
Unfortunately, the store-bought varieties are often laded in refined sugars and saturated fats. Simple swaps like replacing white flour with wholemeal, ditching the butter for extra virgin olive oil and adding in a handful of dried dates all boost the nutrient profile of the loaf, increasing levels of dietary fibre, heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and B-group vitamins.
Serves 10
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 45 minutes
Gluten Free*, Nut Free, Vegetarian suitable
3 large overripe bananas
¼ cup pure maple syrup
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 eggs, whisked
½ cup skim milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups wholemeal self-raising flour*
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup pitted dried dates, roughly chopped.
1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Line a 22cm x 10cm loaf pan with baking paper.
2. Place two of the bananas in a large mixing bowl and mash with a fork. Add maple syrup, olive oil, eggs, milk and vanilla and whisk until smooth.
3. Add in flour, cinnamon and dates. Mix to combine and then pour mixture into lined loaf pan.
4. Slice the remaining banana in half, lengthways. Place the two banana halves onto the top of the mixture and press down lightly. Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer is inserted and comes out clean. Remove and allow to cool in pan for five minutes, before turning out onto a cooling rack. Slice into 10 even slices.