The riper and browner your bananas are, the better this recipe will taste, so use the most overripe bananas in your fruit bowl.
Bored of regular banana bread? Try this more exciting variation with dates and a delicious pecan crumble.
It's still simple and easy and doesn't use any oil or butter, just ripe bananas to provide moisture. All you need to make it is two bowls and a spoon.
While this recipe will work without the dates, they're a lovely touch for natural sweetness. If you don't have them or don't like them, try a nut of your choice or some roughly chopped chocolate.
Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a 25 cm loaf tin with baking paper.
Start by making the Pecan Crumble Topping. Roughly chop the pecans and place them in a small bowl. Add the brown sugar, flour, salt, and butter, and rub together with your fingers until crumbs form. Set aside.
To make the banana bread, peel and mash the bananas in a large bowl. In a small bowl, beat the eggs then add to the mashed banana, then add the castor sugar and whisk together.
Sift in the flour and cinnamon, then add the dates and gently fold in, being careful not to over mix. This will help keep the banana bread soft.
Pour the batter to your tin and sprinkle the Pecan Crumble Topping over the top.
Bake for 40 minutes or until a skewer in the middle comes out clean, and the top is golden brown.
How can I tell if my bananas are ripe enough for this recipe?
The best bananas for this recipe are the ones you probably don't want to eat, with black spots, brown skin and very soft inside. They will mash very easily. If you don't have overripe bananas, put the bananas in a paper bag on the kitchen bench or in the sun and wait a couple of days.
How do I make sure the banana bread is soft and fluffy?
Be careful to not overmix the batter. This will prevent the gluten from developing and make the banana bread dense. Gently fold the ingredients in until just combined.
What if i don't like dates?
If you aren't a fan of dates, you can leave them out, or replace them with the same quantity of chocolate chips or a nut of your choice.
Is it possible to make this banana bread ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, wait until the banana bread has cooled completely, then slice and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap before popping them in the freezer. Defrost in the fridge then toast and serve with lots of butter.
Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients in this recipe. It isn't a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
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