Carrot, Apple & Banana Mini Loaves

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30–40 mins
Makes: 12 mini loaves (or 24 muffins)

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp chia seeds

• 2/3 cup warm water

• 100 g Medjool dates, pitted

• 125 g butter

• 340 g self-raising flour

• 1 ½ tsp bicarb soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp mixed spice

• 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped

• 1 apple, cored and quartered

• 3 overripe bananas

• Zest of ½ an orange

Method (Thermomix)

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (fan-forced). Lightly flour mini silicone loaf pans or line a muffin tray with cases.

2. In a small dish, combine chia seeds and warm water. Let sit 15 minutes until gel-like.

3. Blitz pitted dates in Thermomix (10 sec / sp 10). Scrape down.

4. Add butter and melt (3 mins / 60°C / sp 2).

5. Add all remaining ingredients and mix (20 sec / sp 5). Scrape down and repeat until smooth.

6. Spoon into prepared tins and bake 30–40 minutes, until golden and a skewer comes out clean.

7. Cool in tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Method (Standard)

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (fan-forced). Grease mini loaf pans or line a muffin tray.

2. In a small dish, mix chia seeds and warm water. Let sit 15 mins, stirring occasionally, until gel-like.

3. Chop dates finely (or blitz in a food processor).

4. Melt butter in a saucepan or microwave-safe jug.

5. In a large bowl, mash bananas. Grate carrot and apple.

6. Add dates, melted butter, chia gel, flour, bicarb, baking powder, spices, and orange zest. Stir until just combined.

7. Spoon batter into prepared tins and bake 30–40 mins, until golden and a skewer comes out clean.

8. Cool in tin 10 mins before transferring to a wire rack.

Storage

• Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Freeze individually for up to 3 months.

If you’re looking for a wholesome, naturally sweetened bake that your kids will actually eat (and you can feel good about), then you’re going to love these Carrot, Apple & Banana Mini Loaves. They’re egg-free, full of fruit and veggies, and just the right size for little lunchboxes. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can always have a stash ready to go.

This recipe uses chia seeds instead of eggs, making it a great option if you’ve got allergies in the family — or if you just love sneaking in extra nutrition. The dates and ripe bananas keep them naturally sweet, so you won’t need to add refined sugar. Win-win!

Tips & Variations

• Freezer-friendly: Once cooled, place in airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for lunchbox grab-and-go!

• No Thermomix? No problem — you can use a food processor or grater for the dates, apple and carrot, then melt butter separately and mix everything together in a large bowl.

• Switch it up: Try swapping the apple for pear, or add a handful of sultanas or chopped nuts for extra texture.

These mini loaves are a hit with kids and adults alike — moist, naturally sweet, and packed with hidden fruit and veg. Bake a batch on the weekend, freeze them, and you’ll be one step ahead on the lunchbox game!