Mary Berry’s Banana Bread is a classic recipe that’s simple, moist, and full of banana flavor. Perfect for using up overripe bananas, this banana bread has a light, tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s ideal as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert, and it pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
What Is Mary Berry’s Banana Bread?
Mary Berry’s Banana Bread is a straightforward, moist banana loaf cake made with ripe bananas, flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. The recipe is easy to follow, and it produces a deliciously soft bread with a gentle banana flavor. This traditional recipe keeps things simple, allowing the natural sweetness and flavor of the bananas to shine.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Soft Texture: Ripe bananas make the bread soft and tender.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
- Uses Up Ripe Bananas: Perfect for using bananas that are too soft to eat on their own.
- Deliciously Versatile: Great for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert.
- Classic Flavor: A timeless recipe that everyone loves.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry’s Banana Bread
- 100g softened butter – Adds moisture and richness.
- 175g caster sugar – Sweetens the bread and balances the bananas.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and gives structure.
- 2 very ripe bananas (mashed) – Adds flavor, natural sweetness, and moisture.
- 225g self-raising flour – Provides structure and helps the bread rise.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps make the bread light and fluffy.
- 2 tbsp milk – Adds a bit of moisture for a softer texture.
Optional Additions
- 50g chopped walnuts or pecans – For added crunch and texture.
- ½ tsp cinnamon – Adds a hint of warmth and spice.
- Handful of chocolate chips – For a touch of sweetness.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer or whisk – To cream the butter and sugar.
- Loaf tin (about 900g / 2 lb) – The ideal size for this banana bread.
- Spatula – For folding in ingredients and transferring the batter.
- Parchment paper – To line the loaf tin for easy removal.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry’s Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease the loaf tin and line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer or whisk for this step, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Add the Mashed Bananas
Fold the mashed bananas into the mixture, stirring gently until well combined. This will add moisture and flavor to the batter.
Step 5: Add the Flour and Baking Powder
Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the bowl. Fold them into the wet mixture gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Step 6: Add the Milk
Add 2 tablespoons of milk to the batter, folding it in until the batter reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Step 7: Pour into the Tin and Smooth the Top
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake the Banana Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the bread should feel springy to the touch.
Step 9: Cool the Bread
Allow the banana bread to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Slice and Enjoy
Once the bread has cooled, slice and serve. It’s delicious on its own or with a bit of butter.
What Goes Well with Mary Berry’s Banana Bread
- Butter or Cream Cheese: Spread on a slice for added richness.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle lightly for extra sweetness.
- Fresh Berries: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top makes for a nutritious breakfast.
- Coffee or Tea: A classic pairing for an afternoon treat.
Expert Tips for the Best Banana Bread
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas are sweeter and add more moisture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the bread dense; fold ingredients gently.
- Check for Doneness: Use a skewer to check the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool fully to help it slice more easily.
- Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container for lasting freshness.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry’s Banana Bread
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Cinnamon Banana Bread: Mix in a bit of cinnamon for warmth.
- Berry Banana Bread: Add fresh or frozen berries for a fruity variation.
- Coconut Banana Bread: Fold in shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry’s Banana Bread
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for Longer Storage: Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Banana Bread Healthier?
- Reduce Sugar: Use less sugar or a natural sweetener like honey.
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute part of the self-raising flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Limit the Butter: Replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh fruit for natural sweetness.
Nutrition Value (Per Slice)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
How Do I Make My Banana Bread Extra Moist?
To make banana bread extra moist, use very ripe bananas, as they add more natural sweetness and moisture. You can also add an extra tablespoon of milk or yogurt, and avoid overmixing the batter to keep it light and tender.
Can I Freeze Mary Berry’s Banana Bread?
Yes, banana bread freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why Is My Banana Bread Dense Instead of Fluffy?
Dense banana bread is often due to overmixing the batter, which can make the bread tough. For a fluffy texture, gently fold in the flour and other dry ingredients until just combined, and avoid using too much flour.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips to Mary Berry’s Banana Bread?
Yes, adding nuts like walnuts pecans, or chocolate chips, is a great way to enhance the flavor and texture. Fold them gently into the batter before baking, about 50g to 75g for a balanced amount.
Can you put too much banana in banana bread?
Yes, too much banana can make banana bread dense and overly moist, resulting in a heavy texture. Using about 2-3 medium bananas (about 1 cup mashed) is ideal for balancing flavor and texture without making the bread too heavy or wet.
Why is my banana bread soggy in the middle?
Banana bread can end up soggy in the middle if it’s underbaked, often due to too much moisture from large bananas or too much liquid. Ensure you measure ingredients accurately, and bake until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Why use mushy bananas for banana bread?
Mushy, overripe bananas are sweeter and have a more concentrated banana flavor, which enhances the taste and moisture of banana bread. They also break down easily, mixing smoothly into the batter for a better texture.
At what point should you not use bananas for banana bread?
Avoid using bananas that are moldy, leaking, or have an off smell, as these are signs of spoilage. Bananas that are heavily speckled or even mostly black are ideal, as long as they aren’t moldy or overly fermented.
Why does my banana bread not taste like banana?
If your banana bread lacks banana flavor, it may be due to using bananas that aren’t ripe enough. Overripe bananas have a more intense flavor, so choose bananas with brown spots or dark skins for the best banana taste.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Banana Bread is a wonderfully moist and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its classic banana flavor and tender crumb, this bread is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it as is, or add your own twist with nuts, chocolate, or a hint of spice, and savor each slice with a hot cup of tea or coffee!
More By British Baking Recipes
Print
Mary Berry Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 50
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Banana Bread is a straightforward, moist banana loaf cake made with ripe bananas, flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. The recipe is easy to follow, and it produces a deliciously soft bread with a gentle banana flavor. This traditional recipe keeps things simple, allowing the natural sweetness and flavor of the bananas to shine.
Ingredients
- 100g softened butter – Adds moisture and richness.
- 175g caster sugar – Sweetens the bread and balances the bananas.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and gives structure.
- 2 very ripe bananas (mashed) – Adds flavor, natural sweetness, and moisture.
- 225g self-raising flour – Provides structure and helps the bread rise.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps make the bread light and fluffy.
- 2 tbsp milk – Adds a bit of moisture for a softer texture.
Optional Additions
- 50g chopped walnuts or pecans – For added crunch and texture.
- ½ tsp cinnamon – Adds a hint of warmth and spice.
- Handful of chocolate chips – For a touch of sweetness.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease the loaf tin and line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer or whisk for this step, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Add the Mashed Bananas
Fold the mashed bananas into the mixture, stirring gently until well combined. This will add moisture and flavor to the batter.
Step 5: Add the Flour and Baking Powder
Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the bowl. Fold them into the wet mixture gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Step 6: Add the Milk
Add 2 tablespoons of milk to the batter, folding it in until the batter reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Step 7: Pour into the Tin and Smooth the Top
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake the Banana Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the bread should feel springy to the touch.
Step 9: Cool the Bread
Allow the banana bread to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Slice and Enjoy
Once the bread has cooled, slice and serve. It’s delicious on its own or with a bit of butter.
