Step 1

Mash the bananas in a large bowl. You should be able to do this with a fork, as overripe bananas will be lovely and soft.

Step 2

When you obtain a purée-like substance, add the eggs, coconut oil, homemade date paste and vanilla extract.Mix well and set aside.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and mixed spice.

Step 4

Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture. Then mix well, until thoroughly combined.

Step 5

Crush or roughly chop some of the walnuts and add them to the batter. Keep some of the walnuts aside to top the banana bread.

Step 6

Incorporate the walnuts well in the mixture but don't over-mix as that will affect the texture of the banana nut bread.

Step 7

Get your loaf pan ready by either lining it with a parchment paper liner or greasing it well.

Step 8

Pour the batter into the loaf tin.

Step 9

Shred/grate the rest of the walnuts, or chop them very finely, and sprinkle on top of the banana bread.

Step 10

Bake in a pre-heated oven at  180ºC/350ºF for 1 hour.

Step 11

Leave the banana bread to cool down on a rack before cutting it.