Mary Berry’s Banana and Chocolate Cake is a moist and rich dessert that combines the natural sweetness and softness of bananas with the indulgence of chocolate. The bananas keep the cake tender and add a natural sweetness, while the chocolate brings a depth of flavor. This cake is often topped with a chocolate glaze or dusting of icing sugar to enhance its presentation and taste.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20cm round cake tin or loaf tin and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s flavor.
Gently fold in the mashed bananas until well incorporated. The mashed bananas will add moisture and flavor to the batter.
Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the batter, and fold gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate pieces.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the cake should feel springy to the touch.
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze.
In a small saucepan, heat the double cream or milk until it begins to simmer (do not let it boil). Remove from heat, then add the chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the glaze is smooth and glossy.
Once the cake has cooled, pour the glaze over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula or knife. Let the glaze set before slicing.