Mary Berry Banana Cake a delightful treat that captures the essence of simplicity and flavor in every bite. This beloved recipe from the renowned chef herself promises a moist and indulgent experience, perfect for any occasion. Let’s embark on a culinary journey as we uncover the secrets behind Mary Berry’s Banana Cake, a timeless classic that never fails to impress.
Ingredient
- 100g softened butter: Provides richness and moisture to the cake batter.
- 175g caster sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: Infuses natural sweetness and banana flavor.
- 225g self-raising flour: Gives the cake its structure and helps it rise.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent to make the cake light and fluffy.
- 2 tbsp milk: Adds moisture to the batter and helps achieve the desired consistency.
How to Make Mary Berry Banana Cake
Following Mary Berry’s banana cake recipe is a breeze. Simply gather your ingredients, mix them, bake, and voila! You’ll have a moist and flavorful banana cake ready to impress your friends and family.
Steps to Follow
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Bananas: Fold in the mashed bananas.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How to Freeze Mary Berry Banana Cake
Freezing Mary Berry’s Banana Cake is a convenient way to enjoy it later while preserving its freshness and flavor. Follow these steps for successful freezing:
- Allow the Cake to Cool Completely: Before freezing, ensure that the banana cake has cooled down entirely. This prevents condensation from forming inside the packaging, which could lead to sogginess.
- Slice the Cake (Optional): Depending on your preference, you can freeze the entire cake or slice it into individual portions. Slicing the cake beforehand allows for easier thawing and portion control.
- Wrap the Cake Well: Use plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or freezer-safe cling film to tightly wrap the cake or individual slices. Make sure there are no gaps or exposed areas to prevent freezer burn and maintain moisture.
- Double Wrapping (Optional): For added protection, you can double-wrap the wrapped cake or slices with an additional layer of foil or place them in a freezer bag. This extra layer helps to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from seeping in.
- Label and Date: To keep track of storage times, label the wrapped cake or slices with the date of freezing. This ensures that you can use them within the recommended timeframe for best quality.
- Store in the Freezer: Place the wrapped cake or slices in the freezer, ensuring they’re placed on a flat surface to maintain their shape. Avoid stacking multiple items on top to prevent crushing.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, remove the wrapped cake or slices from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. For individual slices, you can also microwave them on a low setting for quick thawing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once thawed, unwrap the cake or slices and serve them at room temperature. You can enjoy them as is or pair them with your favorite toppings or accompaniments for a delicious treat.
By following these steps, you can freeze Mary Berry’s Banana Cake with confidence, ensuring that it retains its moisture, flavor, and texture for future enjoyment.
The trick to Keep Mary Berry Banana Cake Moist
Use Ripe Bananas:
- Opt for ripe bananas with brown speckles on the skin. These bananas are sweeter and moister, which contributes to the overall moisture of the cake.
2. Proper Mixing Technique:
- Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to emulsify the batter and creates a smooth texture.
3. Do Not Overmix:
- Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid overworking the gluten in the flour.
4. Use Self-Raising Flour:
- Self-raising flour contains a raising agent that helps the cake to rise and creates a lighter texture. This contributes to the overall moistness of the cake.
5. Incorporate Moisture-Rich Ingredients:
- Aside from bananas, adding ingredients like milk or yogurt to the batter can increase moisture levels. Mary Berry’s recipe includes a small amount of milk for this purpose.
6. Bake at the Right Temperature:
- Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking. Baking at too high a temperature can cause the cake to dry out on the outside before the center is fully cooked.
7. Avoid Overbaking:
- Keep a close eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake. Remove it from the oven as soon as a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Properly:
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents condensation from forming and making the cake soggy.
9. Store Correctly:
- Once cooled, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps to retain moisture and prevents the cake from drying out.
10. Add Moisture Boosters:
- To keep the cake moist for longer, place a slice of bread or a few apple slices in the container with the cake. These act as natural moisture retainers.
11. Freeze Properly (Optional):
- If freezing the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Ensure it’s completely cooled before freezing.
12. Reheat with Care (If Frozen):
- When reheating frozen cake slices, do so gently to avoid drying them out. Thaw them at room temperature or use a low-power setting on the microwave.
Nutritious Facts
While Mary Berry’s Banana Cake is undeniably delicious, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. This cake provides a good source of energy from the bananas and flour, but it’s also high in sugar and calories. Pairing a slice with a cup of tea or coffee makes for a delightful treat without overindulging.
Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
250-300 | 10-15g | 30-35g | 4-6g |
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s banana cake is a sweet and fruity delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Its moist texture, flavorful spices, and nutritional value make it a favorite among bakers and banana cake enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re freezing it for future enjoyment or serving it fresh, this beloved recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. flavorful spices, and nutritional value make it a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack. Whether you’re freezing it for future enjoyment or serving it fresh, this beloved recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.