Today, I’m going to show you how to make Mary Berry’s Apple Traybake. It’s a simple and delicious dessert that’s great for any event, from family dinners to afternoon teas.
This recipe serves 6-8 people and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours from start to finish. I’ll walk you through the steps, give you some tips, and offer variations to spice it up.
What is Mary Berry Apple Traybake?
Mary Berry’s Apple Traybake is a quintessentially British dessert that marries the rustic charm of juicy, aromatic apples with a light, buttery sponge cake. Baked to perfection in one tray, this dish epitomizes comfort baking at its finest, offering a heartwarming treat that’s both easy to make and delightful to share.
Other Traybake Recipes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: Simple to prepare with results that look anything but, this traybake is your secret weapon for effortless entertaining.
- Versatility at Its Best: Perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering.
- A Symphony of Flavors: The combination of sweet apples and a tender sponge creates a harmonious blend that pleases the palate.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit your taste or the seasons, making it a year-round favorite.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Apple Traybake
- Apples: 3 medium-sized, preferably Granny Smith or any other tart variety (about 1 kg or 2.2 pounds), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced.
- All-purpose Flour: 225g (about 8oz or 1/2 pound), sifted, for a light and fluffy cake texture.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon, to ensure the cake rises beautifully.
- Butter: 225g (about 8oz or 1/2 pound), unsalted and softened, for richness and moisture.
- Caster Sugar: 225g (about 8oz or 1/2 pound), to sweeten the cake perfectly.
- Eggs: 4 large, at room temperature, to bind the ingredients together seamlessly.
- Milk: 2 tablespoons, to achieve the ideal batter consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, for an added depth of flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, for a hint of warm spice that complements the apples.
- Demerara Sugar: 2 tablespoons, for sprinkling on top for a crunchy, caramelized finish.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the cake batter ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Spatula: For folding the ingredients gently, preserving the air in the batter.
- Peeler and Corer: To prepare the apples.
- Baking Tray: Approximately 12 x 9 inches, greased and lined with parchment paper.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the cake after baking, ensuring it doesn’t become soggy.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Apple Traybake
Step 1: Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F or gas mark 4). Grease and line your baking tray with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the base and sides.
Step2: Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures an even distribution of the baking powder, resulting in a uniform rise of the sponge.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar:
Using your electric mixer, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, contributing to the cake’s soft texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a spoonful of flour to stabilize it. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients:
Gently fold in the sifted flour and baking powder, along with the milk, until the batter is smooth and well combined. The key is to fold gently to keep the air in the batter.
Step 6: Prepare the Apples:
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them in cinnamon if desired for an extra flavor dimension.
Step 7: Assemble the Traybake:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking tray, spreading it out evenly. Layer the apple slices over the batter, then cover with the remaining batter. Smooth the top gently with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake
Sprinkle the demerara sugar over the batter for a crunchy top. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool it
Allow the traybake to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
What To Serve With Mary Berry Apple Traybake
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm cake.
- Custard: Drizzling custard over the traybake brings a classic, comforting flavor.
- Whipped Cream: Offers a light, fluffy topping that pairs well with the apple’s tartness.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the dessert’s sweetness and depth.
- Fresh Berries: Scatter berries on top for a fresh, slightly tangy balance.
- Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Apple Traybake
- Even Apple Slices: Ensure apples are thinly and evenly sliced for uniform cooking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use ingredients at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- Preheat Your Oven: Always start with a preheated oven for consistent baking results.
- Test for Doneness: Use a skewer to check if the cake is done; it should come out clean.
- Let It Cool: Allow the traybake to cool slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Variations of Mary Berry Apple Traybake
- Pear and Ginger: Substitute apples with pears and add ground ginger for a spicy twist.
- Mixed Berry Traybake: Use a mix of berries instead of apples for a summer flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey surprise.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the batter for a citrusy note.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Mix cinnamon and sugar and swirl through the batter before baking for extra warmth.
How to Store Mary Berry Apple Traybake Leftovers
- Cool Completely: Ensure the traybake is completely cool before storing.
- Airtight Container: Store in an airtight container to keep it moist.
- Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge if storing for more than a day.
- Layer with Parchment: If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
How to Reheat Mary Berry Apple Traybake Leftovers
- Oven Method: Warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave Briefly: For a quick option, microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Cover with Foil: When reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy as soon as it’s warmed for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: About 250-300 kcal
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g (varies with butter and additions)
- Saturated Fat: About 7g (depends on the type of butter used)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g
- Sugar: About 20-25g (depending on the apples and added sugar)
- Protein: Around 3-4g
- Fiber: About 2g (mostly from the apples)
- Sodium: Less than 200mg (varies with the use of baking powder and butter)
FAQs
Can I Use Canned Apples Instead of Fresh for the Mary Berry Apple Traybake?
Yes, you can use canned apples in place of fresh apples for the Mary Berry Apple Traybake. Just be sure to drain them well to remove excess liquid and adjust the sugar in the recipe if the canned apples are pre-sweetened.
How Long Does the Apple Traybake Stay Fresh?
The Mary Berry Apple Traybake will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If refrigerated, it can last up to 5 days. For the best taste and texture, enjoy it within the first couple of days.
Can I Freeze the Mary Berry Apple Traybake?
Absolutely, the Mary Berry Apple Traybake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in cling film or aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Is It Possible to Make the Apple Traybake Gluten-Free?
Yes, making the Apple Traybake gluten-free is straightforward. Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder and any other added ingredients are also gluten-free. The result should be just as delicious as the original recipe.
Final Words
The Mary Berry Apple Traybake is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and sweetness into your home. The delightful blend of soft cake and tangy apples makes this traybake a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor the delicious results!