Mary Berry’s sunshine cake is a delightful treat that breaks the mold of traditional cakes. While most cakes rely on a base of flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder, Berry’s recipe adds an unexpected twist – carrots, courgettes, and bananas. These unusual ingredients, which she calls “hidden gems,” add a unique flavor and texture to the cake that you might not expect. But trust us, the result is a moist and flavorful cake that is sure to impress.
Here’s how to make this surprisingly delicious sunshine cake:
Ingredients for the Cake:
* 225g self-raising flour
* 175g caster sugar
* One tsp baking powder
* Four eggs
* 225ml sunflower oil, plus extra for greasing
* 100g carrot, peeled and coarsely grated
* 100g overripe banana, mashed
* 100g courgettes, coarsely grated
* 75g chewy dried banana slices, broken into pieces
Ingredients for the Icing:
* 100g butter, softened
* 100g full-fat cream cheese
* One tsp vanilla extract
* 225g icing sugar
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan/gas four). Grease two loose-bottomed 20cm sandwich cake tins and line the bases with baking paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then add the oil, carrot, banana, and courgettes. Stir well.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk together using an electric whisk until combined.
5. Divide the mixture between the two tins and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until well risen and lightly golden.
6. Leave to cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. The cakes will shrink back a little when cooling.
To Make the Icing:
1. Place the butter and cream cheese in a large bowl and whisk with an electric whisk until combined.
2. Add the vanilla and half of the icing sugar and whisk again until combined.
3. Add the remaining icing sugar and whisk until light and fluffy.
4. Spread half of the icing over one cake.
5. Sandwich the cakes together, then spread the remaining icing on the top and swirl.
6. Arrange dried banana slices in a ring or spiral pattern on top of the cake.
Cut into slices and enjoy this delightful and surprising treat. You’ll be amazed by the combination of flavors and textures!
