Banana Date Nut Bread (vegan, oil-free, refined sugar free)

slices of bread laying on top of each other
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This banana date nut bread is a healthier banana bread that is naturally sweetened and studded with walnuts. It’s so delicious, addicting, and wholesome. I can never get enough banana bread and this one with dates and nuts is amazing! It’s so comforting and cozy too!

I love that this banana bread is only sweetened with a touch of pure maple syrup, the natural sweetness from the ripe bananas, and medjool dates. The dates add a caramel-like flavor to this bread and it is so good! This bread also tastes even sweeter the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.

The ingredients to this banana date nut bread are simple and easy to find. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry too! I kept this banana bread oil-free, making it healthier than traditional banana bread. It is important to use super ripe bananas so the bread can be nice and moist.

I used a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour, but feel free to use just all-purpose or even a whole wheat pastry flour. If you are gluten-free, I’m sure a gluten-free 1:1 all-purpose flour will work, although I haven’t tested it. Let me know if you try it!

This banana date nut bread is so yummy and I am obsessed with the walnuts in it. The walnuts add the perfect crunch to this soft, moist bread. The nutty flavor also pairs so well with the sweet banana bread. You can swap it out for whatever nuts you like, but I would recommend a more “buttery” type of nut like pecans or macadamia nuts.

If you make this banana date nut bread, tag me @nutsaboutgreens on Instagram so I can see your creations. Also, don’t forget to leave a comment below!

overview shot of the entire loaf of banana date nut bread overview shot of banana bread with some slices cut overview close up shot of a slice of banana date nut bread slices cut out of bread slices of bread laying on top of each other three slices of banana date nut bread stacked on top of each other

Banana Date Nut Bread (vegan, oil-free, refined sugar free)

This banana date nut bread is a healthier banana bread that is naturally sweetened and studded with walnuts. It's so delicious, addicting, and wholesome. I can never get enough banana bread and this one with dates and nuts is amazing!
Print Recipe
slices of bread laying on top of each other
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:50 minutes
Total Time:1 hour

Ingredients

  • 3 very ripe bananas
  • 2 flax eggs (2 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 Tbsp water)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or sub with more all-purpose flour)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 8 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, make the flax egg by adding the ground flaxseed and water. Stir and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
  • In a medium bowl, add your flours, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
  • In the large bowl with the flax eggs, add the ripe bananas and mash until smooth. Then add the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
  • Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula and mix until just combined. Careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped walnuts and dates.
  • Pour batter into the lined loaf pan. Top with extra chopped walnuts and dates if desired. Bake for 50-60 minutes (mine took 55 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Lift bread out and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy! Store in an airtight container on the counter for 3 days. It will be more moist and flavorful the next day too!
Servings: 8
Author: valeria.chao