Heavenly Banana Loaf Recipe: Soft, Sweet, and Simply Irresistible

Warm memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my banana loaf recipe, promising comfort in every slice.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your home with nostalgic warmth.

Soft, moist crumbs melt deliciously on your tongue.

Ripe bananas bring magic to this simple yet incredible treat.

Baking becomes an adventure when you mix these humble ingredients.

Delectable textures and rich flavors await your first bite.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s create something extraordinary together.

Why Mary Berry Banana Loaf Is So Comforting

• Rescue Overripe Bananas: Transform those browning bananas into a delicious treat instead of tossing them out, reducing food waste and creating a moist, flavorful dessert.
• Beginner Baker's Delight: Perfect for novice bakers with simple mixing technique and straightforward ingredients, requiring minimal culinary skills to produce a professional-looking result.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: A versatile loaf that works as a cozy breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, guaranteed to bring smiles to family and friends with its classic, comforting flavor.
• One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple preparation make this recipe a go-to for busy home cooks wanting a quick and satisfying baking experience without complicated steps or extensive kitchen mess.

All You Need For Mary Berry Banana Loaf

• Bananas: Ripe, sweet bananas provide the signature flavor and moisture for the loaf.
• Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the loaf's structure.
• Self-Raising Flour: Provides the base and helps the loaf rise and become light.

• Caster Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, delicate crumb.

• Baking Powder: Ensures the loaf rises and becomes fluffy.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes removing the loaf easier.
• Butter (for greasing): Helps prevent the loaf from sticking to the tin.

Step-By-Step For Mary Berry Banana Loaf

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Grab a 2-pound loaf tin and coat it lightly with butter or cooking spray. Line the tin with parchment paper for easy removal. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Softened butter
• Caster sugar
• Eggs
• Ripe mashed bananas
• Milk

Toss all wet ingredients into a large mixing bowl and blend until smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

• Self-raising flour
• Baking powder

Mix thoroughly using an electric mixer or wooden spoon until the batter becomes uniform and creamy.

Step 4: Transfer And Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes.

Step 5: Test For Doneness

Insert a skewer into the center of the bread. If it emerges clean or with minimal crumbs, the banana bread is ready.

Step 6: Cool And Release

Allow the bread to rest in the tin for 5 minutes. Carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 7: Slice And Serve

Cut into thick, inviting slices. Enjoy with friends or solo as a delightful treat!

Tips For Perfect Mary Berry Banana Loaf

• Mixing Mastery: Avoid overmixing the batter – stir just until ingredients combine to keep the loaf tender and prevent tough texture.
• Moisture Magic: Add a splash of extra milk if the batter seems too thick, ensuring a wonderfully moist and soft banana bread.
• Temperature Test: Insert a skewer or knife near the center to check doneness – it should come out clean or with minimal crumbs clinging.
• Storage Success: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for 3-4 days at room temperature.

Creative Twists For Mary Berry Banana Loaf

• Chocolate Chip Banana Loaf: Add 100g of chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful chocolatey version. Fold them in gently before pouring into the tin.
• Nutty Banana Bread: Mix in 100g of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor. Sprinkle some on top before baking for added texture.
• Gluten-Free Banana Cake: Replace self-raising flour with gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the mixture. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Vegan Banana Loaf: Swap butter for coconut oil, use egg replacer or mashed flax seeds, and choose plant-based milk.

Tasty Sides For Mary Berry Banana Loaf

• Comfort Coffee Companion: Rich, medium-roast coffee cuts through the banana loaf's sweetness, creating a perfect morning or afternoon treat.
• Creamy Caramel Complement: Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over a slice to enhance the banana's natural sugary notes and add luxurious depth.
• Nutty Butter Boost: Spread smooth almond or peanut butter on warm slices for a protein-packed enhancement that elevates the loaf's soft texture.
• Spiced Tea Sidekick: Brew a chai or cinnamon tea to mirror the banana bread's warm, comforting flavors and provide a gentle spicy contrast.

How To Store Mary Berry Banana Loaf Right

• Wrap the banana loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Slice the loaf before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap each slice or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Cover with a clean kitchen towel to maintain moisture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs For Mary Berry Banana Loaf

• Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Overripe bananas are perfect as they’re sweeter and mash easily, giving your banana loaf more flavor and moisture.

• What if I don't have self-raising flour?

You can substitute by adding 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt to each cup of all-purpose flour.

• How do I know if my banana loaf is fully baked?

Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs, with no wet batter.

• Can I make this recipe without an electric mixer?

Absolutely! Use a wooden spoon and mix vigorously until ingredients are well combined, just avoid overmixing.

Banana Loaf Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet banana loaf promises comfort and nostalgia in every slice, blending ripe fruit with warm spices for a delightful treat. Homemade goodness awaits you, with simple ingredients creating a memorable, moist bread perfect for sharing or savoring alone.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 225 grams (8 ounces) self-raising flour
• 2 eggs

Sweeteners and Fats:

• 175 grams (6 ounces) caster sugar
• 100 grams (4 ounces) butter, softened

Leavening and Liquid:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 2lb loaf tin by lightly greasing and lining with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Combine softened butter, caster sugar, eggs, mashed bananas, self-raising flour, baking powder, and milk in a large mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature.
3. Blend the ingredients using an electric mixer or wooden spoon until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated, avoiding over-mixing.
4. Transfer the batter into the prepared tin, carefully spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform surface.
5. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55-60 minutes, monitoring the loaf’s golden-brown color and rising profile.
6. Test the loaf’s doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should emerge clean or with minimal crumbs attached.
7. Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, helping it set and preventing potential crumbling.
8. Gently remove the banana loaf from the tin and transfer to a wire rack, letting it cool completely to room temperature.
9. Once cooled, slice the loaf into generous portions and serve, enjoying the moist, fragrant banana bread.

Notes

• Softening Bananas: Choose overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor.
• Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense texture; mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap self-raising flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond or coconut flour, adding 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum for better binding.
• Moisture Control: If bananas are extra wet, pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the loaf soggy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg