When I first moved out of my parents house I began to cook and bake for myself. It seemed like all my friends got their own places around the same time. There was always a get together or party going on. For some reason and I – can remember it so clearly – everyone had a banana bread recipe. I must admit they all looked great and tasted delicious. Well, here is my updated version with the addition of dates and then cut into squares from an 8″ x 8″ pan. Really simple to make and as I sit at breakfast with my Banana Bread Square I think life is good and I can see clearly that these are my future ‘good old days’.
Banana Bread Squares
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 bananas 1 cup mashed
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1-1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup ground flax seed
- 1 cup dates chopped
Instructions
- Lightly oil an 8" x 8" baking pan.
- Mix all of the ingredients together but do not over mix.
- Pour into the prepared square pan.
- Bake at 375• for 30 minutes.
- Told ya it was easy.
- Cool in the pan on a rack and then cut into squares.
Recipe Notes
TO FREEZE:
After they have cooled you may freeze them in any of the methods shown in my article http://veganinthefreezer.com/preparing-food-for-the-freezer/
They defrost quickly so it really doesn't take any planning. The microwave will also zap them in 10 seconds.
Ginny McMeans says
Thanks so much Candace. I buy the packaged dates that are not chopped. They are much more moist. Fresh dates would be really good too!
Candace W. says
I love your site and recipes.
Going to make the date bars and banana bread squares.
Do you use fresh dates and chop them or use the packaged chopped dates?
Ginny McMeans says
Oops, you missed that. There is oil in this recipe although I am sure it is not impossible to create one.
Fran Sommerville says
How can you make this without using OIL?
Ginny McMeans says
Thanks! I hope you get to try them.
Kristen Kelley says
These look amazing. I love banana anything. This is a must try.
Ginny McMeans says
Without trying it myself I am not sure because there is no magic blend that will work for all recipes. GF baking is very challenging. I am very sorry that I an not help you.
Heidi says
Can I use GF all purpose flour instead of the whole wheat pastry flour?
Ginny McMeans says
I have not done this but I think if you substitute the chia seed for the ground flax seed it would be fine. Maybe just add a couple of tablespoons of extra flour.
Anonymous says
Wondering if I can chia seeds? If I do, do I have to add more flour too?
Ginny McMeans says
Yes, you sure can. Just exchange the 1/2 cup ground flax seed for 1/2 cup whole wheat flour. This change was for me to add more nutrients and give more of a nutty flavor to the squares. They will still be very good with all flour.
Jessica says
Hi, just wondering if these can be made without flaxseed or if something can be substituted in its place? Thanks