Banana & Date Cake with Creamy Vanilla Glaze

Banana & Date Cake with Creamy Vanilla Glaze

A wonderfully moist, rich cake packed with ripe bananas and dates, finished with a silky vanilla glaze. The caramelized fruit creates a deep, naturally sweet flavor, while the creamy topping melts beautifully over the warm cake.

🧁 Ingredients

• For the cake

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 180 g pitted dates, finely chopped
• 240 ml hot water
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 120 g unsalted butter, melted
• 120 g brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 180 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 80 g chopped walnuts or pecans

• For the creamy glaze

• 120 g cream cheese, softened
• 60 g unsalted butter, softened
• 120 g powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the dates

1. Place the chopped dates in a bowl.

2. Pour over the hot water and sprinkle with the baking soda.

3. Leave for 10 minutes until softened.

4. Mash lightly with a fork and set aside.

2. Make the cake batter 

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

2. Grease and line a 20 × 20 cm (8 × 8 inch) square baking pan.

3. Whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together.

4. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla.

5. Stir in the mashed bananas.

6. Add the softened dates and mix well.

7. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.

8. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Do not overmix.

9. Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.

3. Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.

2. Bake for approximately 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

3. Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before glazing.

🍦 Creamy Vanilla Glaze

1. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until completely smooth.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar.

3. Add vanilla and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream.

4. Beat until smooth and glossy.

5. Add a little more milk if you want a thinner, pourable glaze.

✨ Finish

Spread the glaze generously over the slightly warm cake and allow it to naturally drip over the sides.

For the best texture, let the cake rest for 20–30 minutes before slicing.

Tip: For an especially delicious finish, sprinkle the top with toasted chopped pecans or walnuts. 🍌🤎

Yield: 9–12 pieces

Prep time: 20 minutes

Bake time: 35–45 minutes

Oven: 175°C / 350°F