Mary Berry's Banana Cake: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Success

Mary Berry, a household name synonymous with baking excellence, has graced our kitchens with countless recipes. Among her most beloved creations is her incredibly moist and flavorful banana cake. This recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned professionals, offering a delightful balance of simplicity and deliciousness. Let's dive into the details of making this classic treat.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session. Gather these essentials before you begin:

• 175g (6oz) softened butter: Softened butter is crucial for proper creaming. Take it out of the fridge well in advance.
• 175g (6oz) caster sugar: Caster sugar provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• 3 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and add richness.
• 225g (8oz) self-raising flour: Self-raising flour simplifies the process by incorporating the necessary raising agent.
• 1 tsp baking powder: While the flour is self-raising, a little extra baking powder ensures a light and airy cake. (Optional, but recommended by many)
• 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Mash them well for a smooth batter.
• 50g (2oz) walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional): Nuts add texture and a delightful crunch.
• 1 tbsp milk: Milk adds moisture and helps create a smoother batter.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:

Follow these steps carefully to achieve Mary Berry's signature banana cake perfection:

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Grease and flour a 20cm (8 inch) round cake tin. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but can be done by hand with a little elbow grease.

3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

4. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the self-raising flour and baking powder. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.

5. Incorporate Bananas & Nuts: Stir in the mashed bananas and chopped nuts (if using). Mix until just combined.

6. Add Milk: Add the milk and mix gently to create a smooth batter.

7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool: Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Banana Cake Success:

• Banana Ripeness: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor. Brown spots are your friend!
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Check for Doneness: Use a skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
• Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before icing or serving. This prevents the icing from melting and ensures a clean finish.

Serving Suggestions:

Mary Berry's banana cake is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it further with:

• Cream Cheese Frosting: A classic pairing that adds a tangy sweetness.
• Vanilla Icing: A simple yet elegant choice that complements the banana flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that adds a touch of elegance.

This recipe delivers a wonderfully moist and flavorful banana cake, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the baking process and the delicious results! Remember to adapt it to your own preferences, perhaps adding different spices or extracts for a unique twist. Happy baking!