If you’re looking for a comforting, moist, and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion, Mary Berry’s Date and Banana Cake is a must-try. This classic recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, caramel-like flavor of dates, creating a treat that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through every step to create a cake that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Mary Berry, the beloved British baker, is known for her foolproof recipes that deliver consistent results. This Date and Banana Cake is no exception. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, along with ripe bananas and dates.
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of bananas and dates ensures a soft, moist texture and a deep, natural sweetness.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast with a cup of tea or coffee.
Mary Berry Date and Banana Cake
Equipment
- 1 Loaf tin (approx. 2lb / 900g)
- Parchment paper (or greaseproof paper)
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional, you can also cream by hand)
- Wooden spoon/spatula
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Pitted dates, Chopped
- 1 Ripe banana, mashed
- 150 ml (5 fl oz) Boiling water
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g (5 oz) Caster sugar
- 2 Large eggs
- 200 g (7 oz) Self-raising flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until softened.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with baking paper.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed banana and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Fold gently until just combined.
- Add the Dates: Stir the soaked dates (along with any remaining water) into the batter. The water helps keep the cake moist, so don’t skip it!
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
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 and dry. 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.
Why This Cake Works?
Mary Berry’s Date and Banana Cake is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. The dates add a rich, caramel-like depth, while the bananas provide moisture and a subtle sweetness. It’s a comforting and elegant cake, making it a great choice for family gatherings or afternoon tea.
No matter if you like it with a pot of tea in the afternoon or as a warm dessert following dinner, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. Its tenderness, inherent sweetness from the bananas and dates, and potential nutty crunch make it suitable for any event. If you’re a fan of traditional British bakes, you’ll also love trying variations like the Mary Berry date and walnut cake recipe, which shares the same balance of wholesome flavors and simplicity that Mary Berry is so well known for. Both versions highlight how a few humble ingredients can come together to create something timeless and delicious.
Disclaimer
We are an educational platform, not professional counselors, therapists, or medical experts. The content on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional parenting, medical, psychological, or legal advice. Every family and child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Always seek guidance from qualified professionals before making decisions about your family’s health, education, or well-being. I share my personal experiences here purely for entertainment purposes, so please do not take them too seriously or apply them to yourself without proper consideration.
