These whole wheat banana date scones are a delightful way to enjoy a healthy banana recipe, perfect for breakfast or a snack. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how satisfyingly wholesome they taste.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Whole Wheat Flour: You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if needed.
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for sweetness and moisture; no good substitute for the banana flavor.
- Dates: Medjool or Deglet Noor dates work well. You can substitute with dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a different flavor.
- Cold Butter: Crucial for flaky scones. Coconut oil (solid, chilled) can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
- Buttermilk: Creates tender scones. You can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240g) whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (about 80g) chopped pitted dates
- Optional Topping: 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for brushing), 1 teaspoon turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 scones
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, pastry blender or two knives, baking sheet, parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cut in the Cold Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. This step is key for flaky scones.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Ensure the banana is well mashed for even distribution. This will be the liquid component for your healthy banana recipe scones.
4. Mix Dough and Add Dates
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon or your hands until just combined; do not overmix. Gently fold in the chopped dates until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Shape the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into an 8-inch circle, about 1-inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 wedges using a sharp knife or a bench scraper.
6. Bake the Scones
Carefully transfer the scone wedges to your prepared baking sheet. If desired, brush the tops with a little milk or cream and sprinkle with turbinado sugar for a golden finish. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Incorporate a 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg for more spice.
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of milk after baking.
- Add 1/4 cup of shredded unsweetened coconut for a tropical twist.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze baked scones for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen scones in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use overripe bananas? Yes, very ripe bananas (with brown spots) are perfect for this healthy banana recipe as they add more sweetness and moisture.
- Why is cold butter important? Cold butter creates steam pockets as it melts in the oven, resulting in tender and flaky scones.
- Can I make these dairy-free? Yes, use a plant-based milk alternative with a tablespoon of lemon juice to make vegan “buttermilk,” and use chilled solid coconut oil instead of butter.
- What if I don’t have buttermilk? You can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to 1/2 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- How do I prevent dry scones? Avoid overmixing the dough and do not overbake. Scones are best when slightly moist and tender.
- Can I add other fruits? Yes, you can substitute or add other chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots along with the dates.
