Soft and moist, this healthy banana date bread is perfect for babies, toddlers, and adults! It's super EASY to make with minimal, nutritious ingredients. Enjoy for breakfast, snack, dessert, or even as a first birthday cake!
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I first developed this flourless banana bread when we started our baby led weaning journey. I did a lot of baking and coming up with all kinds of nutritious finger foods for my baby that he could easily grab and hopefully eat! The beginning stage is so rough, no?
Since then, I must’ve made this bread…let’s just say A LOT! I’ve made it for my close friends and family, playdates, women’s group meetings, birthday parties, etc., and now it’s achieved the "you MUST bring it to every gathering" status.
I don’t mind because it’s SUPER easy to whip up with ingredients that I always have on hand ;). And if you're looking for another simple recipe without dates, here's an incredibly moist, and next-level fluffy banana bread with self-rising flour.
You may also be interested in: 2 Ingredient Date Syrup
Ingredients
Just want to highlight the main ingredients:
Bananas: the more ripe they are, the sweeter and more moist the bread will be. And of course, it will taste more banana-y, which is what you want in a banana bread, right? ;).
But if you want the bread to be less sweet, then you can choose less yellow/brown or spotted ones. I wouldn't recommend ones that have ANY hint of green though.
If the bananas are ready before you're ready to bake, just peel and toss into the freezer so they will be there when you need them! You seriously have to try these eggless banana muffins next ;).
Here's a fun infographic I thought you might enjoy! For more, check out my Instagram page @kidfriendly.meals.
Dates: I recommend using medjool dates. They are larger, more moist, and sweeter than the other varieties. But any will work. I like to purchase in bulk and keep them in my freezer to enjoy as a quick snack or add to baked goods as an alternative to refined sugar.
Note: if you want the bread to be less sweet, then you can add less.
Oats: I LOVE to use them in place of flour. They're a great source of essential nutrients for babies and toddlers, including soluble fiber, iron, and zinc. They also lend a soft and fluffy texture to baked goods.
If you're confused about all the different types of oats that are out there, check out my 3 ingredient banana cookies post!
Walnuts. This is optional but HIGHLY recommended. It's a great way to add healthy fats and additional protein to the bread as well as texture. And now you've got yourself a banana nut bread!
Be sure to finely chop them for babies.
Step By Step Instructions
1. Add the oats first into the food processor/blender followed by the rest of the ingredients, minus the walnuts. Blend until smooth.
2. Stir in walnuts, if adding.
3. Pour into a greased or lined loaf pan.
4. Bake!
Tips on How to Make the Perfect Banana Bread
- I like to describe this delicious treat as a cross between cake and bread. If you want it to be more bread-y, perhaps you can try adding more oats or other types of flour. But try this recipe as is first!
- Soak the dates in warm water for at least 30 minutes before adding to the blender! It'll result in a smoother consistency.
- I highly recommend greasing the loaf pan with butter for a clean release after baking and for flavor! Yum!
- To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the middle and make sure it comes out clean.
- Don't let it cool in the pan for too long as the bread will continue to cook and get soggy. Wait at least 10 minutes and transfer to a wire rack to cool COMPLETELY. Then slice. You can of course nibble on the end pieces while you wait, which is the hardest part of all this! ;).
Serving Suggestions for Babies
This banana date bread is such a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert for the entire family, including your baby.
If you wish to cut back on the sweetness you can use less dates. But be sure you're using pretty ripe bananas to ensure that the bread will still be moist or add less oats.
It's delicious as is but for an added boost of nutrition, top with nut/seed butter, Greek yogurt, butter, cream cheese...
Here are some actual examples of how I served this bread to my son when he was a baby. I was able to find examples with pretty much the same ingredients but served in an age-appropriate way.
On the left (@ 8 months): banana bread topped with mashed avocado. Cut into finger strips
On the right (@10 months): bread topped with almond butter and chia seeds. Once he developed his pincer grasp, I started cutting his food into smaller pieces.
Here's more information on how to serve the right food size and texture depending on your baby's age.
