Name: Banana Walnut Soda Bread with Date Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 very ripe bananas; 2 cups flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed); 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1 egg; 1/2 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 cup chopped dates, pitted; 1/4 cup hot water; Pinch of salt; 1/2 cup soft butter

Print Recipe

Ever found yourself craving comfort food in the most random moments? Banana Walnut Soda Bread with Date Butter is one of those things, honestly. Like, when you want something special for breakfast or just need to use up those old bananas on the counter (yes, the brown sad ones).

I first tried this at a friend’s house—totally changed my mind on what banana bread can be. The date butter? That’s the twist that makes everyone ask for seconds. By the way, if you’re into experimenting with breads, check out these bread baking recipes for other fun ideas.

Why Banana Walnut Soda Bread with Date Butter Just Works

So, what’s the big deal with Banana Walnut Soda Bread with Date Butter? Basically, it’s banana bread’s cooler, more rustic cousin. It skips the yeast fuss and bakes up much quicker. The texture is a bit heartier, thanks to the walnuts. There’s this slight crispiness on the edges, too.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve faced a bunch of squishy bananas and shrugged at regular banana bread. Then I tried this. It’s got a warmth to it—sweet, nutty, but not over-the-top. And the date butter part? That’s like a soft, caramelized hug on top. It spreads easy and melts just right. Everyone asks where I got the recipe (I just grin).

This bread fits pretty much every occasion. Lazy Saturday? Fast weeknight snack? Eating it warm, slathered with date butter, you’ll get why I rant about it so much. Oh, and it smells like pure nostalgia while baking.

Banana Walnut Soda Bread with Date Butter

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 very ripe bananas (yeah, the uglier the better)
2 cups flour
1/3 cup brown sugar (packed in tight)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (rough chunks, don’t go tiny)
1 egg
1/2 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk (use whatever you find first)
1/4 cup melted butter

For the date butter:

1 cup chopped dates, pitted
1/4 cup hot water
Pinch salt
1/2 cup soft butter

You won’t find any tough-to-find ingredients here. Basically just pantry stuff and some sweet, sticky dates you may need to dig out from the back shelf.

How To Make Banana Walnut Soda Bread with Date Butter

First, grab a big bowl. Mash up those bananas til mushy. Dump in the egg, sugar, yogurt, and cooled melted butter. Get it all messy.

Toss together flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold that into the mush, but don’t beat it to death. Gently fold in the walnuts (I like big chunks for extra crunch).

Pour into a buttered loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for around 40-45 minutes—watch closely, you want a golden top, not burnt.

The date butter? That’s easy. Soak the dates in hot water for 10 minutes, then mash them into a paste. Mix with the soft butter and salt—boom, done.

Slice the warm bread, slather on the date butter, sit back, and try not to eat half the loaf in one go.

Banana Walnut Soda Bread with Date Butter

Simple Serving Suggestions

Walnuts make a great topping—just sprinkle extra on after baking.
Slap a thick layer of date butter on while the bread’s still toasty.
This bread works as a killer base for Peach Tomato Jam Flatbread if you’re feeling wild.
Freezes well, so slice and store for emergency comfort.

Banana Walnut Soda Bread with Date Butter

Story Time (Why I Swear by This Combo)

True story: I once brought Banana Walnut Soda Bread with Date Butter to a block party. At first, people looked like, “Who brings bread to a party?” But then, one bite in—total silence. Not even kidding, it vanished before the grilled burgers did. Folks even asked for the recipe (some tried to sneak seconds into napkins). It’s the type of treat that makes you feel a little proud. Something about that sweet, nutty mix with the gooey butter—my mouth just waters thinking about it.

Here’s what a close friend texted me after I left them a loaf on their porch:

“I honestly didn’t expect to love this as much as I did. That date butter is basically dessert. Please make more. Please.”

It’s not five-star restaurant fancy, but make this once, and you might not ever crave the bakery stuff again. Messy, maybe a little too easy, but definitely worth every crumb.