Mary Berry’s Honey Loaf is a simple yet delicious bake that’s perfect for any occasion. This loaf combines the rich, natural sweetness of honey with a moist and tender crumb, making it a great addition to your afternoon tea or as a sweet snack.
What is Mary Berry Honey Loaf?
Mary Berry’s Honey Loaf is a moist and flavorful cake made with honey as the key ingredient. Baked in a loaf tin, it has a dense yet soft texture, and the honey gives it a unique depth of flavor. This classic bake is easy to make and loved by all.
Other Popular Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Natural sweetness: Honey brings a deep, rich flavor.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for tea time, breakfast, or dessert.
- Long-lasting: Stays moist for days when stored properly.
- Customizable: Add spices, nuts, or fruit for variety.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Honey Loaf
- Self-raising flour – 225g, for a light texture.
- Butter – 100g, softened, add richness.
- Caster sugar – 75g, for sweetness.
- Runny honey – 150g, the star ingredient.
- Eggs – 2 large, for binding.
- Milk – 2 tablespoons, for a moist batter.
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon, for an extra rise.
Optional Glaze:
- Honey – 2 tablespoons, warmed, for drizzling.
- Chopped nuts – 2 tablespoons, for topping.
Equipment Needed
- Loaf tin (8×4 inch)
- Mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Parchment paper
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Honey Loaf
Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Tin
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
- Grease and line the loaf tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Honey and Eggs
- Gradually mix in the honey and eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the wet mixture.
- Add the milk and gently fold everything together until just combined.
Step 5: Pour the Batter
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the surface.
Step 6: Bake the Loaf
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
- Let the loaf cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Warm the honey and drizzle it over the cooled loaf. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Honey Loaf
- Butter: Spread on slices for extra richness.
- Jam or marmalade: Adds a fruity contrast.
- Fresh berries: Complements the honey flavor.
- Mascarpone or cream cheese: Perfect for a creamy topping.
- Hot tea or coffee: A classic pairing for any loaf.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Honey Loaf
- Use quality honey: The flavor of the loaf depends on the honey, so use your favorite type.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the loaf dense.
- Test for doneness: Check with a skewer to ensure the center is cooked.
- Add texture: Stir in chopped nuts or dried fruit for a twist.
- Store properly: Keeps moist when wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Honey Loaf
- Spiced honey loaf: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for warmth.
- Citrus honey loaf: Mix in orange or lemon zest for a fresh flavor.
- Nutty honey loaf: Include chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
- Fruit-filled honey loaf: Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
- Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Honey Loaf
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Value (per slice)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
FAQs
Can I use any type of honey for the Mary Berry Honey Loaf?
Yes, any type of honey can be used, but the flavor will vary. Lighter honey like clover are milder, while darker honeys like buckwheat have a stronger taste, allowing you to customize the flavor profile.
How do I keep my honey loaf moist?
To keep the honey loaf moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a drizzle of warm honey or wrapping the loaf tightly in cling film can help retain its moisture.
Can I freeze Mary Berry Honey Loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the honey loaf. Wrap it tightly in cling film or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Can I add nuts or fruits to the honey loaf?
Yes, you can customize the loaf by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, to enhance the flavor and texture.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Honey Loaf is a simple, timeless recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture and rich honey flavor, this loaf is a delightful addition to your baking repertoire. Try it today and enjoy a classic treat that’s sure to impress!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding
- Gordon Ramsay Banoffee Pie
- James Martin Crumpets
- Mary Berry Creme Caramel
Mary Berry Honey Loaf
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Honey Loaf is a moist and flavorful cake made with honey as the key ingredient. Baked in a loaf tin, it has a dense yet soft texture, and the honey gives it a unique depth of flavor. This classic bake is easy to make and loved by all.
Ingredients
- Self-raising flour – 225g, for a light texture.
- Butter – 100g, softened, add richness.
- Caster sugar – 75g, for sweetness.
- Runny honey – 150g, the star ingredient.
- Eggs – 2 large, for binding.
- Milk – 2 tablespoons, for a moist batter.
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon, for an extra rise.
Optional Glaze:
- Honey – 2 tablespoons, warmed, for drizzling.
- Chopped nuts – 2 tablespoons, for topping.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Tin
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
- Grease and line the loaf tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Honey and Eggs
- Gradually mix in the honey and eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the wet mixture.
- Add the milk and gently fold everything together until just combined.
Step 5: Pour the Batter
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the surface.
Step 6: Bake the Loaf
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
- Let the loaf cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Warm the honey and drizzle it over the cooled loaf. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
