Embarking on a Baking Adventure with Mary Berry's Traybakes 🍰
Are you looking to start your journey into the world of baking or searching for some easy recipes to delight your family and friends? If so, you're in for a treat! Mary Berry, a renowned British baker, and cookbook author, has shared countless recipes that have become staples in British households. Today, we'll explore five of her easy-to-make traybake recipes that are perfect for beginners, ensuring success in your baking endeavors.
Lemon Drizzle Traybake 🍋
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Lemon Drizzle Cake" alt="Lemon Drizzle Cake"> </div>
Mary Berry’s Lemon Drizzle Traybake is not only a simple bake but also a deliciously moist cake with a zesty kick.
Ingredients:
- 225g/8oz unsalted butter
- 225g/8oz caster sugar
- 275g/10oz self-raising flour
- 2 level tsp baking powder
- 4 eggs
- 4 tbsp milk
- finely grated zest of 2 lemons
For the crunchy topping:
- 175g/6oz granulated sugar
- juice of 2 lemons
Steps:
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Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C (160C fan) or Gas 4, and line a 30x23cm/12x9in traybake tin with greased parchment paper.
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Mix the Cake Batter: Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the milk, zest, and a portion of flour. Sift in the remaining flour with the baking powder, mixing well to combine.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the tin, leveling the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cake springs back when pressed lightly and a skewer comes out clean.
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Make the Topping: While the cake is baking, mix sugar with lemon juice for the topping.
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Drizzle and Finish: As soon as the cake is out of the oven, prick it all over with a skewer, then pour over the lemon-sugar mixture. Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin.
<p class="pro-note">🍋 Note: The success of this recipe lies in the balance of sweetness from the sugar and the tartness from the lemon. Ensure you use fresh lemons for the best flavor.</p>
Chocolate Fudge Cake Traybake 🍫
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Chocolate Fudge Cake" alt="Chocolate Fudge Cake"> </div>
A rich, indulgent traybake that's sure to satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings.
Ingredients:
- 275g/10oz plain chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids)
- 275g/10oz unsalted butter
- 225g/8oz caster sugar
- 225g/8oz self-raising flour
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the icing:
- 175g/6oz plain chocolate
- 175g/6oz icing sugar
- 150ml double cream
Steps:
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Melt Chocolate and Butter: Gently melt the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Once melted, allow to cool slightly.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk the eggs and sugar until thick and creamy, then fold in the chocolate mixture and vanilla extract.
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Add Flour: Sift the flour into the chocolate mix and fold until just combined.
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Bake: Pour into a lined traybake tin and bake at 180C for about 25-30 minutes.
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Prepare Icing: For the icing, melt the chocolate with the cream, then whisk in the icing sugar until smooth. Spread over the cooled cake.
Cherry and Almond Traybake 🍒
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Cherry Almond Cake" alt="Cherry Almond Cake"> </div>
This traybake combines sweet cherries with the nutty flavor of almonds for a delightful dessert or teatime treat.
Ingredients:
- 250g/9oz unsalted butter
- 250g/9oz caster sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 250g/9oz self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 50g/2oz ground almonds
- 300g/11oz fresh cherries, stoned and halved
- 50g/2oz flaked almonds
Steps:
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Butter and Sugar: Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one by one.
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Fold in Dry Ingredients: Fold in the flour, baking powder, and ground almonds.
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Cherries: Stir in the cherries, then pour the mixture into your tin and sprinkle with flaked almonds.
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Bake: Bake at 180C for about 40 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and the top springs back when gently pressed.
Victoria Sponge Traybake 🥥
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Victoria Sponge Cake" alt="Victoria Sponge Cake"> </div>
A simple, elegant traybake with a creamy filling, perfect for beginners wanting to impress.
Ingredients:
- 225g/8oz unsalted butter, softened
- 225g/8oz caster sugar
- 225g/8oz self-raising flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
For the filling:
- 4 tbsp raspberry jam
- 250ml double cream, whipped
Steps:
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Mix the Sponge: Beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and a spoonful of flour to prevent curdling. Fold in the rest of the flour with the milk.
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Bake: Pour into a lined tin and bake at 180C for 30 minutes or until golden.
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Filling: Once cooled, spread the jam over the cake, then pipe or spread the whipped cream on top.
Ginger and Pear Traybake 🍐
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Ginger Pear Cake" alt="Ginger Pear Cake"> </div>
A warm and comforting bake with the spice of ginger and the sweetness of pears.
Ingredients:
- 250g/9oz unsalted butter
- 200g/7oz soft brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 300g/11oz self-raising flour
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp milk
- 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 50g/2oz stem ginger, finely chopped
Steps:
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Cream Butter and Sugar: Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well.
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Add Ingredients: Fold in flour and ginger, then add the milk to achieve a soft dropping consistency.
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Add Pears and Ginger: Mix in chopped pears and stem ginger.
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Bake: Spoon into a lined traybake tin and bake at 180C for about 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
FAQs About Mary Berry Traybake Recipes
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What makes Mary Berry's traybakes easy for beginners?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Mary Berry's recipes often use straightforward methods and ingredients that are easy to find, with clear, concise instructions that help beginners achieve success.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I substitute ingredients in Mary Berry's recipes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, but keep in mind that substitutions might alter the texture or flavor of the bake. For example, using margarine instead of butter can change the result.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I ensure my traybakes are moist?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Avoid overbaking. Check your traybake a few minutes before the recommended time, and use a skewer to test for doneness. Adding moisture through ingredients like milk or using high-quality, fresh eggs can also help.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>
And with that, we wrap up our guide to Mary Berry’s easy traybake recipes. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a simple afternoon tea, or just because you feel like treating yourself, these recipes are your ticket to creating delightful, homemade desserts. Remember, the joy of baking is in the process as much as in the eating, so take your time, enjoy the journey, and savor the results. Happy baking!