Cinnamon Date Banana Bread [UPDATED]

I have posted a recipe for almost this exact loaf of banana bread, but I've made it a few more times since with slight modifications that I thought were worth sharing. This loaf remains gluten, sugar, oil, dairy and nut free, and can be vegan with a flax or chia egg substitution.

For my original loaf, I used sorghum and buckwheat flours. Though it turned out delicious, buckwheat flour is very dense and doesn't rise well, so I wasn't completely happy with the finished product. Buckwheat also has a fairly strong nutty flavor that I thought was slightly overpowering in the bread. I also think I blended to banana too much - it really only needs a rough mashing rather than a complete puree. I also decreased the bananas and added 100% natural applesauce as a replacement.

With the use of new flour and the addition of applesauce, this banana bread turned out crispy on the outside while remaining moist on the inside. I hope you like this version as much as me!!



Makes 1, 5" x 9" Standard Loaf


You will need:

• 2 cups gluten free All Purpose flour
• 1.5 cups mashed RIPE bananas
• about 3 large bananas
• 1/2 cup 100% natural applesauce
• 1 egg
• for vegan, sub 1 flax or chia egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup finely chopped medjool dates

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350F.

Mash your bananas with a fork to form a smooth puree. It's ok if there are banana chunks. Place in a medium sized mixing bowl, then add the applesauce. Whisk your egg and add it (or your egg substitute) to the banana/applesauce bowl, then stir until combined.

Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon to a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Add the chopped dates into the flour mixture and stir to combine. Pour in the banana mixture and fold with a spatula until just combined. It will be pretty dense, but don't over-mix - just enough until all the flour is incorporated.

Pour into a greased loaf pan (or lined with parchment paper) and bake in your oven for 50-55 minutes until the top is crispy and golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Let cool completely before slicing (it will be difficult to wait, it smells SO GOOD), then cut and serve!

Enjoy! :)