Mary Berry’s Banana Tray Bake is a moist, easy-to-make cake that’s perfect for using up ripe bananas. This recipe is ideal for sharing, as it’s baked in a large tray and cut into squares, making it great for gatherings, afternoon tea, or a simple family treat.
What is Mary Berry’s Banana Tray Bake?
Mary Berry’s Banana Tray Bake is a light, fluffy cake made with ripe bananas and a hint of vanilla. Baked in a tray or sheet pan, it’s topped with either a simple glaze, cream cheese frosting or enjoyed plain, letting the natural banana flavor shine through.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Perfect for Sharing: A large cake cut into squares, perfect for parties or family gatherings.
- Great Way to Use Ripe Bananas: Ideal for bananas that are past their prime.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry ingredients and comes together quickly.
- Moist and Flavorful: The bananas make the cake incredibly soft and flavorful.
- Versatile Topping Options: Enjoy it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry’s Banana Tray Bake
- 225g (1 cup) Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the cake moist.
- 225g (1 cup) Caster Sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the banana flavor.
- 4 Large Eggs: Adds structure and lightness.
- 4 Ripe Bananas (mashed): Provides natural sweetness and a moist texture.
- 275g (2 1/4 cups) Self-Raising Flour: Helps the cake rise.
- 1 tsp Baking Powder: Adds extra lift for a lighter texture.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Complements the banana flavor.
Optional Cream Cheese Frosting
- 200g (1 cup) Cream Cheese (softened): For a creamy, tangy topping.
- 100g (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness to the frosting.
- 300g (2 1/2 cups) Icing Sugar: Sweetens the frosting.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the frosting.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry’s Banana Tray Bake
Step 1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tray
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking tray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to lift the cake out easily once baked.
Step 2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to combine.
Step 4. Add the Mashed Bananas
Mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth, then fold them into the butter, sugar, and egg mixture until well blended.
Step 5. Sift in the Dry Ingredients
Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
Step 6. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back when lightly pressed.
Step 7. Cool the Cake
Allow the banana tray bake to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Step 8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
For a frosted tray bake, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy and well combined. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
Step 9. Slice and Serve
Cut the cake into squares and serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a layer of cream cheese frosting.
What Goes Well With Banana Tray Bake
- Cup of Tea or Coffee – Complements the banana flavor for an ideal afternoon snack.
- Fresh Berries – Adds a refreshing contrast.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Perfect for an indulgent dessert.
- Toasted Walnuts or Pecans – Sprinkle on top for added crunch.
- Dusting of Cinnamon or Nutmeg – Enhances the warmth of the bananas.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Banana Tray Bake
To achieve a moist, flavorful tray bake, follow these tips:
- Use Very Ripe Bananas – Riper bananas yield a sweeter, more flavorful cake.
- Avoid Overmixing – Mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
- Check Doneness Early – Ovens vary, so begin checking at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Before Frosting – Let the cake cool completely if adding frosting to prevent it from melting.
- Use a Light Touch with the Frosting – A thin layer of cream cheese frosting complements the banana flavor without overpowering it.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry’s Banana Tray Bake
Try these variations for different flavors and textures:
- Add Chocolate Chips – Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Add Nuts – Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Spiced Banana Tray Bake – Add 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Banana and Coconut – Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Top with Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake for extra indulgence.
Best Practices to Store Banana Tray Bake
- Store at Room Temperature – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days if unfrosted.
- Refrigerate if Frosted – For cream cheese frosting, store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for Longer Storage – Wrap individual slices in cling film and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Best Practices to Reheat Banana Tray Bake
- Microwave Reheat – Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Oven Reheat – Place in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5-10 minutes.
How Can I Make Banana Tray Bake Healthier?
- Reduce Sugar – Use less caster sugar or replace some with natural sweeteners like honey.
- Add Whole Wheat Flour – Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use Greek Yogurt – Replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture.
- Skip the Frosting – Enjoy it plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
- Add Chia or Flaxseeds – Mix in a tablespoon of chia or flaxseeds for added nutrition.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Banana Tray Bake is a soft, flavorful cake that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. With its moist texture and natural sweetness from ripe bananas, it’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with cream cheese frosting.
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Mary Berry Banana Tray Bake
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Banana Tray Bake is a light, fluffy cake made with ripe bananas and a hint of vanilla. Baked in a tray or sheet pan, it’s topped with either a simple glaze, cream cheese frosting or enjoyed plain, letting the natural banana flavor shine through.
Ingredients
- 225g (1 cup) Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the cake moist.
- 225g (1 cup) Caster Sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the banana flavor.
- 4 Large Eggs: Adds structure and lightness.
- 4 Ripe Bananas (mashed): Provides natural sweetness and a moist texture.
- 275g (2 1/4 cups) Self-Raising Flour: Helps the cake rise.
- 1 tsp Baking Powder: Adds extra lift for a lighter texture.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Complements the banana flavor.
Optional Cream Cheese Frosting
- 200g (1 cup) Cream Cheese (softened): For a creamy, tangy topping.
- 100g (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness to the frosting.
- 300g (2 1/2 cups) Icing Sugar: Sweetens the frosting.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the frosting.
Instructions
Step 1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tray
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking tray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to lift the cake out easily once baked.
Step 2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to combine.
Step 4. Add the Mashed Bananas
Mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth, then fold them into the butter, sugar, and egg mixture until well blended.
Step 5. Sift in the Dry Ingredients
Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
Step 6. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back when lightly pressed.
Step 7. Cool the Cake
Allow the banana tray bake to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Step 8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
For a frosted tray bake, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy and well combined. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
Step 9. Slice and Serve
Cut the cake into squares and serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a layer of cream cheese frosting.
