Banana Bread with Walnuts and Dates

banana date bread

Maybe it’s the yoga. Maybe it’s because I’m in my thirties. Maybe it’s because I’m in a pensive mood. Whatever it is, I’ve learned to accept one thing:

There are times when simple is best.

Sure, there is a time for over-the-top. There is a time for comedy. And I’ve been called an over-exaggerator and a drama queen for as long as I can remember. But sometimes all you really need is a classic. Something simple, something easy, something uncomplicated and not necessarily dripping with chocolate. Or dulce de leche.

(I know, I know. I’m not sick, I promise.)

banana bread with dates and walnuts

Lately I’ve been leaning towards the simple.

Case in point #1: I’m spending Thanksgiving this week with my friends and my sister Patty, who’s visiting from Manila. I offered to bring pie, and appetizers. But instead of whipping myself into a frenzy by making multiple apps for a small dinner party, I decided to just make a cheese plate from my favorite Trader Joe’s products. Easy.

Case in point #2: I’ve been known as the single girl for years, but a few months ago I started dating someone. He’s sweet and smart and he makes me laugh all the time. When I’m with him, things feel right, and now we’re in a relationship. Simple. (PS – his name is Matt.)

Case in point #3: I wanted to make banana bread a few weeks ago and I couldn’t decide what to mix in. Should I swirl in peanut butter? Add dollops of caramel? Make a crumb topping? A double chocolate base? But I decided to nix the chocolate, or the frosting, and just stick to my Classic Banana Bread recipe with a couple of earthier toppings: walnuts and dates. It’s not complicated.

banana date walnut bread

Simple doesn’t necessarily mean bare bones. And I did serve slices of this banana bread with pats of butter. I couldn’t help it. But the banana bread was soft and tender, with some sweetness and texture from the dates and walnuts. Paired with your favorite breakfast drinks, it would make for a nice little morning treat. And there’s nothing crazy about it.

Yield: 1 loaf

Banana Bread with Walnuts and Dates

Ingredients

1 teaspoon butter to grease loaf pan
1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup coconut oil
3 very ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup pitted and chopped dates
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2.  Butter a 9" x 5" loaf pan, then dust with flour.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together sugars and eggs. Add coconut oil, mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix to combine.
  5. Fold in flour mixture.
  6. Add dates and walnuts.
  7. Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake for an hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the bread comes out clean.

banana bread with walnuts and dates

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week! I am thankful for all of you <3

   

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