When it comes to timeless British baking, few recipes are as comforting as a homemade Mary Berry banana bread. Perfectly moist, rich in banana flavour, and ideal with a cup of tea, this bake has been a favourite in UK households for decades. Whether you’re a fan of a classic banana loaf Mary Berry style, love experimenting with chocolate chip banana bread, or prefer lighter banana muffins, this recipe is versatile enough to suit every occasion. In this article, we’ll walk you through the exact steps for baking banana bread Mary Berry style, share pro tips, serving ideas, and delicious variations you can try at home.
- Why This Mary Berry Banana Bread Works
- Mary Berry Banana Bread Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Mary Berry Banana Bread
- Pro Tips for Mary Berry Banana Bread
- Serving Suggestions for Mary Berry Banana Bread
- Delicious Variations
- Nutrition Information (per serving)
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- Classic Mary Berry Banana Bread Recipe
Why This Mary Berry Banana Bread Works
What makes Mary Berry’s banana bread so popular is its simplicity and reliability. Using everyday pantry ingredients, you’ll get a loaf that’s tender on the inside with a beautiful golden crust on the outside. It’s a recipe that works for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Plus, it’s the best way to use up overripe bananas, transforming them into something warm, sweet, and satisfying.
⏱ Recipe Time Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
Mary Berry Banana Bread Ingredients
- 225g self-raising flour
- 100g butter (softened)
- 100g light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 50g chocolate chips or chopped walnuts for extra flavour
Step-by-Step Instructions for Mary Berry Banana Bread
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F and lightly grease a 2lb loaf tin. Line it with baking paper for easy removal.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy using a wooden spoon or hand mixer.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Mash the bananas in a separate bowl until smooth, then fold them into the butter, sugar, and egg mixture.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together, then gently fold into the wet mixture until combined. Do not overmix.
- Add extras like chocolate chips or walnuts if you want to create a twist such as a banana chocolate chip loaf.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Cool the loaf in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice once fully cooled.
Pro Tips for Mary Berry Banana Bread
- Always use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavour.
- For a richer texture, swap part of the butter with Greek yoghurt.
- Add a drizzle of simple chocolate brownie frosting if you enjoy extra indulgence.
- To prevent overbaking, start checking the loaf at 45 minutes with a skewer.
Serving Suggestions for Mary Berry Banana Bread
Serve this classic banana bread recipe Mary Berry style as a teatime treat with a cup of Earl Grey or English breakfast tea. You can enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, spread with cream cheese for a tangy contrast, or topped with a spoonful of jam for extra sweetness. For brunch, pair it with fresh berries, or slice into smaller pieces for a tray of banana muffins perfect for picnics.
Delicious Variations
- Banana Muffins – Use the same batter, but divide into muffin cases. Bake for 20–22 minutes for light and fluffy results.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – Stir in 50–70g of chocolate chips for a classic banana chocolate chip loaf.
- Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Twist – Sandwich two thinner banana bread layers with cream and jam, inspired by the famous Mary Berry Victoria sponge.
- Nutty Banana Loaf – Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch and depth of flavour.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 265 | 5g | 42g | 9g |
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze Mary Berry banana bread?
Yes! Wrap slices tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I make it more moist?
Try adding 2 tbsp of Greek yoghurt or sour cream to the batter.
Q: Can I make this as mini loaves or muffins?
Absolutely — just adjust the baking time to around 20 minutes.
Conclusion
This Mary Berry banana bread recipe is a true British classic — simple, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, this bake is guaranteed to please. Give it a try in your kitchen, share it with friends, and let the warm aroma of banana bread fill your home.
═══ ✨ Get Recipe ✨ ═══
Classic Mary Berry Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 225 g elf-raising flour
- 100 g butter (softened)
- 100 g light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 50g chocolate chips or chopped walnuts for extra flavour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F and lightly grease a 2lb loaf tin. Line it with baking paper for easy removal.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy using a wooden spoon or hand mixer.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Mash the bananas in a separate bowl until smooth, then fold them into the butter, sugar, and egg mixture.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together, then gently fold into the wet mixture until combined. Do not overmix.
- Add extras like chocolate chips or walnuts if you want to create a twist such as a banana chocolate chip loaf.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Cool the loaf in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice once fully cooled.
Notes
- Always use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavour.
- For a richer texture, swap part of the butter with Greek yoghurt.
- Add a drizzle of simple chocolate brownie frosting if you enjoy extra indulgence.
- To prevent overbaking, start checking the loaf at 45 minutes with a skewer.
