This classic Mary Berry Banana and Walnut Loaf is a perfect way to use up ripe fruit as well as being incredibly moist! Using the all-in-one method makes the batter come together in seconds, which along with the crunchy walnut pieces adds a satisfying texture to this loaf that is so delicious toasted with butter.
Mary Berry Banana and Walnut Loaf Recipe Ingredients
- The Batter:
- 100g (4 oz) butter, softened
- 175g (6 oz) caster sugar
- 225g (8 oz) self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 250g peeled weight)
- 2 tbsp milk
- The Crunch:
- 50g (2 oz) walnuts, chopped

How To Make Mary Berry Banana and Walnut Loaf Recipe
- Prep the tin: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350°F/Gas 4). Grease a 900g (2 lb) loaf tin and line the base and sides with baking parchment (or use a loaf liner).
- Mash the bananas: Peel the bananas and mash them thoroughly in a bowl using a fork. You want them mostly smooth but a few small lumps are fine for texture.
- Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, measure the softened butter, caster sugar, flour, baking powder, eggs, and milk. Using an electric hand mixer (or a wooden spoon and some elbow grease), beat everything together for about 2 minutes until well blended and smooth.
- Fold: Add the mashed bananas and the chopped walnuts to the bowl. Use a large metal spoon or spatula to gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Fill and bake: Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and level the surface with the back of the spoon. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Check doneness: The loaf is ready when it is well-risen, golden brown, and pulling away slightly from the sides of the tin. A fine skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Peel off the parchment paper before slicing.

Recipe Tips!
- The Blacker the Better: Use bananas that are heavily spotted or even black. Yellow bananas have too much starch and not enough sugar, resulting in a bland, dry loaf.
- Loaf Tin Size: Ensure you use a 2lb loaf tin (approx. 9×5 inches). If you use a smaller 1lb tin, the batter will overflow and make a mess of your oven!
- Browning Alert: Banana bread has a high sugar content and can brown quickly on top. If it looks dark after 45 minutes but isn’t cooked through, cover it loosely with a sheet of foil for the remaining time.
- Walnut Wisdom: Chop the walnuts into medium pieces. If they are too big, they make slicing difficult; too small (dust), and you lose the crunch factor.
What To Serve With Mary Berry Banana and Walnut Loaf Recipe?
This Mary Berry Banana and Walnut Loaf Recipe is moist enough to eat plain, but it transforms when toasted! A thick spread of Salted Butter melting into the warm crumb is the ultimate comfort food. For a decadent twist, spread a slice with cream cheese or Ricotta and drizzle with honey! A hot Mug of Coffee or a glass of cold milk is the perfect beverage to wash down the sweet, nutty bread.

How To Store Mary Berry Banana and Walnut Loaf Recipe
- Store: Wrap the cooled loaf in greaseproof paper and foil, or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps well for 3-4 days and actually gets stickier and tastier the next day!
- Freeze: This loaf freezes brilliantly. Slice it first, then wrap slices individually. Freeze for up to 3 months. You can toast the slices straight from frozen!
Mary Berry Banana and Walnut Loaf Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 5g
Nutrition information is estimated per slice (10 servings).
FAQs
Yes! You can swap the 100g butter for about 80ml of vegetable or sunflower oil. The texture will be slightly moister but will lack that buttery flavor.
Absolutely! Toss 50g of chocolate chips in a little flour (to stop sinking) and fold them in with the walnuts for a chocolatey treat.
If you only have plain flour, add 3 level teaspoons of baking powder to get the equivalent lift of self-raising flour.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Banana and Walnut Muffins Recipe
- Mary Berry Banana Muffins Recipe
- Mary Berry Banana Traybake Recipe
Mary Berry Banana and Walnut Loaf Recipe
Description
A foolproof all-in-one loaf cake that uses up overripe bananas. The walnuts add a delightful crunch to the soft, sweet crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mash bananas; chop walnuts.
- Beat butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and milk until smooth.
- Fold in bananas and nuts.
- Spoon into lined loaf tin.
- Bake at 180°C for 1 hour to 1 hr 15 mins.
- Cool in tin for 10 mins.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness.
- Cover with foil if the top browns too fast.
- Keeps moist for days in an airtight container.
