If you love banana bread and carrot cake, you will love this Mary Berry banana and carrot cake recipe. It’s moist, fluffy, and full of flavor, with a delicious cream cheese frosting on top. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a tea party, or just a treat for yourself. And the best part is, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients and a few steps.
In this article, I will show you how to make this amazing cake, with tips and tricks along the way.
Let’s get started!
What is Mary Berry Banana and Carrot Cake Recipe?
Mary Berry’s Banana and Carrot Cake is a delightful fusion of two classic favorites: the moist and comforting banana bread and the spiced, textured carrot cake. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and optionally garnished with walnuts for an added crunch, this cake stands out for its moistness, rich flavor, and satisfying texture. It’s a versatile treat suited for various occasions, from casual gatherings to more formal celebrations. The combination of banana and carrot not only contributes to the cake’s moist texture but also adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that is both unique and irresistible.
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Why You Love this Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples and fresh produce for an easy baking experience.
- Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or as a comforting treat.
- Moist and Flavorful: The bananas and carrots ensure the cake remains exceptionally moist.
- Delicious Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with the addition or omission of nuts according to personal preference.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Banana and Carrot Cake
To make Mary Berry Banana and Carrot Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 225 g (8 oz) self-raising flour
- 150 g (5 oz) caster sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 150 ml (5 fl oz) sunflower oil
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 150 g (5 oz) carrots, grated
- 75 g (3 oz) sultanas
- 50 g (2 oz) chopped walnuts (optional)
For the frosting, you will need:
- 50 g (2 oz) butter, softened
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 175 g (6 oz) icing sugar, sifted
- A few drops of vanilla extract
- Some extra walnuts for decoration (optional)
Useful Equipment
To make this cake, you will need the following equipment:
- A 20 cm (8 inch) round cake tin, greased and lined with baking paper
- A large mixing bowl
- A wooden spoon or an electric mixer
- A wire rack
- A small saucepan
- A small mixing bowl
- A palette knife or a spatula
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Banana and Carrot Cake
To make this cake, follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the cake tin
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4).
- Grease a 20 cm (8 inch) round cake tin and line it with baking paper.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Make a well in the center and add the oil, bananas, eggs, carrots, sultanas, and walnuts (if using).
- Mix well with a wooden spoon or an electric mixer until well combined. The batter will be thick and chunky.
Step 3: Bake the cake and let it cool
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin and level the surface.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Leave the cake in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the frosting and decorate the cake
- To make the frosting, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Transfer to a small mixing bowl and add the cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Beat with a wooden spoon or an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the top of the cake, using a palette knife or a spatula to create swirls.
- Sprinkle some extra walnuts on top if you like.
- Cut into slices and enjoy!
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Banana and Carrot Cake
This cake pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:
- Hot Beverages: Serve with tea, coffee, or a warm spiced cider for a cozy complement.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a slice makes for a decadent dessert.
- Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries or a citrus salad can cut through the sweetness for a refreshing balance.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly whipped cream can add a luxurious finish.
- Dessert Wines: A sweet dessert wine or a lightly sparkling Moscato can complement the cake’s flavors for an elegant pairing.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Banana and Carrot Cake
- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and frosting.
- Grate Carrots Finely: For an even texture throughout the cake, grate the carrots finely.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Bake Until Just Done: Keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
- Smooth Frosting: For a smooth frosting application, use a palette knife or spatula and dip it in hot water to easily spread the frosting.
- Decorate with Care: Use a light hand when adding walnuts on top to maintain an elegant appearance.
Variations of Mary Berry Banana and Carrot Cake
Customize this delightful cake to suit your taste or try something new with these creative variations:
- Spice It Up: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or mixed spice to the batter for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Incorporate pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different crunch and flavor profile.
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in pineapple chunks or coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Zesty Flavor: Add orange or lemon zest to the batter and frosting for a citrusy note.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in dark chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based substitutes for eggs, butter, and cream cheese to cater to vegan dietary preferences.
How do I store Mary Berry Banana and Carrot Cake Leftovers?
Proper storage ensures your cake remains delicious for days:
At Room Temperature
- Short-Term Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep it in a cool, dark place to prevent the frosting from melting.
In the Refrigerator
- Airtight Container: Place leftovers in an airtight container or cover them with plastic wrap.
- Duration: Refrigerated cake can last up to 5 days.
- Prevent Absorbing Odors: Ensure the container is sealed well to keep the cake from absorbing fridge odors.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Banana and Carrot Cake Leftovers?
Generally, Banana and Carrot Cake is enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled to appreciate the frosting’s texture. However, if you prefer your cake slightly warm:
- Room Temperature: Simply leave the cake out for a little while until it reaches your desired temperature.
- Microwave (Not Recommended): If you must warm the cake, do so very briefly (a few seconds) in the microwave. Be cautious as this can melt the frosting and alter the texture of the cake.
Nutrition value (per slice, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 573 kcal
- Fat: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Protein: 7 g
FAQs
Can This Cake Be Made in Advance?
Yes, this cake can be made in advance and is actually quite favorable for flavors to meld together. You can bake the cake a day ahead of your event and store it without the frosting in an airtight container at room temperature. Prepare the cream cheese frosting and apply it to the cake on the day of serving for the best texture and taste. The frosted cake can also be refrigerated overnight; just ensure it is covered properly to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Self-Raising Flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for self-raising flour if you add the appropriate amount of leavening agent. For every cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to make it equivalent to self-raising flour. For this recipe, you would need to add approximately 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the all-purpose flour to achieve the desired rise in your cake.
How Do I Ensure My Cake Stays Moist?
To keep your Mary Berry Banana and Carrot Cake moist, make sure to use the exact amounts of banana and carrot specified in the recipe, as these ingredients contribute significantly to the cake’s moisture. Additionally, avoid overbaking by checking the cake for doneness towards the end of the baking time. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. Once baked, storing the cake properly, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator in an airtight container, helps retain its moisture.
Is It Possible to Freeze This Cake?
Absolutely, the Mary Berry Banana and Carrot Cake freezes well, with or without the frosting. If you decide to freeze it unfrosted, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to protect it from freezer burn and odor absorption. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving. If you’ve already frosted the cake, freeze it uncovered first until the frosting is firm, then wrap it similarly and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator to maintain the frosting’s texture.
Final Words
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make this Mary Berry banana and carrot cake recipe. It’s a delicious and easy cake that everyone will love. Try it out and let me know how it turns out. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy baking!