The Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake is a luscious dessert, featuring a moist, golden sponge laced with rich butterscotch chips, all topped with a silky smooth glaze. It’s the perfect sweet treat for festive gatherings, casual get-togethers, or simply as a luxurious everyday dessert.
This recipe comfortably serves 6-8 people and can be prepared and cooked in about an hour.
In this article, I will guide you through creating Mary Berry’s Butterscotch Traybake step by step, offering valuable tips and tricks to ensure your baking success. Whether you’re a novice baker or seasoned in the kitchen, this guide will help you achieve a perfectly indulgent traybake that’s sure to impress.
What is Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake?
A Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake is a scrumptious, dense cake imbued with the rich, caramel-like flavors of butterscotch, typically finished with a smooth, sweet glaze. It’s baked in one large pan for ease, making it ideal for slicing and sharing.
Other Traybake Recipes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples for an effortless baking experience.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its universally appealing flavor profile delights both young and old.
- Versatility: Perfect for any occasion, from casual coffee meet-ups to elegant gatherings.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake
For the Traybake:
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 225g light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100g butterscotch chips or pieces
For the Glaze:
- 50g unsalted butter
- 50g light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 100g icing sugar, sifted
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake
Here is step by step guide to make Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4). Grease and line a rectangular baking tray (approximately 12 x 9 inches) with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until pale and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mix, ensuring a lighter cake.
- Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a spoonful of the flour to bring it back together.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder together and gently fold into the mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. This step is crucial for keeping the cake light.
- Incorporate Milk and Vanilla: Mix in the milk and vanilla extract to achieve a smooth, dropping consistency.
- Add Butterscotch Chips: Finally, fold in the butterscotch chips or pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Step 2: Baking the Traybake
- Pour into Tray: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking tray, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the traybake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Making the Glaze
- Combine Butter, Sugar, and Milk: In a small saucepan, melt the butter, light brown sugar, and milk over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add Icing Sugar: Remove from the heat and whisk in the icing sugar until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to reach a pourable consistency.
- Glaze the Traybake: Pour the glaze over the cooled traybake, spreading it out evenly. Allow the glaze to set before slicing into squares or bars.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake?
Finding the perfect accompaniments to the Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake can transform it from a delightful treat into a comprehensive dessert experience. The right pairings will complement its rich, buttery flavor and add an extra layer of enjoyment.
- Fresh Whipped Cream: A light and airy whipped cream can add a smooth texture contrast.
- Ice Cream Scoop: Vanilla ice cream provides a classic, creamy complement to the traybake’s richness.
- Seasonal Berries: Offer a burst of freshness and a slight tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Warm Custard: Pouring warm custard over the traybake makes it an irresistibly comforting dessert.
- Coffee or Tea: A hot beverage on the side is the perfect way to cut through the sweetness.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake
Achieving the perfect butterscotch traybake is about understanding the nuances of baking and the characteristics of the ingredients.
Here are some tips to guide you toward perfection.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps achieve a smooth batter.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and light.
- Check for Doneness Early: Begin checking a few minutes before the recipe’s suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Let It Cool Completely: Before applying the glaze, make sure the traybake has cooled down to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Precision in Measurement: Use exact measurements for all ingredients, especially the baking powder, to ensure the correct rise.
Variations of Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake
The beauty of the Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake lies in its versatility.
Here are some creative twists to keep this recipe exciting.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Introduce chocolate chips to the batter for a double treat of butterscotch and chocolate.
- Salted Caramel Topping: Drizzle with salted caramel for an enhanced flavor profile.
- Nutty Version: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture and nutty taste.
- Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the batter for a fragrant, citrusy undertone.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm spice note.
How do I Store Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake Leftovers?
Proper storage of Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake leftovers ensures that you can enjoy this delightful treat for days after baking.
Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.
- Cool Completely: Ensure the traybake has fully cooled to room temperature before storing.
- Airtight Container: Transfer slices or the entire traybake to an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Separate Layers with Parchment: If stacking slices, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Room Temperature Storage: Keep it in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: For extending its life beyond a few days, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake Leftovers?
Reheating Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake leftovers properly can revive their fresh-baked warmth and texture, making them almost as delightful as when first baked.
- Microwave in Short Bursts: Heat slices for 10-20 seconds in the microwave, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Oven Warm-Up: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and warm the traybake covered with foil for 5-10 minutes.
- Avoid Overheating: Reheat just until warm to maintain the moist texture of the traybake.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy reheated traybake right away for the best taste and texture.
- Consider Room Temperature: Sometimes, simply bringing the traybake to room temperature enhances its flavor without the need for reheating.
Nutrition Value List (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500 kcal
- Fat: Around 22-25g (Saturated Fat: 14-16g)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 58-63g (Sugars: 40-45g)
- Protein: About 5-6g
- Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
- Sodium: Around 200-250mg
FAQs
Can I make the butterscotch traybake gluten-free?
Absolutely, converting this recipe to a gluten-free version is straightforward. Simply substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising blend. Ensure that your baking powder and butterscotch chips are also certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
What can I use instead of butterscotch chips?
If you find yourself without butterscotch chips, there are several delicious alternatives. Chocolate chips can provide a classic twist, while chopped dates offer a natural sweetness and chewy texture. For a nutty flavor, consider adding finely chopped pecans or walnuts.
How do I ensure my traybake is moist and not dry?
The key to a moist traybake lies in not overbaking it. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe’s suggested baking time. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean, with a few moist crumbs attached. Additionally, using ingredients like brown sugar and ensuring your butter is at room temperature can help retain moisture.
Can the butterscotch traybake be frozen for later use?
Yes, the butterscotch traybake freezes wonderfully. Once cooled, wrap the entire traybake or individual slices securely in cling film, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight before serving. For best results, add the glaze after thawing if you plan to freeze the traybake.
Final Words
The Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe offers the perfect blend of ease and sophistication. Enjoy the process, and more importantly, enjoy every bite of this delightful treat.