Posted On: December 8, 2025
I’m half Armenian, and the holidays at our house always included a big bowl of dates and nuts on the table. Growing up, I started making this recipe because it felt so festive—naturally sweet, a little crunchy, and full of fiber—while still being a nourishing treat I could feel good about. It quickly became one of my favorite “holiday sweets,” and the best part is it freezes beautifully, so you can tuck some away to enjoy all season long.
1 cup unprocessed wheat bran
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup honey or 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for less sugar!
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons oil
3 medium mashed bananas — the riper the better!
1/2 cup chopped dates or raisins
1/2 cup nuts, chopped pecans or walnuts
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine wheat bran, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the honey, egg, milk, oil, and mashed banana. Stir in dates and nuts. Add to dry ingredients and stir just until moistened.
3. Spoon into lightly greased muffin tin, or paper muffin cups, and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Cool for 5 minutes, then remove from the muffin tin. When completely cooled, place in sealed container or plastic bag, and refrigerate or freeze. Defrosts in minutes.
Serving Suggestion
For a complete heart-healthy breakfast, or alone for a snack, serve with 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese, 8 ounces of non-fat or low-fat milk, or Greek yogurt.
Mary Hunt, MS, RDN, provides a complimentary annual nutrition consultation to members of our concierge internal medicine practice.
Mary Hunt, RD, has worked in Fairfax and Washington for over 30 years and promotes better eating patterns and overall wellness. Weight control, heart health, diabetes, GI illnesses, and child nutrition are areas of expertise. Her mindfulness-based strategy juggles work, life, and self-care. Mary, who graduated from Columbia University and Mary Washington College, values spending time with her family, traveling, and practicing yoga. She offers Complimentary nutrition consultations at Eileen West, MD and Associates.
Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Areas of Expertise: Weight control,heart health,GI illnesses, diabetes, child nutrition
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