Mary Berry Coconut Tray Bake

Name: Mary Berry's Coconut Tray Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: Not specified
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 225g self-raising flour; 225g caster sugar; 225g butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 2 tsp baking powder; 50g desiccated coconut; 2 tbsp milk; Icing sugar for dusting; Desiccated coconut for topping

Dive into the tropical flavors of Mary Berry's Coconut Tray Bake, a simple yet elegant dessert that brings a piece of paradise into your home. Known for her straightforward and delightful recipes, Mary Berry, a revered figure in the baking world, presents this coconut cake as a testament to her culinary expertise. The original recipe can be attributed to her vast collection of baked goods, showcasing her ability to create timeless classics that are both easy to make and delicious.

Mary Berry's Coconut Tray Bake: A Brief Overview

This Coconut Tray Bake is a quintessential Mary Berry recipe, combining the simplicity of ingredients with the complexity of flavors. It's a perfect treat for those who adore the rich, nutty taste of coconut, baked into a soft, moist cake that's sure to please any crowd.

Cultural or Historical Context

Mary Berry is a cherished name in British baking, having contributed significantly to the country's culinary literature and television for decades. Her recipes, including this delightful Coconut Tray Bake, are celebrated for their simplicity, reliability, and delicious outcome, making her a household name not just in the UK but globally.

Ingredients for the Coconut Tray Bake

The recipe calls for a handful of simple, storecupboard ingredients, ensuring that this cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a breeze to prepare. Key ingredients include:

Butter, for that rich, moist texture.
Self-raising flour, as the foundation of the cake.
Demerara sugar, adding a subtle molasses flavor.
Desiccated coconut, providing the cake with its signature tropical taste.
Eggs, to bind the ingredients together.
Milk, to achieve the perfect batter consistency.

For precise measurements and additional details, refer to Mary Berry's original recipe sources.

Preparation Instructions

The cake's preparation involves a few straightforward steps, starting with preheating the oven and preparing the baking tin. Ingredients are mixed to form a batter, which is then smoothed into the tin and baked until golden and springy to the touch. The cake is finished with a sprinkling of coconut, adding texture and enhancing its tropical flavor.

Storage and Reheating

For optimal freshness, store the Coconut Tray Bake in an airtight container at room temperature. It can be enjoyed for several days post-baking. If you need to reheat the cake, a brief stint in a warm oven will suffice to restore its moist texture.

Nutritional Information

A slice of Mary Berry's Coconut Tray Bake is a decadent treat. It's rich in calories, with a significant amount of fat, including saturated fat, due to the butter and coconut. Carbohydrates, sugars, fiber, and protein make up the rest of its nutritional profile, providing energy and a bit of nutritional balance.

FAQ about the Coconut Tray Bake

Can I substitute the sugar? Yes, different types of sugar can be used, but it might slightly alter the flavor.
Is there a gluten-free option? Substituting the self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend is possible.
How can I add more flavors? Feel free to experiment with lemon zest or vanilla extract for a twist.

In conclusion, Mary Berry's Coconut Tray Bake is a splendid dessert that effortlessly brings a taste of the tropics to your table. Its simple preparation and irresistible flavor make it a perfect choice for any occasion, proving once again why Mary Berry's recipes are beloved by bakers everywhere.