Banana, Walnut and Date Bread, EDC

[meganjane]

I made this today and was really disappointed. It's gluggy, even though it was cooked through.The bananas I used were quite large and that may have been the issue.

The dates definitely do not need to be processed for 1 minute, mine were glued to the outside of the bowl after 30 seconds.

It also rises strangely and cracks on top. I notice the picture in the book does the same.

Also far too sweet with dates and sugar. Next time, I'd reduce the liquid by half and sugar to 100g. Though, I think I prefer my regular recipe which is very popular in my house! I'll post it later and link back.

[achookwoman]

MJ, thanks for an honest review and recommendations.

[fundj&e]

thanks MJ i have been waiting to try this when the bananas went down in price , i have 3 bananas ready to go now. i will now wait for your recipe now  

[nazar]

 l like banana bread  would be good to try your version when you post it

[meganjane]

Okay, here's my recipe: Mrs Woo's Banana Cake

[Slice of Health]

I've made this a few times and I agree, the texture is definitely not like a banana bread or cake is expected to be, and mine too always has a couple of cracks on the top. I wondered if it was something I was doing wrong (dense texture) but I continue to make it because we really like the taste! I mill the dates with the nuts to prevent sticking and it creates a nice crumbly mixture that comes away easily. I make it in a slice pan (and the overall shape doesn't have the big hump) and think of it as a slice rather than a cake or bread otherwise I too, would be disappointed and abandon it.  I like the combination of dates, walnuts and banana and also with the milled whole wheat grains it is quite wholesome and filling slice/snack. I reduced the amount of sugar a bit because as you say, the dates do give a lot of the sweetness. I made it again today with hazelnuts and raisins as I didn't have the other ingredients and the result was very similar.

[meganjane]

Kelsha, great idea to make it as a slice! It was tasty, but just too dense. As a slice it would be much lighter as it would take less time to cook. I'll make a note to mill the dates and nuts together.

Glad you persisted! Thanks so much.

[Lisa70]

Wow, I was so surprised when I read the earlier posts. I love this recipe, I've made it time and time again and everyone loves it. The only thing I do differently is cook it for 45 minutes, doesn't need the full hour in my oven. It does crack at the top but it doesn't effect the taste. I love the fact that you mill the grain. Fantastic recipe 

[cookie1]

Thanks Lisa. It's good to get lots of opinions.

[brazen20au]

i made this today and was very disappointed very dry on top, gluggy on bottom and not a nice taste

[csrobinson]

I have made this lots of times and it never lasts long in our house because it's so yummy. I love it's dense texture

I will say that I do tweak it a fair bit, playing around with sugar amounts and different flours. I have also subbed in zuchinni and carrot and it has still worked out great.

[djinni373]

Despite the mixed reviews I liked the sound of this.

I processed the dates and the nuts together, used 100g sugar, 1 egg (not in the mood for a lone egg yolk in the fridge ATM) halved the oil and added an extra banana.

It did crack on the top, and as you can see, I should have checked it before the hour was up
However it is lovely and fairly healthy although still a little too sweet IMHO. Next time I'll try even less sugar and set the timer for 45 mins.

This lot love it so I don't know how well it keeps 

[Slice of Health]

That looks really nice djinni ! I haven't made this for awhile, must make again.

[achookwoman]

Djinni,  thanks for the suggestions. Will try this.