Mary Berry Banana Muffins Recipe

Discover the secrets to creating Mary Berry’s irresistible banana muffins, renowned for their perfect moistness and rich flavor. A distinguished icon in the UK’s baking scene, Mary Berry has simplified elegance in her baking, making homemade treats accessible to all. Her contribution to the culinary world spans over 70 cookbooks and numerous TV shows, including her standout role in The Great British Bake Off.

Why banana muffins?

They’re the ideal solution for overripe bananas and a versatile delight for any time of day. Enhance them with chocolate chips, nuts, or your favorite fruits for that extra burst of flavor. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly—perfect for your busy schedule.

This no-fuss recipe, part of the classic Mary Berry’s Baking Bible, promises deliciousness in every bite, yielding 12 standard or 24 mini muffins. Embrace simplicity with ingredients you likely already have, brought together with basic kitchen tools—a testament to the uncomplicated beauty of Mary’s baking.

Let’s get started!

What is Mary Berry Banana Muffins?

Mary Berry Banana Muffins are delicious and moist muffins made with ripe bananas, butter, eggs, flour, baking powder, and milk. They are easy and quick to make, and you can customize them with your favorite add-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits. They are adapted from a recipe by Mary Berry, one of the most famous and respected bakers in the UK.

Why You Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: No special equipment, no complex steps—making these banana muffins is as simple as it gets.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits—this recipe is your playground for delicious extras.
• Saves Overripe Bananas: Turn your brown bananas into moist, flavorful muffins and say goodbye to food waste.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, desserts, or social gatherings. These muffins are versatile and universally loved.
• Freezer-Friendly: Bake a batch and freeze for later. Enjoy homemade goodness anytime without the rush.
• Nutritious: Not just tasty, these banana-filled bites offer energy and essential nutrients.
• Adaptable to Dietary Needs: Easily tweakable for vegans, gluten-free diets, or reduced sugar requirements.
• Mary Berry’s Touch: A recipe endorsed by a baking icon ensures quality and delicious success.
• Satisfying Baking Experience: Enjoy the fulfillment of creating something delightful right from mashing to baking.
• Unbeatable Texture and Flavor: Not too dense or fluffy, with the right sweetness—every bite is a treat.

Mary Berry Banana Muffins Ingredients

• 100 g (4 oz) butter, softened
• 175 g (6 oz) caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 225 g (8 oz) self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp milk

Optional Add-ins

• 100 g (4 oz) chocolate chips
• 50 g (2 oz) chopped walnuts
• 50 g (2 oz) raisins or other dried fruits

Method to Make Mary Berry Banana Muffins

Step 1: Oven and Tin Setup:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4).
• For standard muffins: Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.
• For mini muffins: Line a 24-hole mini muffin tin.

Step 2: Batter Creation:

• Butter-Sugar Base: In a large bowl, whisk butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Adding Eggs: Introduce eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each.
• Banana Blend: Mix in the mashed bananas. (Don’t worry if the batter looks separated.)
• Combining Dry Ingredients: Sift flour and baking powder into the bowl. Carefully fold until just combined.
• Final Touches: Pour in the milk for a smoother batter. If desired, gently stir in any extras like chocolate chips or nuts at this stage.

Step 3: Baking:

Filling the Tin:

• Evenly dispense the batter into the prepared cases, filling them roughly two-thirds full. An ice cream scoop can be handy for uniform and neat distribution.

Baking Time:

• Regular-sized muffins: Bake for approximately 20 minutes until they’re golden brown and risen.
• Mini muffins: Bake for about 15 minutes.
• To test: Insert a skewer into a muffin’s center. It should emerge clean.

Step 4: Cooling and Storage:

Cooling Down:

• Allow the muffins a brief cooling period in the tin before transitioning them to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Serving and Storage:

• Relish your banana muffins plain or accompany them with butter or jam as per your preference.
• For longer enjoyment: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I serve Mary Berry Banana Muffins?

You can serve Mary Berry Banana Muffins as they are or with some butter or jam if you like. They are perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. You can enjoy them warm or cold, depending on your mood. They are also great for sharing with your family and friends.

What do I enjoy Mary Berry Banana Muffins with?

How do I reheat Mary Berry Banana Muffins?

Microwave Method:

• Place a single muffin or a pair on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cover lightly with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Heat on high for 10-15 seconds, or until the muffins are warm throughout.

Oven Method:

• Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F), or 140°C (284°F) for fan ovens, equivalent to gas mark 3.
• Arrange the muffins on a baking sheet, allowing space between each for even heating.
• Loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
• Bake for 5-10 minutes, checking for warmth. Avoid overheating as this can dry out the muffins.

How do I store Mary Berry Banana Muffins?

Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Mary Berry Banana Muffins

• Achieving the Perfect Banana Texture:
  • Utilize a fork, potato masher, or handheld mixer for a chunkier consistency.
  • For a silkier texture, a blender or food processor is ideal. Pulse lightly to avoid a runny batter.
• Precision in Measuring Ingredients:
  • Opt for a digital scale for exact measurements, crucial for dry ingredients.
  • When using measuring cups, ensure accuracy by leveling off with a straight-edged utensil like a knife or metal spatula.
• Avoiding Ingredient Sinkage:
  • Lightly coat any add-ins (like nuts or chocolate chips) in flour. This helps suspend them in the batter, preventing them from settling at the muffin’s base.
• Enhancing Moistness and Flavor:
  • Substitute part of the butter with oil (such as coconut or canola) or yogurt (Greek or regular) to boost the muffins’ richness and moist texture.
• Boosting Nutritional Content:
  • Integrate whole wheat or oat flour in place of some all-purpose flour to increase fiber and nutrients.
  • Experiment with adding ground flaxseeds or chia seeds for additional health benefits.
• Adapting for Dietary Restrictions:
  • For a vegan or dairy-free version, use reliable substitutes like vegan butter or coconut oil, and consider flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce instead of eggs.
  • Opt for plant-based milk varieties (almond, soy, oat) to maintain a dairy-free profile.

Variation In Mary Berry Banana Muffins

1. Sweetness Level and Alternatives:
   • Experiment with various sweeteners like brown sugar, coconut sugar, or honey to alter the flavor profile.
   • For a subtler sweetness, feel free to reduce the standard sugar quantity. Taste the batter to gauge your preference.
2. Flour Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
   • Venture beyond traditional all-purpose flour with alternatives like spelt, almond, or a certified gluten-free blend.
   • Note: Adjustments may be necessary for liquid components or leavening agents to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Fruit Variations: Enhancing Flavor and Texture:
   • Broaden the fruit base by incorporating apples, pears, or an assortment of berries, either as a substitute for or complement to bananas.
   • Utilize canned or frozen fruits for convenience. Ensure they’re well-drained and finely chopped to distribute evenly.
4. Spices and Aromatics: Elevating the Taste Profile:
   • Introduce warmth with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
   • For a zesty undertone, incorporate fresh citrus elements like lemon or orange zest, or enrich the batter with vanilla extract.
5. Gourmet Toppings:
   • Add a lavish touch with a homemade streusel, a drizzle of glaze, a swirl of frosting, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
   • Before baking, a sprinkling of coarse sugar can yield a delightfully crunchy top layer.

Final Words

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make Mary Berry’s banana muffins. This recipe is easy, quick, and delicious, and you can customize it to your liking with various add-ins and variations. These muffins are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast, snack, or dessert. They are also great for sharing with your family and friends.

If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you and see your photos.

Thank you for reading and happy baking! 😊

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• Mary Berry Boiled Fruit Cake
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• Mary Berry Raspberry Muffins