Tahini Date Banana Bread Recipe

If you’re a banana bread lover looking for a delicious twist, this Tahini Date Banana Bread is about to become your new obsession. Imagine moist, tender banana bread bursting with the natural sweetness of dates, perfectly complemented by the nutty richness of tahini. This beautiful loaf is not only packed with flavor but also carries a subtle depth from the tahini that makes each bite something truly special. Whether as a morning treat or an afternoon snack, this bread is an irresistible way to elevate a classic favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are incredibly straightforward yet come together to create a complex, balanced loaf. Each component plays an important role in flavor, texture, or aroma, ensuring your Tahini Date Banana Bread is absolutely perfect every time.

• 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour: The foundation for structure with a tender crumb.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warm, inviting spice that wakes up the flavors.
• 3/4 tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully and stay light.
• 3/4 tsp baking soda: Reacts with acids for fluffy texture and lift.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 1/4 cup mashed overripe banana: Naturally sweet and moist, the star ingredient.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Gives caramel notes and extra moistness.
• 1/4 cup cane sugar: Adds depth of sweetness with a clean finish.
• 1/4 cup non-dairy milk: Keeps the loaf tender and adds slight creaminess.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: For moist, flavorful richness without heaviness.
• 3 tbsp tahini: Brings that signature nutty, earthy flavor and elevates the bread exponentially.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A warm note that rounds out the flavors.
• 12 medjool dates, pitted and chopped: Natural bursts of sweetness and chewy texture.
• Sesame seeds and flaky salt for topping (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Tahini Date Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×4 loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This little trick makes removing the bread a breeze and keeps the crust beautifully intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, so your Tahini Date Banana Bread rises uniformly and tastes perfectly spiced.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the mashed overripe bananas with brown sugar and cane sugar until smooth. Add the non-dairy milk, olive oil, tahini, and vanilla extract, blending everything together to create a luscious, flavorful wet base. The tahini adds a subtle, irresistible nuttiness that will soon infuse every bite.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix just until combined; overmixing can make the bread tough, so be gentle. Fold in the chopped Medjool dates, which will add irresistible pockets of natural sweetness and chewiness throughout your loaf.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle sesame seeds and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top if you like a little texture and extra flavor. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes until your Tahini Date Banana Bread turns a beautiful, deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This rest allows the flavors to fully develop and makes slicing easier without crumbling. Then, slice, serve, and get ready to fall in love all over again!

How to Serve Tahini Date Banana Bread

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a light drizzle of tahini on top can enhance the nutty notes and add a beautiful visual contrast. Consider a smear of almond butter or vegan cream cheese for an extra creamy touch.

Side Dishes

Tahini Date Banana Bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of robust coffee or chai tea. For a more substantial breakfast or snack, add fresh fruit on the side such as berries or sliced apples to brighten the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your loaf into a stunning dessert by serving warm slices topped with a scoop of coconut ice cream and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. You could also make mini loaf-sized portions to gift friends or bring to brunch – each bite packed with that irresistible tahini and date combo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Tahini Date Banana Bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist and flavorful.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze individual pieces in airtight freezer bags. This allows you to enjoy a slice or two anytime without thawing the whole loaf. Simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring out the bread’s soft texture and enhance those deep tahini and date flavors. A quick toast will also add a pleasant slight crispness to the edges.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of non-dairy milk?

Absolutely! Regular milk works just fine in this recipe if you’re not avoiding dairy. The texture and taste will still be wonderfully moist and rich.

What if I don’t have Medjool dates?

You can substitute with other soft dates or even dried figs chopped finely. Just make sure they’re soft enough to blend well within the batter.

Is tahini essential for this banana bread?

The tahini truly makes this bread unique by adding a toasty, slightly earthy undertone. Though you could omit it, you’d lose that extra layer of flavor that makes this bread so special.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend should work well. Just note that texture might vary slightly but the flavor will still shine through.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal because they bring maximum sweetness and moisture, which is key in your Tahini Date Banana Bread.

Final Thoughts

This Tahini Date Banana Bread is one of those rare recipes that straddles the line between comfort food and something a little adventurous. Its moist crumb, rich flavor layers, and hint of wholesome sweetness make it a pleasure to bake and even more delightful to share. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation!

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