Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake

Dive into the delight of Mary Berry's Blueberry Traybake, a sweet treat that balances the juiciness of blueberries with a fluffy vanilla sponge, all topped with a smooth cream cheese icing. This recipe is perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or simply as a treat to enjoy with family and friends.

Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake: A Brief Description

The Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake is an easy-to-make dessert that features a moist vanilla sponge dotted with fresh blueberries, finished with a creamy lemon-flavored icing. It's a versatile bake that's as suitable for an afternoon tea as it is for a dessert after a family dinner.

Cultural or Historical Context

Mary Berry, a respected figure in the baking world, is known for her simple yet delicious recipes. This traybake, like many of her creations, offers a nod to traditional British baking, emphasizing the use of seasonal fruits and straightforward techniques that home bakers can easily follow.

Ingredients for the Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake

• For the Cake:
  • 200g self-raising flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • 4 eggs
  • 200g butter, very soft
  • 200g caster sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 250g blueberries, plus extra to decorate
• For the Icing:
  • 25g butter, very soft
  • 250g light cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 75g icing sugar, sifted
  • Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

Preparation Instructions

1. Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking tin with non-stick paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add eggs and vanilla, ensuring each is well incorporated.
3. Sift in the flour and baking powder, folding them into the mixture, then gently stir in the blueberries.
4. Bake until golden and a skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool before icing.
5. For the icing, blend the ingredients until smooth, then spread over the cooled cake and decorate with additional blueberries.

Storage and Reheating

The sponge part of the traybake can be frozen for later enjoyment. Store the iced cake in a cool place or the refrigerator to keep the icing firm, perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this delightful traybake offers a balance of sweetness and tartness from the berries, with an approximate calorie count of 258 per serving. It's a treat that provides energy along with the creamy richness of butter and cream cheese.

FAQ about the Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake

• Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, but ensure they're defrosted and drained to avoid excess moisture.
• Is it possible to make this gluten-free? Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free alternative and check baking powder for gluten content.
• Can I freeze the traybake? Yes, the sponge freezes well. Just add icing after thawing for serving.

Mary Berry's recipes are renowned for their simplicity and delicious outcomes, and this Blueberry Traybake is no exception. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned baker, this recipe promises a delightful result that's sure to impress.

Original recipe attributed to Mary Berry, showcasing her expertise in creating accessible and tasty bakes for all to enjoy.

For more detailed instructions and additional tips, visit Tesco Real Food​​.