Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake Recipe [GUIDE]

Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that captures all the flavors of a traditional carrot cake but in a more accessible, sheet-style format. A traybake is essentially a single-layer cake baked in a shallow tray, making it quick to prepare and perfect for cutting into generous, even slices. Known for her precise yet approachable baking style, Mary Berry’s version of the carrot cake includes the moistness and warmth of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, balanced with the subtle sweetness of carrots. This recipe transforms the classic carrot cake into a convenient traybake, ideal for afternoon teas, family gatherings, or any time you crave a slice of something comforting. It’s a mix of fluffy, tender sponge, enriched with the natural sweetness of carrots, and topped off with a smooth, indulgent cream cheese frosting. What sets Mary Berry’s version apart is its simplicity-this traybake offers all the indulgence of a full-sized carrot cake, but without the fuss.

Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients for Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake are straightforward and common in most kitchens, but they come together to create a rich, flavorful treat. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. For The Cake

   • Self-raising flour (220g): The self-raising flour ensures that the cake rises beautifully, creating a light and airy sponge without the need for additional leavening agents.
   • Caster sugar (200g): Caster sugar helps to create a moist texture while also adding sweetness. It dissolves more easily than granulated sugar, which is crucial for the smooth batter.
   • Vegetable oil (250ml): The oil adds moisture to the cake, making it tender. It also helps in binding the ingredients, ensuring the cake stays soft for days.
   • Eggs (4 large): The eggs provide structure, stability, and richness to the cake. They help hold the ingredients together and give it that smooth, uniform texture.
   • Carrots (250g, finely grated): Carrots are the star ingredient, adding both natural sweetness and moisture. When finely grated, they blend seamlessly into the batter, giving the cake its signature moistness.
   • Baking powder (1 tsp): Though the recipe uses self-raising flour, a touch of baking powder ensures extra lift for a fluffy, light texture.
   • Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): This spice gives the cake its warm, aromatic flavor, complementing the natural sweetness of the carrots.
   • Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): Nutmeg adds a subtle, cozy depth of flavor, making the cake even more aromatic.
   • Ground ginger (½ tsp): Ginger adds a hint of warmth and spice, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
   • Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A small amount of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, giving the cake a rounded, comforting taste.

2. For The Frosting

   • Cream cheese (225g): Cream cheese gives the frosting a tangy richness, creating a perfect contrast to the sweet, spiced cake.
   • Icing sugar (100g): The icing sugar sweetens the frosting, making it smooth and glossy.
   • Butter (50g): Butter adds richness and smoothness to the frosting, giving it a creamy, luxurious texture.
   • Vanilla extract (1 tsp): This enhances the flavor of the frosting, adding depth and balance to the tanginess of the cream cheese.

Equipment Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment to ensure everything runs smoothly. While the recipe is simple, using the right tools helps achieve the perfect result:

1. Baking Tray (approx. 30×23 cm): The tray is essential for baking the cake. It needs to be shallow enough to allow the batter to spread evenly, creating a light and moist cake. A lined tray is ideal to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two bowls-one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients. These allow you to mix everything thoroughly before combining them into one smooth batter.
3. Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: While a whisk can work for mixing the batter, using a hand mixer or stand mixer ensures everything is combined quickly and evenly. This is especially helpful when incorporating the oil and eggs into the flour mixture.
4. Grater: To prepare the carrots, a fine grater is ideal. You want the carrots to be grated finely to blend seamlessly into the batter, giving the cake its signature moist texture.
5. Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A spatula is perfect for folding in the carrots and mixing everything together gently. It ensures you don’t overwork the batter.
6. Cooling Rack: After baking, you’ll need a cooling rack to let the cake cool down before frosting it. This prevents it from becoming soggy, as air circulates around the cake.
7. Piping Bag (Optional): If you want to pipe the frosting elegantly over the cake, a piping bag with a large star tip can help you create a professional finish.

Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F), or 160°C (320°F) if you’re using a fan oven. Line your traybake tin with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the cake comes out easily after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In one bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of salt. This ensures the spices and dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the caster sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth. You want to ensure that the sugar dissolves properly into the oil and eggs, creating a smooth mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. The batter will begin to thicken.
5. Add Carrots: Stir in the grated carrots, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This adds both flavor and moisture.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should rise slightly and turn a golden brown on top.
7. Cool the Cake: Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before frosting.
8. Prepare the Frosting: To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl. Gradually sift in the icing sugar and beat until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
9. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula. If desired, pipe the frosting around the edges for a decorative touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Once frosted, slice the traybake into squares and serve. The cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Tips And Tricks

1. Grating the Carrots: The finer you grate the carrots, the more evenly they will blend into the batter, ensuring a smoother, more cohesive texture. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can coarsely grate the carrots for a bit more bite.
2. Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This allows for better incorporation, ensuring a smoother batter and frosting.
3. Frosting Variations: You can experiment with your frosting by adding a little lemon zest to brighten the flavor, or mix in a small handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and richness.
4. Make It Ahead: This cake stores really well. In fact, it often gets even better after a day or two as the flavors meld. You can make the cake in advance and frost it just before serving.
5. Add More Spice: If you love spiced cakes, feel free to adjust the cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg to your liking. A pinch of ground cloves or allspice would also add a warming depth.

Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake is a simple yet irresistible dessert that takes all the best elements of a traditional carrot cake and transforms them into an easy, hassle-free traybake. With its tender crumb, spicy warmth, and creamy frosting, it’s perfect for gatherings or just a treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that are sure to impress. With a few handy tips and tricks, you can make this cake your own, adding extra layers of flavor or even playing around with different frosting styles. So next time you’re craving a comforting dessert, Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake is a wonderful option that never disappoints.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake

Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake is a classic treat that’s incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities for adaptation. The base recipe is simple and flavorful, packed with rich spices, tender carrots, and a moist crumb that can easily be tailored to your own taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some easy variations you can try to personalize your cake.

1. Nuts and Dried Fruits

   The original recipe can be given a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor by adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. These nuts bring out the earthy sweetness of the carrots and spices. For a twist, consider adding dried fruits like raisins, sultanas, or even dried apricots. Not only will this increase the moisture in the cake, but it also adds a lovely chewiness and bursts of flavor throughout each bite.

2. Spice It Up

   While Mary Berry’s recipe uses the traditional cinnamon and nutmeg, feel free to get creative with the spice profile. Add a pinch of ginger or cloves to give the cake an extra depth of warmth. For a more exotic twist, you could incorporate cardamom or allspice to give your carrot cake a unique, complex flavor. You can even try a hint of orange zest for a fresh, citrusy kick.

3. Coconut Carrot Cake

   If you’re a fan of coconut, try adding desiccated coconut into the batter. It pairs beautifully with the carrots, making the cake slightly more indulgent while enhancing the texture. A sprinkle of coconut flakes on top of the cream cheese frosting is a fantastic finishing touch. If you’re feeling particularly tropical, try swapping in coconut oil for the vegetable oil in the original recipe.

4. Vegan Carrot Cake Traybake

   For a plant-based version, swapping a few ingredients can create a vegan-friendly carrot cake without sacrificing the moist texture. Replace the eggs with ground flaxseeds or chia seeds mixed with water as an egg substitute. Use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) instead of regular milk, and opt for a dairy-free butter or margarine. For the frosting, swap the cream cheese for a vegan version made with coconut or cashews, and use powdered sugar to thicken it.

5. Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

   For those following a gluten-free diet, swapping the plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend works well. You may need to experiment with the moisture levels, as gluten-free flours can sometimes absorb more liquid. Adding a bit more milk or water can help achieve the same soft texture. Be sure to check that the baking powder you use is also gluten-free, as not all baking powders are. A sprinkle of ground almonds or rice flour can add a bit of structure to the cake.

6. Zesty Lemon Carrot Cake

   For a fresh twist on the classic, adding lemon zest to the batter can give the cake a zingy contrast to the sweetness of the carrots. To enhance the flavor, you could also mix in some lemon juice, making the cake taste lighter and more vibrant. Topping the cake with a tangy lemon glaze instead of cream cheese frosting adds a refreshing brightness, and you could even incorporate lemon zest into the frosting for added citrusy depth.

Storing Leftovers

Storing leftovers of Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake is easy, and with the right care, the cake will stay moist and delicious for several days. Here are the best ways to store your traybake, ensuring it remains fresh:

1. Room Temperature

   If you plan to eat the cake within 2-3 days, storing it at room temperature works perfectly. Simply cover the traybake with an airtight container or tightly wrap it in plastic wrap. This will protect it from drying out while keeping the cake’s signature moist texture intact. Be sure to store the cake in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

2. Refrigeration for Extended Freshness

   If you want to keep the carrot cake for a longer period, refrigeration is your best option. The cream cheese frosting can make the cake spoil faster, so it’s important to refrigerate it if you’re not finishing it in a day or two. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, ensuring that the frosting isn’t exposed to air, which could cause it to dry out. The chilled cake can last for up to 5 days in the fridge.

