Tahini Banana Date Bread

This banana date bread with tahini is soft and rich with nutty flavor. Naturally sweet and made without refined sugar or butter, this easy date bread is perfect with a cup of coffee for breakfast or a midday snack.

Many of you have asked for a sweet bread recipe that doesn’t call for sugar. This date banana bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and dates with the rich, nutty flavor of tahini, creating a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. Plus, it’s made without any added sugar, oil, or butter, making it a better option without compromising on taste. Since I’m on a date kick lately, sharing with you a string of date-based recipes, take a look at these recipes: 2-ingredient date paste, easy date syrup, date twists, date coffee smoothie, Persian date omelette , oatmeal date cookies, and Crinkle Cake with Dates—a crispy, caramelized treat you won’t want to miss!

Recipe Highlights: Tahini Banana Date Bread

Cultural Influence: Middle Eastern/Mediterranean cuisine

Flavor and Texture: The sweetness of ripe bananas and dates pairs beautifully with the earthy, slightly bitter notes of tahini. The addition of Greek yogurt makes the bread moist, while a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top provides a delightful crunch.

Cooking Techniques: Hydrating dates to create a natural sweetener, combining ingredients to form a rich batter and baking.

Skill Level: Suitable for bakers of all levels. With clear instructions and simple ingredients, even beginners can achieve a delicious result.

Ingredients

Dates: Provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture. Medjool dates work best for this recipe.

Ripe bananas: Add moisture and enhance the bread’s sweetness. Make sure the bananas are very ripe but not mushy.

Tahini: Introduces a rich, nutty flavor and contributes to the moistness. You can find tahini in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean stores or use my homemade tahini recipe.

Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and makes the cake soft.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure. alternatively, you can use flax eggs.

Flour: For this recipe we are going to use all purpose flour.

Old-fashioned oatmeal: The combination of oats and flour forms the base of the bread.

Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help the bread rise.

Sesame seeds: Provide a crunchy topping and enhance the tahini flavor.

How to Make Date Bread

Prepare the Loaf Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Coat a loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Hydrate the Dates

Place the dates in a measuring cup, add ½ cup of hot water, and let them sit for 10 minutes to soften. After soaking, blend the dates and their soaking water using an immersion blender until smooth.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together tahini, Greek yogurt, and eggs until well combined.

Add the blended dates and mashed bananas to the mixture, stirring to combine.

Add the Dry Ingredients

To the wet mixture, add flour (oat, whole wheat, or all-purpose), old-fashioned oatmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.

Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the top for added texture and flavor.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with minimal crumbs, the bread is ready.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Tahini banana date bread is versatile and so delicious you can enjoy it many times a day. You will love to enjoy it at:

Breakfast: Enjoy a slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

Midday Snack: Pair with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a satisfying treat.

Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Toasted with Spread: Toast slices lightly and spread with a bit of pistachio butter for a tasty treat.

Variations and Substitutions

Flour Options: Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and added nutrients.

Add Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and protein.

Spice It Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a warm, spicy note.

Chocolate Twist: Mix in a handful of dark chocolate chips to satisfy your chocolate cravings.

Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store cooled tahini banana date bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the bread in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one week. Before serving, let it come to room temperature or warm it up slightly in the microwave or toaster.

Freezing: To freeze, slice the bread and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab a single serving whenever you want. The bread will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, remove a slice from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

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