Baking the perfect banana cake can be both an art and a science. With the famous recipes inspired by Mary Berry, the iconic British baker and television personality, you can achieve that delightful moistness and delicious flavor every time. In this article, we'll outline 7 easy steps to create a scrumptious banana cake that would impress anyone at your next gathering. 🍌🎂
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Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients 🛒
Before diving into the baking process, it's crucial to gather all your ingredients. Here's what you'll need for Mary Berry's banana cake recipe:
<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Quantity</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Overripe bananas</td> <td>3 large</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Granulated sugar</td> <td>200 g (1 cup)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Unsalted butter</td> <td>100 g (½ cup), softened</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Eggs</td> <td>2, beaten</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Self-raising flour</td> <td>200 g (1½ cups)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vanilla extract</td> <td>1 tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Baking powder</td> <td>1 tsp</td> </tr> </table>
Important Note: "Using overripe bananas enhances the sweetness and moisture of the cake. 🍌✨"
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Step 2: Preheat the Oven 🔥
To ensure that your banana cake bakes evenly, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is essential for achieving the perfect rise and texture in your cake.
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Step 3: Prepare the Cake Pan 🍰
While the oven is heating up, prepare your cake pan. Grease a 20cm (8 inches) round cake tin and line the bottom with baking parchment. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove after baking.
Tip: "If you want to add a bit of flair, dust the greased tin with flour before adding the batter." 🌟
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Step 4: Mash the Bananas 🍌👐
Now it’s time to mash those bananas! Place the overripe bananas in a bowl and mash them using a fork or a potato masher until they are smooth. Some lumps are fine, as they add texture to the cake.
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Step 5: Mix the Ingredients 🥄
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the beaten eggs and continue mixing until combined.
Next, gently fold in the mashed bananas along with the vanilla extract. Finally, sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the mixture and fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Important Note: "Folding helps maintain the airiness of the batter, crucial for a light and fluffy banana cake! 🎈"
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Step 6: Pour the Batter into the Pan 🍚
Now that your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even bake.
Once done, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tip: "Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking." ⏰
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Step 7: Cool and Serve 🎉
Once baked, remove the banana cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
You can serve it plain or decorate it with icing, whipped cream, or fresh fruit if you wish. Enjoy your delicious banana cake with a cup of tea or coffee! ☕
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With these 7 easy steps, you'll be on your way to baking the perfect banana cake à la Mary Berry! Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and find your unique touch. Happy baking! 🎂🍽️