix.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  Add to date mixture and mix until combined.
5. Fold in mashed bananas and pecans or walnuts.
6. Pour into a prepared, greased or parchment paper lined pan and press banana halves into the top of the cake.  Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 50-60 minutes , or until toothpick in centre comes out clean.  Cool and serve.

Recipe from pamelasalzman.com