1/3 c. mashed banana (mash ripe banana with fork)
1/2 c. butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 c. water
3 c. unbleached flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 c. chopped dates

Topping:

1/3 c. chopped dates
1/3 c. chopped walnuts
1/3 c. flaked coconut

Beat together mashed banana and butter until creamy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and water; beat. Measure in flour, baking soda, and baking powder and beat well. Stir in 1 1/2 cups chopped dates. Spoon batter into an oiled and floured 9x13 baking pan. Spread batter evenly in pan.

Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Serves 8 to 10.