The Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake is a delightful dessert that combines a moist and fluffy cake with the sweet tanginess of blueberries. It’s perfect for any event, whether you’re looking for something special to serve at gatherings, wanting to impress at a dinner party, or just aiming to treat your family to a delicious dessert at home.
Through this guide, I’ll take you through the steps to create this wonderful blueberry traybake, offering simple tips and suggestions to ensure success every time.
What is Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake Recipe?
Mary Berry’s Blueberry Traybake is a delightful confection featuring a moist, golden sponge cake studded with juicy blueberries. Its simplicity and elegance are the signature of Mary Berry’s approach to baking, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. This recipe is designed to comfortably serve 8-10 people and can be prepared and cooked in about an hour.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: Easy to follow, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Flavorful: The blueberries add a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweet sponge.
- Versatile: Ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant parties.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake
- 225g (8oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 225g (8oz) caster sugar
- 275g (10oz) self-raising flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200g (7oz) fresh blueberries
- Icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake
Here is step by step guide to make Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake:
Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C, gas mark 4). This ensures a perfect baking environment for your traybake.
- Prepare the Baking Tray: Line a 30 x 23 cm (12 x 9 in) traybake or roasting tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Making the Batter
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour and baking powder into a bowl. This helps to incorporate air and avoids lumps.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy. This step is crucial for a light cake texture.
- Add Eggs: Gradually add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a little flour.
- Fold in Flour: Gently fold in the flour mixture with a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
- Incorporate Milk and Vanilla: Mix in the milk and vanilla extract to achieve a dropping consistency.
- Add Blueberries: Carefully fold in the blueberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Step 3: Baking
- Spread the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared tray, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the traybake cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Dust with icing sugar before serving. This adds a lovely finish and a touch of extra sweetness.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake?
- With a Side of Whipped Cream: The lightness of whipped cream balances the traybake’s richness perfectly.
- Coupled with Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a classic, creamy contrast to the fruity cake.
- Complemented by Lemon Curd: Lemon curd adds a tangy twist, enhancing the blueberries’ flavor.
- Paired with Fresh Berries: A mix of fresh berries on the side brings freshness and color to the plate.
- Enjoyed with a Hot Beverage: A warm cup of tea or coffee makes for a cozy, comforting pairing.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Mixing just until ingredients are combined keeps the cake tender.
- Use Ingredients at Room Temperature: This promotes a smoother batter and a more even bake.
- Prevent Blueberries from Sinking: A light dusting of flour on the blueberries helps distribute them evenly.
- Check Doneness Properly: A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating it’s perfectly baked.
- Let It Cool Before Slicing: Giving the traybake time to cool ensures clean cuts and the best texture.
Variations of Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake
- Infused with Lemon Zest: Adding lemon zest to the batter introduces a refreshing citrus note.
- Raspberry Twist: Swapping blueberries for raspberries offers a delightful change of flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Chocolate chips lend a sweet surprise, appealing to chocolate lovers.
- Enriched with Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped nuts before baking adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Swirled with Cream Cheese: Dollops of cream cheese swirled into the batter create creamy pockets and a visually striking effect.
How do I Store Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake Leftovers?
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake Leftovers?
- Oven: Warm in a preheated oven at 160°C for 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for 10-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Room Temperature: Simply let it sit out to reach room temperature for a moist texture.
Nutrition Value List (Per Serving, Based on 10 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Around 18g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 11g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 45-50g
- Sugar: About 25-30g
- Protein: Nearly 5g
- Fiber: Around 1-2g
- Sodium: Less than 200mg
FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh in the Traybake?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones. There’s no need to thaw them before baking; just toss them with a little flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake and fold them into the batter. This might slightly increase the baking time, so keep an eye on the traybake and test for doneness before removing it from the oven.
How Long Does the Blueberry Traybake Last?
The Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake will last up to 2 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, it can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Ensure it’s covered or stored properly to maintain its moisture and prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
Can This Recipe Be Made Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version of the Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake, simply substitute the self-raising flour for a gluten-free self-raising blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. Follow the same measurements and instructions, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free treat.
Is It Possible to Make the Traybake Vegan?
Yes, it is possible to make this traybake vegan. Replace the eggs with a vegan alternative, such as flax eggs (1 flax egg equals 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to thicken for 5 minutes). Use plant-based butter and milk in place of their dairy counterparts. With these substitutions, you can enjoy a vegan version of the Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake without compromising on taste or texture.
Final Words
The Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake is a versatile, delicious dessert that’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. With its simple steps and professional tips, you can create a dessert that looks impressive but is incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this traybake is forgiving, delightful, and perfect for any occasion. So, preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy the sweet, tender taste of this wonderful blueberry traybake.