If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, delicious, and guaranteed to impress, look no further than the Mary Berry Apple Traybake. This classic recipe combines soft, buttery sponge with juicy, tender apples, resulting in a dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or a comforting treat on a chilly weekend.
What Makes Mary Berry Apple Traybake Special?
The Mary Berry Apple Traybake is a straightforward yet incredibly satisfying cake. Unlike complex desserts that require hours of preparation, this traybake is quick to assemble, uses common pantry ingredients, and delivers a generous portion that can feed a crowd. Its soft sponge, enhanced with flavorful apples, is perfect for sharing or storing for later.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can adapt it to suit your taste, whether that means adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s an all-season dessert that captures the warmth and comfort of homemade baking.
Essential Ingredients
To create this delightful traybake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 225g butter (softened)
- 225g caster sugar
- 275g self-raising flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Demerara sugar (for topping)
These ingredients are simple yet provide a balance of flavor, texture, and moisture. The apples bring natural sweetness and juiciness, while the butter and sugar ensure a light and fluffy sponge.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Apple Traybake
- Prepare Your Tin: Line a 30 × 23 cm traybake tin with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the cake once baked.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft sponge.
- Add Eggs Gradually: Mix in the eggs one at a time to prevent the batter from curdling.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour and baking powder to maintain a light texture.
- Add Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
- Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the chopped apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Spread into the Tin: Smooth the batter in the traybake tin with a spatula.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the top with cinnamon and Demerara sugar for added flavor and texture.
- Bake the Traybake: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes or until golden and firm. Check doneness with a skewer—it should come out clean.
- Cool Fully: Allow the traybake to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even experienced bakers can face issues with traybakes. Here are some tips from Mary Berry herself:
- Dense Cake: This often happens if the butter and sugar aren’t creamed long enough. Beat until pale and fluffy for a lighter texture.
- Apples Sink: Toss apples lightly in flour before adding them to the batter to prevent sinking.
- Top Browns Too Quickly: Cover the tray lightly with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
- Too Moist: Using firmer apples helps avoid excess juice that can make the cake soggy.
Creative Twists on Mary Berry Apple Traybake
You can make this recipe your own by adding extra flavors or textures:
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy bite.
- Dried Fruits: Incorporate raisins, sultanas, or cranberries for extra sweetness and tartness.
- Spices: Mix in a pinch of mixed spice instead of cinnamon for warmth.
- Glaze: Drizzle with a lemon or caramel glaze for a modern touch.
- Chocolate Chips: For a kid-friendly twist, add some chocolate chips into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This Mary Berry Apple Traybake pairs wonderfully with:
- Warm custard for a comforting dessert.
- Vanilla ice cream for a cold, creamy contrast.
- Whipped cream for a light, airy addition.
- Hot tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
- Caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate if very moist to extend freshness.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months and warm gently before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 270
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugars: 24g
Anecdote: A Personal Baking Story
I remember the first time I baked the Mary Berry Apple Traybake. My kitchen smelled heavenly, and my children couldn’t wait for a slice straight from the oven. What started as a simple experiment turned into a weekly tradition in our home. Each time I prepare it, I think about cozy weekends, laughter, and the simple joy of sharing homemade desserts.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it balances simplicity with delicious results. The Mary Berry Apple Traybake is beginner-friendly, uses easily available ingredients, and provides a generous portion perfect for sharing. It’s reliable, comforting, and brings a touch of homemade warmth to any occasion.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Choose firm apples to prevent the cake from becoming too wet.
- Cut apples evenly to ensure they bake uniformly.
- Cream butter and sugar thoroughly for a fluffy sponge.
- Fold gently once flour is added to avoid a tough texture.
- Bake on the middle rack for even coloring and cooking.
- Rest the cake before slicing to get clean, neat pieces.
For more tips on perfect baking techniques, check out this Mary Berry Baking Guide.
Final Thoughts
The Mary Berry Apple Traybake Easy Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting experience. Its soft, buttery sponge and juicy apple pieces make it a hit with everyone, from children to grandparents. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a sweet treat at home, this recipe delivers reliability, flavor, and joy in every bite.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll master the art of traybake baking and create a dessert that brings smiles and satisfaction. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy baking a classic that’s loved across generations.
Happy Baking!
Here’s a set of FAQs based on the first competitor content piece for Mary Berry Apple Traybake, formatted cleanly without horizontal lines:
FAQs On Apple Traybake
Why did my apple traybake turn out too dense?
A dense traybake usually happens when the butter and sugar aren’t creamed long enough or the batter is overmixed after adding the flour. Cream until pale and fluffy, and fold gently to create a lighter, softer sponge.
How do I stop the apples from sinking to the bottom of the traybake?
Apples sink when the batter is too thin or the fruit pieces are too heavy. Toss the apple chunks lightly in flour before adding them to help keep them suspended throughout the sponge.
Why is my apple traybake too moist in the centre?
This happens when the apples release excess juice or the cake is slightly underbaked. Use firm apple varieties, pat them dry, and bake until a skewer comes out clean to ensure a fully set centre.
How do I get the top of my apple traybake golden without burning?
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the tray with foil halfway through baking. This helps the cake cook evenly while preventing over-browning.
Can I make substitutions for ingredients in this traybake?
Yes! You can replace caster sugar with light brown sugar, use pears instead of apples, swap vanilla for almond extract, or add raisins, sultanas, or mixed spice for extra flavour and texture.
How should I store Mary Berry Apple Traybake?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate if very moist to extend freshness, or freeze slices individually for up to 2 months. Warm gently before serving to revive softness.
