Mary Berry Apple Traybake Recipe

Mary Berry Apple Traybake Recipe That Uses Fresh Orchard Fruit

Mary Berry's apple traybake represents the quintessential comfort dessert for autumn afternoons and cozy gatherings.

Charming home bakers and seasoned pastry enthusiasts alike find pure joy in this classic British treat.

Sweet and warming spices dance through soft, tender crumb while apples provide delightful texture and natural sweetness.

Soft edges and golden-brown surfaces hint at the delectable experience waiting on your plate.

Perfectly suited for afternoon tea, weekend brunches, or spontaneous dessert cravings, this traybake promises simplicity and satisfaction in every slice.

Family and friends will marvel at the delicate balance of flavors and comforting aroma wafting from the kitchen.

Baking doesn't get more delightful than this crowd-pleasing Mary Berry creation that transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly memorable.

What Makes Mary Berry Apple Traybake Special

What Makes Mary Berry Apple Traybake Special
  • Simple Baking: This traybake is perfect for beginners who want a straightforward dessert that doesn’t require advanced pastry skills or fancy equipment.
  • Family Favorite: Your whole family will love the warm, comforting apple and cinnamon flavors that make this dessert feel like a warm hug on a plate.
  • Versatile Treat: Serve this traybake as a delightful afternoon snack, casual dessert after dinner, or pack slices for a sweet lunch treat that everyone will appreciate.
  • Quick Assembly: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal mixing, your kitchen time stays short while delivering a deliciously rewarding result.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Mary Berry Apple Traybake

Cake Dry Ingredients:
  • Self-Raising Flour (225g): The foundation of your tender cake, creating a soft, light texture for every delicious bite.
  • Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Your secret weapon for helping the cake rise perfectly and stay wonderfully fluffy.
  • Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): A warm spice that adds delightful depth and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Cake Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter (175g): Softened to room temperature, this brings richness and smoothness to your cake’s base.
  • Caster Sugar (175g): Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, tender crumb for your traybake.
  • Large Eggs (3): These bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s beautiful structure.
  • Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Provides a subtle, classic flavor that enhances all the other ingredients.
Fruit and Topping:
  • Bramley Apples (225g): Peeled, cored, and thinly sliced, these tart apples bring a fresh, fruity dimension to your cake.
  • Demerara Sugar (50g): Sprinkled on top for a delightful, crunchy caramelized finish.

Prep Tools For Mary Berry Apple Traybake

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining your butter, sugar, eggs, and flour without making a mess on your counter.
  • Electric Mixer or Whisk: Helps you beat the butter and sugar until they’re super light and creamy with minimal arm work.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Tray: The exact size for spreading your traybake batter evenly and getting that perfect golden edge.
  • Parchment Paper: Your best friend for easy cake removal and simple cleanup after baking.
  • Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Great for getting your dry ingredients lump-free and evenly distributed.
  • Toothpick or Cake Tester: Helps you check if the traybake is perfectly baked by testing the center’s doneness.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Essential for letting your traybake cool without getting soggy on the bottom.
  • Spatula: Helps you fold ingredients gently and scrape every bit of delicious batter from the bowl.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for cutting your traybake into neat, even squares after cooling.

How to Make Mary Berry Apple Traybake

How to Make Mary Berry Apple Traybake
1

Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to exactly 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking tray and give it a quick butter massage to prevent sticking. Cut a piece of parchment paper to line the bottom of the tray for easy removal later.

2

Create the Cake Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and get ready to cream together some ingredients:

  • 175g unsalted butter (softened)
  • 175g caster sugar

Beat these together until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and give everything a good stir.

3

Blend the Dry Ingredients

Time to bring some texture to your mixture. Sift these ingredients together:

  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Gently fold these into your wet mixture until everything looks smooth and combined.

4

Welcome the Apples

Prepare your Bramley apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them thin. Carefully fold 225g of these apple slices into your cake batter. Make sure they’re distributed evenly throughout.

5

Ready for Baking

Pour your apple-studded batter into the prepared tray. Sprinkle 50g of demerara sugar across the top for a delightful crunch. Slide the tray into the preheated oven.

6

Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. The top should look golden and feel firm when touched.

7

Cool and Serve

Let the traybake rest in the tray for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely. Slice into squares and serve whenever you’re ready to enjoy a slice of apple happiness.

Practical Cooking Advice For Mary Berry Apple Traybake

Practical Cooking Advice For Mary Berry Apple Traybake
  • Soften your butter at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother batter texture.
  • Cut apples into even, thin slices so they distribute evenly and bake consistently throughout the traybake.
  • Fold flour gently into the batter to keep the cake light and prevent tough, dense texture.
  • Sprinkle demerara sugar generously on top for a delightful caramelized crunch that adds wonderful texture.
  • Allow the traybake to cool completely before cutting to help the cake set and prevent crumbling.

