Date Studded Coconut Banana Bread

This loaf is so simple and so delicious! The textures compel me love it even more than regular banana bread – the gooey, caramel-like pops of fresh date, the chewy strands of coconut & the soft pillowy backdrop made of bananas, eggs and the star ingredient – green banana resistant starch! This is simply dried green bananas made into a flour that is very high in prebiotic fibre. Prebiotics are what the good gut bacteria feed off and use to stay alive & multiply.  It is important to include prebiotics in your diet to nourish beneficial gut bacteria and support your immune system by promoting a healthy microbiome. This recipe is also very low in sugar compared to most banana breads, as it simply relies on the overripe bananas and caramelly dates, which give it just the right amount of sweetness with the added nutrients and flavour of whole fruit.

Note: I use a small loaf tin with a narrow base (18cm x 8.6cm) and higher sides.

Makes 10-12 slices

Ingredients:

4 large overripe bananas

4 eggs

½ cup melted coconut oil

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)

1 tbsp. raw honey (optional)

8 fresh Medjool dates, pitted and diced

1 cup shredded coconut (not desiccated)

1 cup green banana flour

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line a small loaf tin with baking paper.

2. Peel and mash 3 of the bananas in a large mixing bowl (save the 4th for on top).

3. Add the eggs and whisk. Then add the melted coconut oil, vanilla, baking soda & honey (if using) and whisk again. Stir in the chopped dates.

4. Add the shredded coconut and green banana flour and stir until well combined.

5. Pour the mixture into the lined loaf tin, smoothing out the top. Peel the remaining banana and slice it down the middle lengthwise and carefully arrange the slices on top of the loaf. Sprinkle with extra coconut, if desired.

6. Place into the oven to bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

7. Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before enjoying it warm with salted butter (or I love a drizzle of macadamia oil & salt). Slices are also very delicious toasted.

This bread freezes very well. Simply slice the loaf and pop it in a freezer bag. This allows you to take a slice and toast it for an instant, delicious & healthy snack. Enjoy!

(AIP suitable with reintroduction of eggs)