Step 1

Preheat oven to 165C fan-forced.

Step 2

Place water, dates, butter and spice in large saucepan and heat to boiling point, stir until butter is melted.

Step 3

Remove from heat and add bicarbonate of soda.

Step 4

Allow to cool to room temperature and then add bananas, eggs, nuts, flour and cinnamon.

Step 5

Stir well and pour into a greased and lined loaf pan.

Step 6

Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Step 7

Allow to rest in tin for 20 minutes before turning out.