Alternate Versions Of Mary Berry Apple Traybake

  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring you match the same weight measurement for perfect texture.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, and use plant-based milk to create a dairy-free version.
  • Spiced Nutmeg Variation: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg alongside cinnamon for a warmer, deeper flavor profile that complements the apples beautifully.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Cut the sugar by half and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, which lets the natural apple sweetness shine through your baked treat.

How To Enjoy Mary Berry Apple Traybake

  • Serve Warm and Cozy: Cut the traybake into generous squares right after cooling and serve with a steaming mug of tea for the ultimate comfort moment.
  • Perfect Afternoon Snack: Pair this apple traybake with a dollop of clotted cream or vanilla custard to make your afternoon treat extra special.
  • Simple Dessert Upgrade: Dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving to give your traybake a bakery-style finish that looks totally professional.
  • Storing for Later: Keep your traybake fresh by wrapping individual squares in plastic wrap and storing at room temperature for up to three days.

How To Store Apple Traybake

  • Store the apple traybake covered with a clean kitchen towel on your counter for 2-3 days, keeping it fresh and delicious at room temperature.
  • Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 weeks, making quick treats easy when craving something sweet.
  • Refrigerate any leftover traybake in an airtight container for 5 days, ensuring the apples stay moist and the cake remains tender.
  • Keep the traybake away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent the edges from drying out and maintain its soft, delectable texture.

Answers To Common Questions About Mary Berry Apple Traybake

FAQ

What kind of apples work best for this traybake?

Bramley apples are traditional, but if you cannot find them, choose a tart cooking apple like Granny Smith that holds its shape during baking.

FAQ

Can I make this traybake gluten-free?

Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free self-rising flour blend to create a similar texture and rise.

FAQ

How can I tell if the traybake is fully baked?

Check that the top is golden brown, the edges are slightly pulling away from the pan sides, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

FAQ

Should the butter be softened before mixing?

Yes, room temperature butter helps create a smoother, more consistent batter that incorporates eggs and flour more evenly.

FAQ

Can I freeze this traybake?

Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

What does demerara sugar do in this recipe?

The coarse sugar creates a delightful crunchy topping that adds texture and a subtle caramel-like sweetness to the traybake.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mary Berry Apple Traybake Recipe

Mary Berry Apple Traybake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Mary Berry’s apple traybake brings together sweet apples and tender cake in a simple afternoon treat your family will adore. Warm spices and golden crumbs make this classic British dessert perfect for sharing with friends over tea.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 225g Bramley apples
  • 3 large eggs
  • 175g unsalted butter
  • 175g caster sugar

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 50g demerara sugar
  • Butter for greasing

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking tray with 1 tablespoon butter and line the base with parchment paper. Heat your oven precisely to 350°F.
  2. Cream 175g softened butter with 175g caster sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes pale and airy.
  3. Crack 3 large eggs into the butter mixture, incorporating each one thoroughly before adding the next. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  4. Sift 225g self-raising flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon into your wet ingredients.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter until just combined, ensuring no flour streaks remain.
  6. Peel, core, and thinly slice 225g Bramley apples. Fold these delicate slices into your cake batter.
  7. Transfer the batter to your prepared baking tray, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  8. Sprinkle 50g demerara sugar across the top of the batter for a delightful crunch.
  9. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for exactly 35 minutes until the surface turns golden brown.
  10. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge completely clean.
  11. Remove from the oven and let the traybake rest in the tray for 10 minutes to set.
  12. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before cutting into square portions.

Notes

  • Select crisp, tart Bramley apples for the best flavor and texture in your traybake.
  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smoother, more even batter.
  • Gently fold the apples into the mixture to prevent overmixing and maintain a light, tender crumb.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a good-quality gluten-free baking blend and add an extra pinch of baking powder.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Baked
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 337 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 126 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 93 mg
Isabella Romero

Isabella Romero

Hospitality & Beverage Editor

Expertise

Cocktail Culture, Tequila and Mezcal Knowledge, Guest Experience Writing, Restaurant Trends, Event Dining Guides

Education

National Louis University, Kendall College
  • Program: B.A. in Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Studied hospitality through a program built around theory and application, with practical preparation for restaurant and guest-experience careers in Chicago’s hospitality industry.
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
  • Program: Level 2 Award in Spirits
  • Focus: Studied core spirits categories, tasting methodology, service principles, and the use of spirits in cocktails, making it a strong fit for beverage content tied to tequila, mezcal, and cocktail culture.

Isabella brings together cocktails, food culture, social dining, and the thoughtful details that make a meal feel memorable. Her content blends atmosphere, flavor, and hospitality in a warm, polished style that helps readers connect with the full dining experience, from the first sip to the last bite.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star