Mary Berry Banana and Walnut Loaf Recipe

Name: Mary Berry's Banana and Walnut Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 100g softened butter; 175g caster sugar; 2 eggs; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 225g self-raising flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 tbsp milk

Mary Berry's Banana and Walnut Loaf is a classic and comforting bake that embodies the warmth and simplicity of home cooking. This loaf, featuring the sweetness of ripe bananas and the crunch of walnuts, is a testament to Mary Berry's skill in creating recipes that are both delicious and straightforward. The original recipe belongs to Mary Berry, a revered figure in the baking world, known for her practical and approachable style.

Mary Berry Banana and Walnut Loaf: A Brief Description

Mary Berry's Banana and Walnut Loaf is a moist, tender cake that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the nutty texture of walnuts. It's perfect for afternoon tea, breakfast, or as a snack. The loaf is known for its golden-brown crust, soft crumb, and the delightful flavor that comes from the ripe bananas.

Cultural or Historical Context

Banana bread, in general, has a rich history as a beloved bake in many cultures, particularly in the United States and Britain. Its popularity surged in the 20th century, with Mary Berry's variations on the classic recipe becoming staples in British baking. Her recipes are celebrated for their reliability and delicious outcomes.

Ingredients for the Banana and Walnut Loaf

Butter: 100g, softened
Caster sugar: 175g
Eggs: 2
Ripe bananas: 2, mashed
Self-raising flour: 225g
Baking powder: 1 tsp
Milk: 2 tbsp

Preparation Instructions

Prep the Loaf Tin: Start by preparing a 900g loaf tin, greasing it, and lining with parchment.
Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, eggs, mashed bananas, self-raising flour, baking powder, and milk. Mix until well blended.
Bake: Pour the mixture into the tin, level the top, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about an hour.
Cool: Allow to cool in the tin before turning out onto a wire rack.

Storage and Reheating

The Banana and Walnut Loaf can be kept fresh for several days at room temperature in a cake tin. Avoid refrigeration as it may harden the loaf. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, then toast slices from frozen when ready to eat.

Nutritional Information

A slice of Mary Berry's Banana and Walnut Loaf is rich in carbohydrates and sugars due to the bananas and added sugar. It also contains protein from the eggs and healthy fats from the butter and walnuts. Exact nutritional values can vary, so it's wise to consult a nutritional calculator if specific information is needed.

FAQ about the Banana and Walnut Loaf

Q: Can I use overripe bananas? A: Yes, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they add sweetness and moisture.

Q: How can I avoid a dense loaf? A: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the loaf light and fluffy.

Final Thoughts or Serving Suggestions Mary Berry's Banana and Walnut Loaf is a versatile bake that can be enjoyed on its own, with a spread of butter, or as a base for a decadent dessert with ice cream. Its simplicity, combined with the comfort it offers, makes it a timeless recipe to return to time and again.