Step 1

Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush twelve 160ml (2/3-cup) capacity non-stick mini loaf pans with oil to lightly grease. Place the date, water and butter in a medium saucepan and bring to the boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir until butter melts. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool slightly.

Step 2

Combine the flour and sugar in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre. Gradually stir in the date mixture, banana, egg and vanilla until just combined.

Step 3

Spoon batter among prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centres comes out clean. Remove from oven and set aside in the pans for 2-3 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool.

Step 4

Arrange banana & date loaves on a serving platter. Dust with icing sugar and serve immediately.