Grease a large loaf pan. Line the base and long sides with baking paper, extending the paper over the sides. Cut 2 of the bananas lengthways and arrange, lay flat side to base of tin. Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan-forced.

Place dates in a medium heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Add maple syrup.

Leave to stand for 10 minutes. Stir in the soda.

Place date mixture and bananas in a food processor and process until combined.

Add the flours, sugar, eggs and melted butter and blitz until smooth. Pour into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with a little brown sugar.

Cook for about an hour, or until a skewer inserted into the centre fo the bread comes out clean.

Remove from oven, allow to stand in pan for 15 minutes before turning out on to a wire rack to cool.