Banana Tray Bake Recipe

Sweet & Simple Banana Tray Bake Recipe: Homemade Comfort Joy

Crafting a delightful banana tray bake brings pure joy to your kitchen adventure.

Sweet aromas will soon fill every corner of your home.

Ripe bananas transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Mixing becomes a playful dance of flavors and textures.

Soft, moist cake promises comfort in each delectable slice.

Crumbs scattered across the plate hint at the deliciousness waiting to be savored.

You’ll want to slice this treat and share its magic with everyone around.

Dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe that turns humble bananas into a celebration of taste.

FAQs For Mary Berry Banana Tray Bake

  • Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect as they’re sweeter and mash more easily, adding more intense banana flavor to the cake.

  • Is it necessary to use soured cream in the recipe?

Soured cream helps create a moist and tender texture. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt for similar results.

  • How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to touch.

Why Mary Berry Banana Tray Bake Is So Loved

  • Bake with Minimal Effort: This banana tray bake requires simple mixing techniques and basic ingredients, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert moments, this cake satisfies sweet cravings with its rich banana flavor and creamy frosting.
  • Stress-Free Preparation: With straightforward steps and no complicated techniques, even novice bakers can create a delicious dessert that looks and tastes professionally made.
  • Customize Your Delight: Easily adaptable with optional nuts or alternative toppings, this recipe allows personal creativity while maintaining a reliable base for a delectable treat.

What You’ll Need For Mary Berry Banana Tray Bake

Main Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Ripe, soft bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
  • Butter: Creamy butter adds richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens and helps create a light, fluffy cake structure.
  • Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake's soft crumb.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the cake's structure.
Dairy Components:
  • Soured Cream: Adds moisture and tanginess to enhance the cake's flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy frosting with a rich texture.
Baking Essentials:
  • Baking Powder, Vanilla Extract: Leavening agent and flavor enhancer for the cake.
Topping:
  • Walnuts, Icing Sugar: Provides crunch and sweetness to the finished banana tray bake.

Steps To Make Mary Berry Banana Tray Bake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Grab a 9×13 inch traybake tin and line it with parchment paper. Set your oven to preheat at 160°C (320°F) for standard ovens or 140°C (285°F) for fan-assisted ovens.

Step 2: Crush Ripe Bananas

Take ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly using a fork until they become a smooth, soft pulp.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and sugar. Whip them together using an electric mixer until the mixture turns pale and develops a fluffy, creamy texture.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

Add these ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture:
  • Eggs
  • Mashed bananas
  • Soured cream
  • Vanilla extract

Beat everything together until well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder

Mix carefully to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.

Step 6: Transfer and Smooth Batter

Pour the batter into the prepared traybake tin. Use a spatula to spread and level the surface evenly.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Place the tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a skewer into the center. The skewer should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool entirely at room temperature. This prevents the frosting from melting when applied.

Step 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.

Step 10: Finish Frosting

Add cream cheese and vanilla to the butter mixture. Beat until smooth and well blended.

Step 11: Decorate and Serve

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for extra crunch and flavor.

Helpful Baking Tips For Mary Berry Banana Tray Bake

  • Soften Bananas Perfectly: Use overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor.
  • Prevent Sinking Nuts: Toss chopped walnuts in a little flour before sprinkling to ensure they stay evenly distributed on top of the frosting.
  • Achieve Moist Texture: Don't overmix the batter – stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and light.
  • Check Doneness Accurately: Insert a skewer in the center and look for minimal crumbs – a clean skewer means the cake is perfectly baked.
  • Store Like a Pro: Keep the banana tray bake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Tasty Twists On Mary Berry Banana Tray Bake

  • Gluten-Free Banana Bake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Banana Treat: Swap eggs with mashed flax seeds, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese for a completely vegan cake.
  • Chocolate Banana Delight: Fold cocoa powder into the batter and add chocolate chips for a rich, decadent variation.
  • Tropical Nutty Edition: Replace walnuts with toasted coconut flakes and add a splash of rum extract for a Caribbean-inspired flavor profile.

What To Serve With Mary Berry Banana Tray Bake

  • Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: The rich, sweet banana cake harmonizes perfectly with a smooth cappuccino's velvety texture and mild coffee notes, balancing the dessert's sweetness.
  • Complement with Caramel Liqueur: A smooth caramel liqueur enhances the cake's banana flavor, adding depth and warmth to each decadent bite.
  • Match with Spiced Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices in chai create a delightful contrast with the cake's creamy frosting and nutty walnut topping.
  • Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool, creamy vanilla ice cream provides a refreshing counterpoint to the cake's dense, moist banana base.

How To Store Mary Berry Banana Tray Bake Properly

  • Store frosted banana tray bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap and place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
  • Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 160°C for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm. Avoid overheating to maintain moisture.
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Banana Tray Bake Recipe

Banana Tray Bake Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: Approximately 75-85 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent banana tray bake celebrates classic comfort with a delightful twist of sweetness. Moist crumb and rich banana flavor promise a delectable treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 5 bananas
  • 5 eggs
  • 350 grams (12.35 ounces) self-raising flour
  • 225 grams (7.94 ounces) light brown sugar
  • 350 grams (12.35 ounces) unsalted butter

Creamy Components:

  • 150 grams (5.29 ounces) soured cream
  • 250 grams (8.82 ounces) full-fat cream cheese
  • 125 grams (4.41 ounces) icing sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 50100 grams (1.763.53 ounces) walnuts (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining with parchment paper, ensuring edges are covered for easy removal.
  2. Thoroughly mash ripe bananas into a smooth, creamy consistency using a fork or potato masher.
  3. Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and significantly increased in volume.
  4. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure even distribution.
  5. Fold in mashed bananas, soured cream, and vanilla extract, stirring until ingredients are completely integrated.
  6. Gently sift flour and baking powder into the wet mixture, folding carefully to maintain air and prevent overmixing.
  7. Transfer batter to prepared pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (140°C fan) for 60-70 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a skewer that comes out clean.
  9. Remove from oven and allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 1-2 hours.
  10. Prepare frosting by whipping butter until light and airy, gradually adding icing sugar and beating until smooth.
  11. Blend in cream cheese and vanilla, mixing until frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
  12. Once cake is entirely cool, generously spread frosting across the surface and sprinkle with chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Replace walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds for variety and different textures.
  • Swap soured cream with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content and make the recipe lighter.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version of the banana tray bake.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth and depth.
  • Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 379 kcal
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 5.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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