Mary Berry’s Banana Loaf is a delightful baked treat that pairs the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a moist, tender crumb. This loaf is a timeless classic that’s perfect for breakfast, as a snack or served as an elegant dessert.
This recipe serves 8-10 people and can be prepared in about 1.5 hours. Follow along as we explore how to bake this delectable banana loaf, equipped with handy tips and variations to customize it to your taste.
What is Mary Berry Banana Loaf?
Mary Berry Banana Loaf is a flavorful, moist cake made with ripe mashed bananas and typically spiced with cinnamon. It’s baked until golden and enjoyed commonly in teatime or as a dessert.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes everyday ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a casual brunch or a more formal gathering, this banana loaf fits right in.
- Kid-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike, making it a family favorite.
- Versatile: Serve it plain, with frosting, or alongside fresh fruits or ice cream.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for later, ensuring you always have a tasty treat on hand.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Banana Loaf
- Ripe bananas: 3 large bananas (about 1.5 lbs or 680 grams), well mashed
- Sugar: 1 cup (200 grams) of granulated sugar
- Butter: 1/2 cup (115 grams or 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Flour: 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) of all-purpose flour
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon, ground (optional for added flavor)
Useful Equipment
- Loaf pan: Standard 9×5 inch pan
- Mixing bowls: One large and one medium
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon: For creaming butter and sugar
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement
- Mashers: For mashing bananas
- Spatula: For folding and mixing
- Wire rack: For cooling the loaf after baking
Having the right equipment will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Banana Loaf
Step 1. Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven reaches the right temperature for baking.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the banana loaf from sticking.
Step 2. Mixing the Ingredients
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. This introduces air into the mix, helping the loaf rise.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Gradually add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
Step 3. Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Mash the Bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in another bowl.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the mashed bananas to the creamed mixture and stir. Then, gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
Step 4. Baking
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5. Cooling
- Cool in Pan: Let the loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
- Turn Out to Cool Completely: Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool completely on the wire rack before slicing.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Banana Loaf?
Mary Berry Banana Loaf is versatile and pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments to enhance its flavors.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve slices of the loaf with a side of fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing touch.
- Whipped Cream: Dollop freshly whipped cream on top of each slice for a decadent treat.
- Ice Cream: Accompany with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter over a warm slice for a nutty flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the loaf to sweeten it up naturally.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Banana Loaf
Achieving the perfect banana loaf is all about the details.
Here are some pro tips to help you master this recipe.
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaf will be.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined to ensure the loaf remains light and airy.
- Check Doneness Properly: Use a toothpick to check if the loaf is done. It should come out clean when the loaf is fully baked.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow the loaf to cool completely to prevent it from crumbling when sliced.
- Bake Evenly: Rotate the loaf pan halfway through baking to ensure an even golden crust.
Variations of Mary Berry Banana Loaf
Customizing your banana loaf can add an exciting twist to this classic recipe.
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in chocolate chips for a chocolatey variation.
- Blueberries: Fold in fresh blueberries for a burst of fruitiness in each bite.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Add a cinnamon swirl through the middle for a spiced flavor.
- Zucchini: Grate zucchini into the batter for a moister loaf and a sneaky way to include veggies.
How do I Store Mary Berry Banana Loaf Leftovers?
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and texture of your banana loaf.
- Room Temperature: Wrap the loaf in cling film or place it in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate the loaf wrapped in cling film for up to a week.
- Freeze: Freeze slices of the loaf wrapped individually in cling film for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Banana Loaf Leftovers?
Reheating banana loaf can make it taste freshly baked again.
- Oven Method: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: For a quick option, microwave slices on high for 20-30 seconds.
- Toaster Oven: Toast slices lightly for a crispy edge and warm center.
Nutrition Value Per Serving:
- Calories: Approximately 280
- Total Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugars: 23 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for the Mary Berry Banana Loaf?
Yes, frozen bananas can be used for the Mary Berry Banana Loaf. Thaw them at room temperature or in the microwave before mashing. Using frozen bananas often enhances the sweetness, making them perfect for this recipe.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare the Batter for Mary Berry Banana Loaf?
The preparation of the batter for Mary Berry Banana Loaf typically takes about 15 minutes. This includes creaming the butter and sugar, adding eggs and vanilla, and incorporating the mashed bananas and dry ingredients.
What Makes Mary Berry Banana Loaf Moist?
The key to a moist Mary Berry Banana Loaf lies in the use of ripe bananas and proper mixing techniques. Ripe bananas add natural moisture and sweetness while mixing the ingredients just until combined helping retain a tender structure without becoming too dense.
Can I Make Mary Berry Banana Loaf Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make Mary Berry Banana Loaf gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend is suitable for baking and that you follow the same measurements and mixing techniques as the original recipe.
Final Words
Creating Mary Berry’s Banana Loaf is a delightful experience that transforms simple kitchen ingredients into a comforting treat. This recipe not only provides a delicious way to use up ripe bananas but also offers a heartwarming addition to any meal, from casual breakfasts to elegant desserts.
As you follow the steps outlined in our guide, you’ll find joy in the baking process and even more in every slice you share.