Banana Bread with Dates & Dark Chocolate

Winter Comfort at Its Finest

There’s something magical about baking in winter. The air is crisp, the days are short, and your body starts craving warmth, grounding, and sweetness. This banana bread is my cozy go-to when I want to treat myself or loved ones to something that feels indulgent but is made entirely with nourishing ingredients.

Bananas are at their best in the colder months — rich in potassium and natural sugars that fuel the body and calm the nervous system. Paired with soft, chewy dates (nature’s candy) and deep, bitter dark chocolate, this bread becomes more than a dessert. It’s comfort. It’s calm. It’s a hug in every bite.

And yes — there’s no refined sugar in sight. Just the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and dates, balanced by the richness of olive oil and the slightly bitter kick from 85% dark chocolate. The result? A moist, satisfying loaf with a gorgeous texture and flavour depth that just gets better with every slice.

Best enjoyed in Winter (December to February) — when bananas are naturally more abundant, and our bodies crave slow, grounding foods with a touch of sweetness.

Preparation time: 10 mins

Baking Time: 40 mins

Ingredients for one banana bread:

• 200g / 7 oz flour of your choice (I used a mix of rice and coconut flour, 50/50)

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 3 super ripe bananas

• 7 soft dates (or as many as you have – the more, the sweeter!)

• 50ml / 1.7 oz olive oil

• 100ml / 3.5 oz oat or almond milk (adjust depending on flour)

• 85% dark chocolate or cacao nibs, to taste

• Optional toppings: extra banana slices and chocolate for decoration

Step-by-step cooking process:

1. Mash & Sweeten. Mash 2½ bananas and your dates in a bowl. If you like bites of dates (I do!), leave them chunky. Otherwise, dice them finely.

2. Mix the Batter. Add all remaining ingredients one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Adjust the milk if needed — coconut flour especially loves extra moisture!

3. Prepare & Pour. Grease a loaf pan with olive oil. Pour in the mixture and smooth the top. Decorate with banana slices and chocolate chunks.

4. Bake. Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C / 338°F for about 40 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean and the top is beautifully golden.

5. Cool & Enjoy. Let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm, or store in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.