Mary Berry’s Banana Bread Loaf Recipe is a classic and a popular recipe. It is straightforward and requires only a few basic ingredients, making it an ideal choice for novice bakers.
To make Mary Berry’s banana bread loaf, all you need is ripe bananas, butter, sugar, eggs, self-rising flour, and a touch of vanilla extract. The method is straightforward too – just mash the bananas, mix everything together, and bake in the oven until golden brown and fragrant. The result is a moist and flavorful banana bread loaf that is sure to impress.
The recipe can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer your banana bread loaf plain or with added nuts, chocolate chips, or spices, this recipe is sure to deliver a delicious and satisfying result every time.
Quick Facts
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
What Is Mary Berry’s Banana Bread Loaf
Mary Berry’s Banana Bread Loaf is a recipe that transforms overripe bananas into a moist, flavorful loaf. This recipe stands out for its simplicity and the use of common pantry ingredients. And it works well as a breakfast option, a snack, or a dessert. Mary Berry’s approach ensures a balance between sweetness and texture, making it a popular choice for both new and experienced bakers.
Try these recipes:
Mary Berry’s Banana Bread Loaf Ingredients
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 100g softened butter
- 175g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp milk
- 75g chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps To Make Mary Berry’s Banana Bread Loaf Recipe
- Preheat the Oven. Start by heating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf tin and line it with baking parchment to ensure the bread does not stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the 100g of softened butter with the 175g of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your bread.
- Add Eggs. Incorporate the 2 large eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully integrated.
- Mix in Bananas. Stir in the 2 mashed ripe bananas, blending them thoroughly with the mixture. The bananas add moisture and natural sweetness to the bread.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. Sift the 225g of self-raising flour and 1 tsp of baking powder together. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding them in gently to maintain the airiness of the batter.
- Add Milk and Vanilla. Mix in the 2 tbsp of milk and 1 tsp of vanilla extract, stirring until just combined. The milk helps to loosen the batter, while the vanilla adds flavor.
- Fold in Walnuts. Gently fold the 75g of chopped walnuts into the batter. The walnuts provide a crunchy texture contrast to the soft bread.
- Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
- Serve. Once cooled, the banana bread is ready to be sliced and served. Enjoy it as is, or spread with a little extra butter for added indulgence.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional information for Mary Berry’s banana bread loaf recipe per serving (based on 10 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 341 |
| Carbohydrates | 47g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 15g |
Why You’ll Love Mary Berry’s Banana Bread Loaf Recipe
Easy to Make
Mary Berry’s Banana Bread Loaf comes together quickly, requiring simple kitchen tools and straightforward steps. It’s an ideal recipe for beginners or those seeking a fuss-free baking experience.
Delicious Taste
The combination of ripe bananas, vanilla, and walnuts creates a rich, moist loaf with a delightful flavor profile. The sweetness of the bananas is perfectly balanced with the vanilla and the crunchy texture of the walnuts.
Versatile
This banana bread fits a variety of occasions, from a comforting breakfast to a satisfying snack or a thoughtful homemade gift. It pairs well with coffee in the morning or tea in the afternoon.
Crowd-Pleaser
With its universally appealing taste and texture, this banana bread recipe is a hit among both kids and adults. It’s a reliable choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you need a dessert that’s sure to please a crowd.
Customizable
The recipe allows for easy modifications to suit dietary preferences or to work with what you have on hand. For example, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts or omit them entirely, or use a dairy-free milk to cater to different dietary needs.
Variations and Substitutions
Mary Berry’s Banana Bread Loaf Recipe offers flexibility, allowing for adjustments and variations to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some tailored changes that can further enhance the bread’s flavor and texture, making it even more versatile.
Chocolate Chips
Incorporate chocolate chips into the batter for a delicious chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bananas.
Spices
Adding cinnamon to your banana bread introduces a warm and comforting flavor, ideal for those who enjoy a spiced twist.
Fruit Purees
For a different flavor profile, consider replacing mashed bananas with applesauce or pumpkin puree. This substitution not only changes the taste but also keeps the bread moist.
Sweetness Adjustment
If you prefer your banana bread less sweet, consider reducing the granulated sugar or substituting it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. This modification allows the banana flavor to stand out more prominently.
Pairing Suggestions
Here are some pairing suggestions to help you get the most out of your banana bread loaf:
- Serve with tea: Mary Berry’s banana bread loaf is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea. The warm, comforting flavors of the loaf pair well with the soothing qualities of tea. Try it with a classic black tea or a fragrant herbal blend.
- Enjoy as a breakfast treat: Start your day off on the right foot with a slice of Mary Berry’s banana bread loaf. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a satisfying morning meal.
- Snack on the go: Mary Berry’s banana bread loaf is a great snack to take with you on the go. Wrap up a slice and take it with you to work or school for a quick and easy snack.
- Toast it up: For a warm and toasty treat, try toasting a slice of Mary Berry’s banana bread loaf. Top it with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for a delicious and indulgent snack.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream: For a decadent dessert, serve Mary Berry’s banana bread loaf with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy sweetness of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich, comforting flavors of the loaf.
Storage And Reheating Instructions
Mary Berry’s banana bread loaf recipe is a delicious and moist treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. However, if you have leftover banana bread, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its texture and flavor.
To store banana bread, let it cool completely and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If you want to freeze your banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours before slicing and serving.
When reheating banana bread, there are a few options. You can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to warm it up, or you can place it in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can drizzle it with butter sauce before reheating.
It’s important to note that reheating banana bread too many times can affect its texture and make it dry. So, it’s best to only reheat it once or twice.
FAQs
Ripe bananas provide more sweetness and a stronger banana flavor to Mary Berry’s banana loaf. Their softness ensures a smooth batter and a moist texture in the finished bread. As bananas ripen, starch converts to sugar, which enhances the loaf’s natural sweetness.
Adding too much banana to Mary Berry’s banana bread can affect the texture and baking time. While it may increase moisture and flavor, excessive banana can make the bread too wet, leading to a dense or undercooked center. Stick to the recommended amount for the best balance of flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Banana Bread Loaf recipe is a classic and irresistible treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, anyone can whip up a delicious and moist banana bread loaf in no time.
One of the great things about this recipe is that it can be easily customized to suit individual tastes. For example, some people may prefer to add nuts or chocolate chips to their banana bread, while others may prefer to leave them out. The recipe is flexible enough to accommodate these variations, making it a great choice for anyone who loves to experiment in the kitchen.