Mary Berry Banana Bread Recipe

Mary Berry Banana Bread is a wonderfully moist and tender loaf made with ripe bananas, warm vanilla, and a soft buttery crumb. It has a rich banana flavour with a light sweetness that makes it perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or an easy homemade treat. This is a simple beginner-friendly bake that uses everyday ingredients and comes together with very little effort. Total time is around 1 hour 20 minutes, including preparation and baking.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

• 225g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 100g butter, softened
• 175g caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Preparing the Tin

• Butter for greasing
• Baking parchment

How to Make Mary Berry Banana Bread Recipe

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking parchment.
• Mix the base batter: Place the flour, baking powder, softened butter, sugar, and eggs into a large bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.
• Add the bananas: Fold in the mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract until evenly combined. Do not overmix.
• Fill the tin: Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake the loaf: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until risen, golden, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Cool the bread: Leave in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.
• Serve: Slice thickly and enjoy plain, buttered, or lightly toasted.

Tips

How do I make banana bread extra moist?

Use very ripe bananas with dark skins, as they contain more moisture and sweetness.

Why did my loaf sink in the middle?

This usually happens if the loaf is underbaked or the oven door was opened too early.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, fold in 75g chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavour.

How do I know when it is ready?

A skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean or with a few dry crumbs.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with butter
• Enjoy with tea or coffee
• Top with sliced banana and honey
• Toast lightly for breakfast

Storage

Room Temperature

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator

Store for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature.

Nutrition

• Calories: 295 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Sodium: 180mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Mary Berry Banana Bread Recipe

Recipe by Milli RoseCourse: DessertCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

slices

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Total time

75

minutes

Calories

295

kcal

1

hour 

15

minutes

Moist and flavourful Mary Berry Banana Bread made with ripe bananas and a soft buttery crumb. A classic easy loaf perfect for breakfast or tea time.

Ingredients

• 225g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 100g butter, softened

• 175g caster sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 tbsp milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Butter for greasing tin

• Baking parchment

Directions

• Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin.
• Place butter, sugar, eggs, flour and baking powder into a large bowl.
• Beat until smooth and well combined.
• Fold in mashed bananas, milk and vanilla extract gently.
• Spoon mixture into loaf tin and level the top.
• Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
• Cool in tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
• Slice and serve once fully cooled or slightly warm.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavour.
• Cover loosely with foil if the loaf browns too quickly.
• Freeze slices individually for quick snacks.