Mary Berry'S Classic Banana Bread Recipe: A Slice Of Perfection

Mary Berry is a name synonymous with British baking, and her Classic Banana Bread Recipe is a testament to her culinary prowess. This delightful loaf cake is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and a moist, tender crumb that makes every slice irresistible. 🍌✨ In this article, we will explore the steps to create this classic recipe, discuss some useful baking tips, and present a table of ingredients for your convenience.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Mary+Berry%27S+Classic+Banana+Bread+Recipe" alt="Mary Berry's Classic Banana Bread Recipe" /> </div>

The Allure of Banana Bread 🍞

Banana bread has a universal appeal, loved by many for its rich, sweet flavor and soft texture. Whether served as a breakfast item, a snack, or a delightful dessert, this bread is perfect for any occasion. What sets Mary Berry's version apart is its simplicity and effectiveness. Her recipe strikes the right balance between sweetness and texture, creating a loaf that can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a spread of butter.

Ingredients You Will Need

To get started on this baking adventure, gather the following ingredients:

<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Amount</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Ripe bananas</td> <td>2-3 medium (about 300g)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Butter</td> <td>75g (softened)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Brown sugar</td> <td>150g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Eggs</td> <td>2 large</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Self-raising flour</td> <td>200g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Baking powder</td> <td>1 tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ground cinnamon</td> <td>½ tsp (optional)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Walnuts or pecans</td> <td>50g (chopped, optional)</td> </tr> </table>

Baking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's dive into the baking process. Follow these straightforward steps to whip up Mary Berry's Classic Banana Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures that your banana bread bakes evenly.
2. Prepare your loaf tin by greasing it lightly or lining it with baking paper. This will prevent sticking and make for easy removal.
3. Mash the bananas in a bowl until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be! 🍌
4. Cream the butter and sugar together in a separate bowl until light and fluffy. This can be done with a hand mixer or a wooden spoon.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporating air will help make your bread light and airy.
6. Stir in the mashed bananas until combined.
7. Sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using) in another bowl.
8. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently, being careful not to overmix.
9. If desired, add the chopped nuts to the batter, folding them in gently for extra crunch.
10. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. ⏲️
12. Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread 🎂

• Use Overripe Bananas: The darker the banana, the sweeter it becomes. Don't discard those brown bananas; they are perfect for baking! 🍌
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or spices like nutmeg to customize your banana bread.
• Storage: Once cooled, wrap the banana bread tightly in cling film and store it at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze slices for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

Banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your serving experience with these suggestions:

• Spread with butter or cream cheese for extra richness.
• Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a sweet touch.
• Serve warm with a side of yogurt and fresh fruits for a delightful breakfast option.

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

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one slice of Mary Berry’s banana bread, assuming you cut the loaf into 10 slices:

<table> <tr> <th>Nutrient</th> <th>Amount per Slice</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Calories</td> <td>180 kcal</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Protein</td> <td>3g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Fat</td> <td>7g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Carbohydrates</td> <td>28g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Sugar</td> <td>10g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Fiber</td> <td>1g</td> </tr> </table>

"Remember, the nutritional values may vary based on the ingredients used and portion sizes."

Why Mary Berry's Recipe Stands Out 🌟

Mary Berry's Classic Banana Bread recipe is cherished not only for its taste but also for its ease of preparation. Her experience as a baker shines through, providing a reliable method that anyone can follow. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned baker, you can create a slice of perfection with her guidance.

Divine and delectable, Mary Berry's banana bread is a fantastic way to utilize overripe bananas and create something truly special. So, the next time you find yourself with an abundance of bananas, grab the ingredients and get ready to bake! 🍞🎉

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Mary+Berry%27S+Banana+Bread" alt="Mary Berry's Banana Bread" /> </div>

Indulging in a slice of Mary Berry's Classic Banana Bread is like enjoying a warm hug on a chilly day. It is comforting, delicious, and perfect for any time of the day. So, put on your apron, preheat that oven, and get baking! 🍌❤️