When it comes to classic British baking, a few names stand out, such as Mary Berry. Known for her easy-to-follow recipes and traditional approach, her bakes never fail to deliver both taste and nostalgia. One of her much-loved creations is the Date and Banana Cake. This delightful recipe brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas and the rich, chewy texture of dates to create a moist and delicious cake that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’re a fan of banana cake or date loaves, you’re in for a treat with this flavorful combination.
Why This Date and Banana Cake Is So Special
The beauty of Mary Berry’s Date and Banana Cake lies in its simplicity. It’s a versatile bake that works for breakfast, a tea-time snack, or even as a light dessert. Combining the natural sweetness of bananas and dates means you need less sugar, making it a healthier option for those watching their sugar intake. The bananas also contribute to the cake’s moist texture, while the dates give it a slight chewiness, enhancing the overall mouthfeel. With a hint of walnuts or pecans (optional), this cake adds a satisfying crunch, making it a favorite for many.
Mary Berry’s recipes are famous for their accessibility, and this one is no different. With just a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry, this banana date cake can be whipped up quickly for any occasion.
Mary Berry’s Date and Banana Cake
Ingredients
- 2 Ripe Bananas Mashed
- 200 g Dates Chopped
- 175 g Self-raising flour
- 100 g Butter Softened
- 150 g Caster Sugar
- 2 Eggs Large
- 50 g Wallnuts Optional
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp A pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp Milk If needed for consistency
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf tin with butter or line it with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Mary Berry often emphasizes the importance of properly creaming butter and sugar as it gives the cake a lighter texture.
Add the eggs one by one, mixing well between each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated and gives the batter more structure.
Fold in the mashed bananas and chopped dates. The dates should be chopped finely, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the cake for bursts of flavor in every bite.
Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. This step prevents overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it up. The consistency should be thick but pourable.
Stir in the walnuts if you’re adding them. They provide a delicious texture contrast and enhance the flavor profile of the cake.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Bake
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas with brown spots are sweeter and have a more intense flavor, making them ideal for banana bread.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense. Fold the ingredients just until combined.
- Storage: This banana loaf cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It also freezes well if you want to enjoy it later.
Variations to Try
Mary Berry’s banana cake recipe offers flexibility, and you can tweak it to suit your taste preferences. For instance, if you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can swap them for pecans or leave them out altogether. You could also add a handful of raisins or sultanas for an extra burst of sweetness.
For those who love a little spice, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or mixed spice to the batter. It pairs wonderfully with the bananas and dates, giving the cake a warm, autumnal flavor that’s perfect for cozy afternoons.
Serving Suggestions
This date and banana cake is delicious on its own, but if you’re feeling indulgent, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more traditional British tea-time treat, enjoy it with a cup of Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea. The slight sweetness of the cake complements the bold flavors of the tea, making for a delightful pairing.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious dessert, you can drizzle a light glaze made with icing sugar and a bit of lemon juice over the top of the cake. The tangy sweetness adds a wonderful contrast to the rich flavors of banana and dates.
Nutritional Information
This cake is not only delicious but also packs some nutritional benefits. Bananas are a great source of potassium, and dates provide fiber and natural sweetness. Adding walnuts or pecans also increases the cake’s healthy fats and protein content, making it a more wholesome treat compared to other cakes laden with refined sugars and unhealthy fats.
Why You’ll Love Mary Berry’s Recipe
Mary Berry’s banana bread recipe is a timeless classic. What makes her version stand out is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cake is moist without being overly dense, sweet without being cloying, and rich without being heavy. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even dress it up for a more formal dessert.
One of the best things about this banana and date loaf is its simplicity. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can confidently make this cake and impress your family and friends. The combination of bananas and dates is both nostalgic and comforting, evoking the warmth of home baking that Mary Berry is so well known for.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Date and Banana Cake is more than just a cake—it’s a celebration of flavors that come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Mary Berry or just discovering her recipes, this cake is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and wholesome, with a texture that will keep you coming back for more.
So the next time you have ripe bananas sitting in your kitchen, give this banana date and walnut loaf a try. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make and how delightful it tastes. With this simple yet delicious recipe, Mary Berry proves once again why she’s one of Britain’s most beloved bakers.