3. Freezing for Long-Term Storage

   If you’ve made a large batch and want to preserve it for a few weeks, freezing is a great option. To freeze, cut the carrot cake into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-wrapping ensures that the cake stays fresh and protected from freezer burn. You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let the cake thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and for the freshest taste, you can re-frost the cake after it has thawed.

4. Frosting Tips for Storing

   If you have leftover frosting that you’ve made separately, store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Cream cheese frosting tends to harden when chilled, so before using it again, let it come to room temperature and re-whisk it until smooth. You can also freeze the frosting in the same way, allowing it to thaw before use.

What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake?

Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake is a delicious treat on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of other foods and drinks to elevate the experience. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying a quiet afternoon snack, here are some ideas for what to eat with it:

1. Tea and Coffee

   Carrot cake is famously paired with tea and coffee. The richness of the cake contrasts beautifully with a warm cup of Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea. The spiced flavors of the cake and the citrusy, floral notes of the tea are an ideal match. If you prefer coffee, the deep, roasted flavor of a strong brew complements the sweetness of the cake wonderfully. For a twist, try a cappuccino or a latte to balance out the richness with frothy milk.

2. Fruity Side Dishes

   A fresh fruit salad can serve as a refreshing contrast to the dense sweetness of the carrot cake. Consider a combination of berries, citrus fruits, and even some tropical options like mango or pineapple. These bright, tangy fruits help cut through the richness of the cake and add a fresh dimension to the meal. You could also serve the cake with some poached pears or a citrus sorbet for a lighter touch.

3. Ice Cream or Custard

   For a truly indulgent dessert, serve a slice of carrot cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm custard. The creaminess of the ice cream or custard complements the spices and sweetness of the cake, making for a decadent pairing. For an even more festive feel, you could top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or even mascarpone for extra richness.

4. Cheese

   While it may sound unconventional, pairing a slice of carrot cake with a mild, creamy cheese can be an unexpected delight. Soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta can balance the sweetness and spices in the cake. A small slice of brie also works well, as the creaminess of the cheese contrasts with the denser texture of the carrot cake.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake is the ultimate comfort food-a perfectly spiced, moist, and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed by anyone, whether at a family gathering, a tea party, or as a simple afternoon snack. With its easy-to-follow recipe, you can easily customize it with variations that suit your tastes, whether that means adding nuts and fruits, making it vegan, or adding a zesty twist.

Storing leftovers is a breeze, and with proper care, your carrot cake can stay fresh for days-or even months-when frozen. Plus, this traybake pairs wonderfully with a variety of drinks and side dishes, from tea and coffee to ice cream and fresh fruits. No matter how you choose to serve it, this carrot cake is sure to be a hit, whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it on your own.

In the end, Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake isn’t just about a recipe-it’s about bringing warmth, flavor, and joy into your kitchen. With its adaptability and rich, comforting flavor, this cake is destined to be a family favorite for generations to come.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients Needed For Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake?

To make Mary Berry’s carrot cake traybake, you will need the following ingredients: carrots (grated), self-raising flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, caster sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt. For the frosting, you’ll need full-fat cream cheese, icing sugar, and butter. These ingredients combine to create a moist and flavorful traybake that’s topped with a creamy frosting.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake In Advance?

Yes, you can make Mary Berry’s carrot cake traybake in advance! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop. You can bake the cake a day or two ahead of when you plan to serve it. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. The frosting should ideally be applied closer to serving time, as it can soften when left on the cake for an extended period.

Can I Make Any Substitutions In Mary Berry’s Carrot Cake Traybake Recipe?

Yes, there are a few substitutions you can make in Mary Berry’s carrot cake traybake recipe to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand. If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can use plain flour combined with baking powder. You can also swap vegetable oil for sunflower oil or olive oil if preferred. For the frosting, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you could try using a dairy-free cream cheese substitute, but keep in mind it may alter the texture and flavor slightly. Additionally, nuts (like walnuts or pecans) can be added to the cake for extra texture, though they are optional.