Mary Berry Banana Bread

Mary Berry banana bread loaf is a delicious easy-to-make, moist loaf that takes about an hour to bake. Any over-ripe bananas left in the fruit bowl are ideal for making this cake.

It produces a golden-brown, fragrant bread with a tender crumb and rich banana flavour. Ideal for breakfast or as a sweet snack. Best served in thick slices which really don’t need to be buttered. It is one of Mary Berry’s most popular recipes. It freezes extremely well.

By Mary Berry
From Mary Berry’s Baking Bible

Moderate in calories, sugar, and fat (nutri-score)

You will need a 900g (2lb) loaf tin, 17 x 9 x 9cm (6½ x 3½ x 3½in) base measurement.

Method

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 180C / Fan 160C / Gas 4.
• Lightly grease a 2lb loaf tin, then line the base and sides with baking parchment.

Mixing

• Measure all ingredients into a mixing bowl.
• Beat for about 2 minutes, until well blended.

Baking

• Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface.
• Bake in the pre-heated oven for about 1 hour, until well risen and golden brown.
• Check if ready by inserting a fine skewer in the centre – it should come out clean.

Cooling

• Leave to cool in the tin for a few minutes.
• Turn out, peel off the parchment, and finish cooling on a wire rack.

Personal Touches

Add your own flair to Mary Berry’s banana bread with these suggestions:

• Top with buttercream icing and crushed walnuts for extra indulgence.
• Use three bananas and add mixed spices and almond essence. Create a frosting with cream cheese, icing sugar, and a splash of lemon juice.
• Incorporate coconut into the mixture and sprinkle some on top after baking.

For a chocolatey twist, try Mary Berry’s banana bread with chocolate chip recipe.

Nutri-score Health Check

This banana bread recipe receives a Nutri-Score of C, indicating it’s moderately healthy. Here’s why:

• Positive points: Contains fruit (bananas) and is a good source of energy.
• Negative points: High in sugar and saturated fats from butter.
• The recipe includes nutritious ingredients like bananas and milk, but also contains significant amounts of sugar and butter.
• The self-raising flour provides some fibre, but the overall fibre content is moderate.
• While not the healthiest option, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

To improve the Nutri-Score, consider reducing sugar content, using whole wheat flour, or incorporating nuts for added nutritional value.

FAQ Section for Mary Berry’s Banana Bread

1. How ripe should the bananas be for banana bread?
For the best flavour and sweetness, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavourful your banana bread will be.

2. Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?
Yes, you can substitute plain flour for self-raising flour. If you do, add 1 teaspoon of baking powder for every 100g of plain flour to ensure your banana bread rises properly.

3. What can I add to enhance the flavor of my banana bread?
Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also incorporate yogurt or sour cream for added moisture.

4. How long should I bake the banana bread?
Bake the banana bread for about 50 to 60 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.

5. How do I store leftover banana bread?
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months.

6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free spread and use a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond or oat milk, to make a delicious dairy-free version.

7. Is it possible to make banana bread without eggs?
Yes, you can replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) to create a vegan version of the recipe.

8. Can I add frosting to my banana bread?
Absolutely! A cream cheese frosting or buttercream icing can add a delicious touch to your banana bread, making it even more indulgent.

Discover more all-time favourites from Mary Berry’s kitchen:

• Mary Berry chocolate cake
• Mary Berry lemon drizzle cake
• Mary Berry carrot cake recipe