Mary Berrys Brilliant Banana Cake Well Almost
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself staring at browning bananas? This simple banana cake recipe is your answer! It's packed with flavour and super easy. Think comforting banana goodness with a hint of cinnamon spice.
Brief Overview
The humble banana cake has roots in the thrifty kitchens of home bakers worldwide. It's all about using up those ripe bananas.
This recipe is seriously easy, taking about 70 minutes total, and serves around 8-10 people. It's perfect for sharing or a sneaky solo treat!
Main Benefits
This easy banana bread recipe is packed with potassium from the bananas. It's the perfect bake for a cozy Sunday afternoon or anytime you fancy something sweet.
What makes it special? It's incredibly moist and stays that way for days. Honestly, I've had slices disappear before my very eyes.
The flavour is that amazing.
Why This Banana Cake is the Best
Forget dry, crumbly cake! This banana bread recipe moist guarantees a lovely, squidgy texture. Honestly, this recipe uses oil and mashed bananas to lock in moisture.
I once tried to make moist banana bread without enough bananas. Let's just say, it was a disaster zone. Never skimp on the bananas! This is also your best option in case of Baking With Ripe Bananas .
Getting Started: The Ingredients
Here’s what you'll need for this glorious quick banana cake recipe . Grab 115g softened butter, 225g granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 4 very ripe bananas (mashed).
You'll also need 1 tsp vanilla extract, 225g all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional), and 1/4 tsp salt.
Ripe bananas are key! The blacker, the better. They add so much sweetness and flavour. I often throw overripe bananas in the freezer for later!
Ingredients & Equipment: Nailing That Simple Banana Cake Recipe
Alright, let's talk ingredients for this easy banana loaf recipe . Getting the right stuff makes all the difference, you know? This ain't rocket science, but a few pointers never hurt.
This is the best banana cake recipe I have used, so it will be the best for you too!
Main Ingredients: The Banana Bunch
- Unsalted Butter: 115g (1/2 cup or 1 stick) . Softened is key. Don't try melting it, trust me.
- Granulated Sugar: 225g (1 cup) . White sugar is perfect for this, adds a nice sweetness.
- Large Eggs: 2 . Grade A will do, doesn't need to be anything fancy.
- Very Ripe Bananas: 4 . Mashed (about 1 1/2 - 2 cups). Think brown and spotty - that’s baking with ripe bananas . That's the magic for a moist banana bread . Seriously, use those borderline gross ones. It makes all the difference.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp . Pure extract, not the imitation stuff.
- All-Purpose Flour: 225g (1 3/4 cups) . Plain flour, not self raising.
- Baking Soda: 1 tsp . Bicarbonate of soda, whatever you want to call it.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 tsp . Optional, but adds a lovely warmth.
- Salt: 1/4 tsp . Just a pinch.
The bananas are your stars. They should be soft and almost black. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavourful your cake becomes.
So, you can use those recipes to use up ripe bananas .
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up
For that extra oomph, a touch of cinnamon is great. It complements the banana so well. Nutmeg also works. Try adding a pinch of allspice for a festive twist.
Honestly, it's a game changer. Moist Banana Bread needs some spice!
You can also easily add chocolate chips to the batter. It makes it more delicious for kids. This is a quick banana cake recipe .
Don't worry, it is still worth your time!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- 9x5 inch Loaf Pan: Essential. Can't really make a loaf without it, can we?
- Mixing Bowls: A couple of different sizes.
- Electric Mixer: Handheld or stand mixer. Makes things easier, but not essential.
- Rubber Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl. No waste!
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Gotta be precise, yeah?
- Wire Rack: For cooling. Prevents a soggy bottom, like on Bake Off .
Honestly, you don’t need fancy equipment. A bowl and a wooden spoon will do in a pinch. But, an electric mixer really helps with the creaming.
This is a banana cake with oil recipe . Remember not to overmix! This one bowl banana cake is awesome!
Baking Up a Brilliant Banana Cake
Honestly, who doesn't love banana cake? It's the ultimate comfort food, right up there with a good cuppa and a chat.
And what’s even better is that you can use it to make the most moist banana bread ever! Today, we are making a simple banana cake recipe inspired by Mary Berry, 'cause let's face it, she knows her stuff.
We're aiming for an easy banana loaf recipe , perfect for using up those overly ripe bananas. Let's dive into my nearly Mary Berry best banana cake recipe !
Prep Like a Pro!
