Mary Berrys Famous Banana Cake Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Mary Berry's Famous Banana Cake Recipe: Easy & Delicious

🌟 Bananas, those humble fruits we often overlook, can truly transform into something spectacular when baked into a cake. Mary Berry, a beloved British baking icon, has perfected the art of transforming the simple banana into a delightful dessert. Here's how you can recreate Mary Berry's famous Banana Cake in your kitchen with ease. 🎂

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the cake-making magic, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 100g (4oz) softened butter or baking spread
• 175g (6oz) caster sugar
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 225g (8oz) self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp milk
• Optional: 50g (2oz) dark chocolate chips or walnuts

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Mary+Berry+Banana+Cake+Ingredients" alt="Ingredients for Mary Berry's Banana Cake"> </div>

Method for Making Mary Berry's Banana Cake

Step 1: Preparation

Preparation is key to any baking endeavor:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4).
• Grease and line a 900g/2lb loaf tin.

<p class="pro-note">🍌 Note: Make sure your bananas are ripe. Ripe bananas give a sweeter, more intense flavor to the cake.</p>

Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter or baking spread with the caster sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Adding Eggs

• Gradually add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate air.

Step 4: Combining Ingredients

• Stir in the mashed bananas, making sure they are fully incorporated.
• Sift in the self-raising flour and baking powder, then gently fold these into the mixture.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Baking+Preparation+for+Banana+Cake" alt="Baking preparation for Banana Cake"> </div>

• Add the milk to achieve a soft, dropping consistency.

<p class="pro-note">🍫 Note: If you're adding chocolate chips or walnuts, this is the time to stir them in gently to distribute evenly.</p>

Step 5: Baking

• Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the surface.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-75 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Baking+Mary+Berry+Banana+Cake" alt="Baking Mary Berry's Banana Cake"> </div>

Step 6: Cooling and Serving

• Allow the cake to cool in the tin for a few minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

<p class="pro-note">⏱️ Note: The cooling process is essential as it helps the cake set properly. Resist the temptation to cut into it while it's too warm.</p>

Tips for Perfect Banana Cake

Choose Ripe Bananas

• For the best flavor, use bananas that are fully ripe with black spots.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Ripe+Bananas" alt="Ripe Bananas for Banana Cake"> </div>

Mix Gently

• To avoid making the cake tough, gently fold in the dry ingredients. Over-mixing can lead to a less fluffy cake.

Test for Doneness

• The cake is done when a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Frosting and Toppings

While Mary Berry's Banana Cake is divine on its own, you might want to embellish it:

Optional Frosting

• A simple cream cheese frosting can complement the banana flavor:
  • Beat 100g cream cheese with 50g butter until smooth.
  • Add 200g icing sugar and beat until well mixed.
  • Spread over the cooled cake.

Garnishing

• Consider garnishing with sliced bananas, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Banana+Cake+Toppings" alt="Toppings for Banana Cake"> </div>

Mary Berry's Tips for Variations

Add a Twist

• Chocolate Banana Cake: Incorporate 50g of dark chocolate chips into the batter or melt chocolate over the top of the cake once it's cooled.
• Banana and Walnut: Add 50g of walnuts for a nutty texture.

Mini Cakes

• You can also use this recipe to make mini banana loaf cakes. Adjust the baking time accordingly, usually around 20-25 minutes.

Storing Your Cake

Your cake can stay fresh if stored correctly:

• Keep it in an airtight container or wrap it well in cling film.
• It can last for 2-3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Storing+Banana+Cake" alt="Storing Banana Cake"> </div>

Now you've learned how to make Mary Berry’s famous Banana Cake, from prepping your ingredients to the moment you serve it. Remember, the joy of baking is not just in the eating but also in the sharing. This cake, with its moist texture and rich banana flavor, is perfect for afternoon tea, as a dessert, or even as a comforting breakfast treat.

<p class="pro-note">🍰 Note: Experiment with this recipe; baking is a journey where perfection comes with practice and personal touch.</p>

We hope you enjoy making and eating this delightful Banana Cake as much as we loved sharing the recipe with you!

FAQ Section

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I freeze Mary Berry's Banana Cake?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can freeze the Banana Cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I know when the cake is done baking?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If there's wet batter, continue baking.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use brown bananas for this recipe?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Definitely! Brown, very ripe bananas are perfect for baking as they provide more sweetness and flavor to the cake.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What should I do if I don't have self-raising flour?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can make your own self-raising flour by adding 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder and 1/4 tsp of salt for every cup (125g) of plain flour.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can this recipe be made gluten-free?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, substitute the self-raising flour with a good quality gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Keep in mind, the texture might be slightly different.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>