Step 1

Preheat oven to 170C (150C fan-forced). Grease a 7cm-deep, 9cm x 25.5cm (base) loaf pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, allowing a 5cm overhang at both long ends.

Step 2

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until pale and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating between additions. Add banana and beat until smooth and combined. Stir in sifted flour, bicarbonate of soda and vanilla extract.

Step 3

Pour mixture into prepared pan. Scatter dates on top. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes, covering with foilif dates start to over-brown, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Stand for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool slightly. While warm, drizzle bread with honey.