Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf Recipe

This Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf is a soft, moist bake that makes the most of ripe bananas and simple pantry ingredients. The flavour is gently sweet with a warm, comforting aroma, and the texture stays tender for days. It’s ideal for breakfast slices, afternoon tea, or a quick homemade treat when bananas are past their best.

The method is straightforward and forgiving, with no fancy steps. Inspired by the reliable baking style of Mary Berry, this loaf focuses on balance, moisture, and consistent results—perfect for everyday baking.

What Is Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf?

Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf is a classic banana-based quick bread made with mashed ripe bananas, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Unlike yeasted breads, it relies on baking powder for lift, giving a soft crumb that slices cleanly once cooled.

It’s typically baked in a loaf tin and served plain or lightly buttered.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Excellent use for ripe bananas – natural sweetness and moisture
• Soft, even crumb – stays tender for days
• Simple ingredients – no special equipment needed
• Versatile bake – suits breakfast, snack, or dessert
• Dependable results – clear steps, no guesswork

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf

• Unsalted butter – 100 g, softened
• Caster sugar – 150 g
• Large eggs – 2
• Ripe bananas – 3 medium, well mashed
• Self-raising flour – 225 g
• Baking powder – 1 tsp
• Milk – 2 tbsp
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Apple Frangipane Tart
• Mary Berry Simnel Cake
• Mary Berry Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake
• Mary Berry Pear Crumble

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or wooden spoon
• 900 g loaf tin
• Baking parchment
• Fork or potato masher

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf

• Prepare the tin – Grease the loaf tin thoroughly and line it with baking parchment, leaving some overhang for easy lifting. Preheat the oven so the temperature is stable before baking.
• Cream butter and sugar – Beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy. This step helps build a light base and prevents a dense loaf.
• Add the eggs gradually – Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This keeps the mixture smooth and prevents splitting.
• Mash and add the bananas – Mash the bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps. Stir them into the mixture along with the vanilla extract for flavour.
• Combine dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, mix the self-raising flour and baking powder so the raising agent is evenly distributed.
• Bring the batter together – Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with the milk. Mix gently and stop as soon as everything is combined to keep the loaf soft.
• Bake until set – Spoon the batter into the prepared tin, level the surface, and bake until the loaf is well risen, golden, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Cool fully before slicing – Leave the loaf in the tin for 10 minutes, then lift it out and cool completely on a wire rack so it slices neatly.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Dense texture – Overmixing was the cause; gentler folding fixed it.
• Dry loaf – Using underripe bananas reduced moisture; fully ripe bananas worked better.
• Uneven rise – Levelling the batter before baking helped.
• Dark top – Loosely covering with foil prevented overbrowning.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf

For a lighter loaf, reduce the sugar slightly and replace half the butter with plain yoghurt. The banana flavour still comes through clearly, and the texture stays moist.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf

• Butter (100 g) – Use sunflower oil for a softer crumb
• Caster sugar (150 g) – Light brown sugar adds a caramel note
• Self-raising flour (225 g) – Plain flour with 2 tsp baking powder
• Milk (2 tbsp) – Any dairy or unsweetened plant milk

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf

• Butter spread lightly – Simple and classic
• Honey drizzle – Adds gentle sweetness
• Peanut butter – Complements banana flavour
• Fresh berries – Brightens the plate
• Hot tea or coffee – Ideal for breaks

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf

• Use very ripe bananas – More sweetness and moisture
• Do not overmix – Keeps the crumb tender
• Bake on the middle shelf – Ensures even cooking
• Check early – Banana loaves can vary in timing
• Cover if browning fast – Protects the top
• Rest before slicing – Improves texture

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf

• Chocolate chip version – Fold in dark chocolate chips
• Nutty crunch – Add chopped walnuts or pecans
• Spiced twist – Add cinnamon or nutmeg
• Banana and blueberry mix – For freshness
• Mini loaves – Ideal for freezing

Storing Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf the Right Way

• Room temperature storage – Keep covered for up to three days
• Airtight container – Maintains moisture
• Refrigerate in warm weather – Extends freshness
• Freeze in slices – Wrap well and freeze up to one month

How to Reheat Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf (If Needed)

Warm slices gently in the microwave or toaster. This refreshes the crumb and brings out the banana aroma without drying the loaf.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~290 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~38 g
• Fats: ~13 g
• Protein: ~5 g
• Sugar: ~22 g

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FAQs

Why is my banana bread dense instead of light?

Banana bread becomes dense when the batter is overmixed or the bananas are not ripe enough. Mix just until combined and use very ripe bananas with brown spots for a lighter, softer crumb.

How ripe should bananas be for banana bread?

Bananas should be fully ripe, soft, and heavily speckled or blackened. Overripe bananas provide more natural sweetness and moisture, which improves both flavour and texture.

Can I bake banana bread without self-raising flour?

Yes, you can use plain flour instead. Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to the flour so the loaf rises properly during baking.

How do I know when banana bread is fully baked?

Insert a skewer into the centre of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the banana bread is ready. Wet batter on the skewer means it needs more time.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf is a reliable, everyday bake that turns simple ingredients into something comforting and satisfying. With its moist crumb and gentle sweetness, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to whenever bananas need using and a homemade treat is called for.