Mise en place, darling! It's just a fancy way of saying get your stuff together. Soften 115g butter. Measure out 225g sugar, 225g flour, plus the other bits.
Mash those 4 ripe bananas! It's like therapy, smashing those things. You want about 1 1/2 - 2 cups of mashed goodness.
Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan . This stops the cake from sticking and is very important, unless you like a cake that's falling apart!
step-by-step: Banana Cake Magic
- Cream together 115g softened butter and 225g sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Combine 225g flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp cinnamon (if you fancy it), and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with the mashed bananas.
- Mix until just combined. Don't overmix! We want a moist cake, not a brick.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50- 60 minutes . Insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, you’re golden.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Bake
My top tip? Really ripe bananas are key ! The riper the better ! Also, don’t overmix the batter. If you want that perfect banana bread recipe moist , mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes . All ovens are different, innit?
Common mistake? Slicing the cake while it's still warm. Cooling allows it to set. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist.
It stays fresh for days.
So there you have it! A simple banana cake recipe that's sure to impress. Go on, give it a go!
Recipe Notes for Your Banana Bake
Alright, mateys! You've got the simple banana cake recipe , now let's talk about making it your own !
Serving It Up Right
Presentation is key, innit? For plating this beaut, think simple. A slice of cake on a plate, maybe with a dusting of icing sugar.
Fancy it up with a blob of whipped cream. Or, if you're feeling posh, a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For drinks, a classic cuppa works a treat. Earl Grey, obvs. Or, if you're feeling bold, a nice milky coffee.
How to Store This Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Refrigeration is key to keep this banana bread recipe moist ! After baking, let your cake cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in cling film or foil.
Pop it in the fridge. It'll stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Freezing? Absolutely! Slice the cake first. Wrap each slice individually. This makes it easy to grab a piece when you fancy. It will last up to 2-3 months .
Reheating Instructions : If frozen, let thaw at room temperature. Warm gently in a microwave or oven. Keep an eye not to burn it .
Variations on a Theme
Fancy a twist? Why not try a Quick banana cake recipe and make it gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
I tried it once with coconut flour. Honestly, the texture was a bit different, but still delish!
If you're on a diet, try using a banana cake with oil recipe and swapping the butter for applesauce.
Seasonal swap? In autumn, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. It’s perfect for using up recipes to use up ripe bananas .
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let's talk numbers. Each slice of this best banana cake recipe is about 300-350 calories. There's protein, fat, carbs and sugar.
Bananas are a great source of potassium. That's good for your heart, yeah? Plus, this cake is comforting. That's good for the soul!
Making a moist banana bread can actually be nutritious thanks to the baking with ripe bananas .
Ready to bake? Don't be scared! Even if you mess up (we all do!), it'll still taste amazing. Go on, give it a go.
This easy banana loaf recipe will be a new favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my banana cake dry? I thought this simple banana cake recipe was supposed to be moist!
A dry banana cake is a classic baking blunder, innit? It usually happens because of overbaking ovens can be temperamental, so check for doneness using a toothpick from about 50 minutes.
Also, make sure you're measuring your flour correctly; spooning it into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly can help prevent excess flour which can dry out the cake.
Can I freeze this simple banana cake recipe? I'd love to make it ahead of time.
Absolutely! Freezing this banana cake is a brill idea for meal prep. Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. It'll keep well for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to tuck in, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture no one likes a soggy bottom, eh?
My bananas aren't quite ripe enough. Can I still use them for this simple banana cake recipe?
Ideally, you want those bananas to be practically black for maximum sweetness and moisture, similar to getting a perfectly ripe avocado! If they're not quite there, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two.
Alternatively, you can bake them in their skins at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until softened.
I'm allergic to nuts. Can I still add chocolate chips to this recipe?
You bet! The beauty of banana cake is its versatility. Chocolate chips are a fantastic addition to this simple banana cake recipe, especially if you can't have nuts. Just make sure the chocolate chips themselves are processed in a nut-free facility if you have a severe allergy.
Milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips work wonders!
Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf cake?
Definitely! For banana muffins, line a muffin tin with paper liners. Reduce the baking time to around 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them, as muffins tend to bake faster than a loaf cake.
Is this recipe healthy?
While this cake is delicious and comforting, it's a treat! It contains butter, sugar, and flour, so it's not exactly a health food. However, you can make it healthier by using whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar. Also, banana bread does contain potassium and some fiber from the bananas, which is a bonus!
Mary Berrys Brilliant Banana Cake Well Almost
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 325 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 25g |