Storage Suggestions
On the counter: Slice and transfer to a ziploc bag or an airtight container for 1-2 days.
In the refrigerator: up to 5 days. You can enjoy cold or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
In the freezer: you can slice and freeze individually. I like to use the flash freeze method. You can also freeze the entire loaf of banana bread. To do so, let it cool completely, wrap in plastic wrap, and then place in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Into the freezer it goes!
So many people have made this for their child's first birthday as well!
May be interested in: Healthy First Birthday Cake without Sugar
More Baby-Friendly Finger Foods
I originally shared this healthy banana bread recipe in my first e-cookbook. And just seeing how SO many of you guys are loving it and have used the recipe as your first birthday smash cake (topped with Greek yogurt), I wanted to share it here on my blog as well.
If you and your baby love this recipe, hope you check out my Baby Led Weaning Beginner Bites. You'll find 29 more baby-friendly, easy, and nutritious, veggie-forward finger foods to try!
Here are some examples from the cookbook:
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Banana Date Bread
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (150g) rolled oats
- 3 large ripe bananas
- ¾ cup (4-5) dates, pitted See note
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease or line an 8.5x4.5 inch loaf pan.
- Into a food processor/blender, add the oats then the rest of the ingredients minus the walnuts. Blend until smooth.
- Stir in the walnuts, if adding.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes or so, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- I like to describe this delicious treat as a cross between cake and bread. If you want it to be more bread-y, perhaps you can try adding more oats or other types of flour. But try this recipe as is first!
- Soak the dates in warm water for at least 30 minutes before adding to the blender! It'll result in a smoother consistency.
- I highly recommend greasing the loaf pan with butter for a clean release after baking and for flavor! Yum!
- It's delicious as is but for an added boost of nutrition, top with nut/seed butter, Greek yogurt, butter, cream cheese, etc.
Nutrition
Did you make this Banana Date Bread for Babies? Follow me on Instagram post a photo and tag me, post a photo on my Facebook page, or save it to Pinterest. I love to see what you’re making!
Nour says
My picky eating baby loves it !! I loved it too thank u
Min says
SO happy to hear!
Eugene says
Is it possible to use this with date syrup instead? i dont have any.
Min says
I haven't tried so can't say for certain but may turn out "wetter"
Issa says
My 17 month old son loves this one! I want to make it again but we ran out of oats. Can I use oat flour instead?
Min says
Sure!
Susan says
Hi there, would this work by substituting the eggs with flaxseed / flax eggs? My toddler has an egg allergy 🙁 Thanks!
Min says
I haven't tried it but many moms have told me that it turned out great with flax eggs!
Lisa says
Would this recipe work with bananas from the freezer that are in the peel? I have a bunch needed to be used up! From now on I’ll take the peel off but wondering if there is a difference or would I just still use the same amount?
Thanks! I have made this recipe before and loved it but just with bananas on my counter that we’re getting ripe.
Min says
Hi! I would remove the peel and add 3 bananas!
Hannah says
Hi! I don’t have any dates… might prunes work instead??
Min says
Hi I haven't tried so can't say for certain but I do recommend making these with dates, if possible!
Melinda says
Delicious! I used deglet dates, so I needed 14ish of them to fill up the 3/4 cups! I also baked it in a toaster oven (because it's summer and I didn't want to heat up the house) and that took 15ish minutes longer to bake.
I already rated it 5/5 above!
Min says
oh I'm so glad! Thanks for leaving a rating too!
Jenny says
Delicious! I had no doubt when I saw all the great reviews. My husband was watching the clock until the loaf could be taken out of the pan and then ate nearly half of it. No joke. My toddler loves it as well. I have it cut up into squares and in the freezer to add to his lunch or snack 🙂 Will make this one again and again.
Min says
This one's most definitely one of our favs!! I'm so glad it has now become one of yours too :).
Bettina Somlai says
Made it several times already. Lovely texture and perfect for baby and toddler! X
Min says
I'm so glad! Thanks for sharing!
Devon says
Can't believe these are so good without any butter or oil mixed in! This is such a great recipe - thank you so much!
Min says
Right?! You're welcome!