Mary Berry's Vanilla Tray Bake

Mary Berry's Vanilla Tray Bake is an iconic British dessert, cherished for its simplicity, delightful flavor, and the comfort it brings to any gathering. This recipe stands as a testament to Mary Berry's expertise and her ability to create timeless treats that appeal to bakers of all levels. The cake boasts a soft, buttery texture, complemented by a rich vanilla buttercream, making it a perfect choice for celebrations, afternoon teas, or simply as a treat to enjoy at home.

Ingredients for the Vanilla Tray Bake

For the Cake:

• Softened Unsalted Butter: 225g
• Caster Sugar: 225g
• Self-Raising Flour: 275g
• Baking Powder: 2 tsp
• Large Eggs: 4
• Milk: 4 tbsp
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp

For the Buttercream/Icing:

• Unsalted Butter: 110g
• Icing Sugar: 500g
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
• Distilled Water (or milk for adjusting consistency): 2-3 tbsp

Preparation Instructions

1. Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your tray bake tin with grease and baking paper.
2. Mixing the Batter: Cream the butter and sugar before gradually adding eggs, then mix in the flour, baking powder, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth batter.
3. Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing out the top, and bake until golden and springy to the touch.
4. Making the Icing: Beat butter until soft, then gradually add icing sugar and vanilla extract, adjusting with milk or water to achieve the right consistency.
5. Decoration: Once the cake has cooled, spread the icing over the top and add sprinkles or decorations as desired.

Storage and Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature if frozen, and warm slightly in an oven if desired​​.

Nutritional Information

Each serving approximately contains 400 kcal, with 16g of fat, 62g of carbohydrates, 4g of protein, and additional nutritional details depending on the ingredients used​​​​.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, by using a gluten-free self-raising flour blend.
• How to ensure the cake is moist? Avoid overmixing the batter and overbaking the cake.
• Can it be made vegan? Yes, by substituting eggs with flax eggs, dairy butter with vegan butter, and using plant-based milk.
• Can I freeze the Vanilla Tray Bake? Yes, it can be frozen without the buttercream for up to 3 months​​​​.

Mary Berry's Vanilla Tray Bake is a versatile and beloved recipe that exemplifies the joy of simple, delicious baking. Whether you're a novice baker or experienced in the kitchen, this recipe offers a delightful way to bring a touch of sweetness to any occasion. With its moist sponge, creamy icing, and the flexibility to add your own twist, it's a bake that's sure to become a staple in your repertoire.

Original recipe attributed to Mary Berry, a renowned figure in British baking known for her straightforward and delicious recipes.