Mary Berry'S Ultimate Banana Loaf Recipe: Moist, Delicious, And Easy To Make!

Mary Berry's Ultimate Banana Loaf is a delightful treat that never fails to impress. 🍌 This classic recipe combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a moist and fluffy texture, making it a favorite for both novice bakers and seasoned pastry chefs alike. Not only is it simple to make, but it also requires minimal ingredients, making it a perfect go-to recipe for any occasion. Let's dive into the details of this scrumptious banana loaf, exploring ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some useful tips along the way.

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The Key Ingredients 🍰

Before we begin, let’s look at the essential ingredients you'll need to whip up this delightful banana loaf.

<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Quantity</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Ripe bananas</td> <td>3 medium</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Butter</td> <td>100g (softened)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Granulated 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>Milk</td> <td>2 tbsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vanilla extract</td> <td>1 tsp</td> </tr> </table>

Important Note:

“Make sure your bananas are well-ripened; the browner they are, the sweeter the loaf will be! 🍌”

Step-by-Step Instructions 🥄

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s proceed with the simple steps to make Mary Berry’s Ultimate Banana Loaf.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven 🔥

Preheat your oven to 170°C (325°F) and line a loaf tin with baking parchment. This will ensure that your banana loaf doesn't stick and comes out easily once baked.

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Step 2: Prepare the Bananas 🍌

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are smooth. Aim for a few small lumps for added texture, but they should primarily be a purée.

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Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar 🧈

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter loaf.

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Step 4: Mix in the Eggs 🥚

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that they are thoroughly incorporated into the mixture.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=add%20eggs%20to%20batter" alt="Add eggs to batter" /> </div>

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Bananas 🍞

In a separate bowl, sift the self-raising flour and baking powder together. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar-egg mixture. Then, gently mix in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and milk to form a smooth batter.

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Step 6: Bake Your Loaf 🍽️

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and level the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

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Step 7: Cool and Serve 🥳

Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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Variations and Tips 📝

Here are some helpful tips and variations to elevate your banana loaf experience:

• Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Consider folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture. 🍫
• Spices for Extra Flavor: You can incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy kick.
• Storage: Store your banana loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. ❄️

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Enjoying Your Banana Loaf 🍽️

Mary Berry's Ultimate Banana Loaf is perfect for a cozy afternoon tea, breakfast on-the-go, or a delightful dessert. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for an enjoyable treat! It’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, the baking process fills your home with a wonderful aroma that is hard to resist! 🏡

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This recipe is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s also a fantastic way to use up ripe bananas and reduce food waste. So next time you have overripe bananas sitting in your fruit bowl, remember this easy and delicious recipe! 🍌

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Incorporating Mary Berry’s Ultimate Banana Loaf into your baking repertoire will surely impress your family and friends. So why not gather the ingredients and give it a try? Happy baking! 🎉