A classic British bake has a surprising new contender, as a simple recipe with one secret ingredient emerges to challenge the legendary Mary Berry's banana bread.
The Secret Behind the Perfect Loaf
For years, home bakers have turned to Mary Berry's fail-safe recipe for a deliciously simple banana bread. However, a new method from the popular Table Manners cookbook is causing a stir. The book, authored by podcast hosts and mother-daughter duo Jessie Ware and Lennie Ware, includes a banana bread recipe that has been tasted by celebrities like Gary Barlow and David Schwimmer on their podcast.
The game-changing element? A splash of lemon juice. This unexpected addition is credited with creating a loaf that boasts a perfectly moist yet firm texture, preventing it from drying out while balancing the sweetness of the ripe bananas and dark chocolate.
Putting the Recipe to the Test
After acquiring the cookbook, our journalist tested the recipe firsthand. The process begins by preheating the oven to 200C (180C fan or gas mark six) and lining a loaf tin. Dry ingredients – 280g plain flour, one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, and a pinch of salt – are sifted together.
In a separate bowl, four ripe bananas are mashed with a fork, leaving some chunks for texture. The key step of creaming 110g of soft unsalted butter with 220g caster sugar follows, ideally with an electric whisk for a light, fluffy result. The wet ingredients, including the bananas, two eggs, 80ml milk, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract, are then combined.
The dry mix is gently folded into the wet ingredients before 100g of dark chocolate chunks or chips are stirred through. The batter is baked for 45 to 55 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted comes out sticky but not wet with raw batter.
A Versatile Treat for Any Time
This recipe, which serves eight, solves the common banana bread problem of a burnt exterior and undercooked centre. The result is a versatile loaf that can be enjoyed warm from the oven, toasted with butter and cinnamon, or even served with ice cream for a decadent dessert.
The inclusion of lemon juice not only enhances the texture but also elevates the flavour profile, making this a serious rival to the traditional favourite. It proves that even the most beloved British bakes can be improved with a simple, clever twist.
