Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake is a quintessential British dessert, revered for its simplicity, comfort, and irresistible flavor. As the name suggests, this traybake hails from the Dorset region, known for its bountiful apple orchards. What sets this cake apart from the more traditional apple cakes is its light, buttery texture and the balance of sweet and tart flavors, achieved by pairing soft, juicy apples with the gentle sweetness of a light sponge. The recipe is often associated with Mary Berry, a legendary figure in the world of British baking, who has taken this rustic dish and elevated it with her signature touch of precision and warmth.
This cake is made in a tray, making it a versatile and easily shareable dessert, perfect for picnics, tea parties, or simply as a comforting treat to enjoy at home. The texture is soft but firm enough to hold together without crumbling, and the apples are scattered throughout the cake, creating moist pockets of flavor. The final touch is a sprinkle of Demerara sugar, which adds a slight crunch to the top and a caramelized finish when baked.
Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake is a classic example of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. The ingredients are easy to find, making this a great recipe for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a comforting dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter – 225g (softened): The base of the cake’s texture, providing moisture and a rich, buttery flavor.
- Caster Sugar – 225g: The sweetener that helps balance the tartness of the apples and gives the cake a tender crumb.
- Self-Raising Flour – 225g: This provides the structure and fluffiness for the sponge cake, helping it rise during baking.
- Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon: A small amount to assist in the leavening process, ensuring a light texture.
- Eggs – 2 large: Binding the ingredients together and adding moisture to the batter.
- Milk – 2 tablespoons: Adds a slight creaminess to the cake batter and helps to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Apples – 2 large (preferably Bramley or another cooking apple): These should be peeled, cored, and chopped. The apples add moisture and natural sweetness with a slight tart edge.
- Ground Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon: This warm spice complements the apples beautifully, adding depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- Demerara Sugar – For sprinkling on top: This adds a crisp, sugary topping that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving the traybake a lovely, golden-brown finish.
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you’ll need some standard baking equipment that ensures the process is straightforward and the end result is a success:
- Baking Tray (approx. 9 x 13 inches or similar): This is a crucial component as the tray is what will hold the batter and create the perfect shape for this traybake. A shallow rectangular or square baking pan works best to ensure even cooking.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining the cake ingredients, as well as a smaller bowl to toss the chopped apples with cinnamon and sugar.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: While a hand whisk will suffice, an electric mixer is recommended for quicker and more efficient creaming of the butter and sugar.
- Spatula: To gently fold the flour into the wet ingredients, keeping the batter light and airy.
- Knife and Chopping Board: For peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into small chunks.
- Sifter or Fine Mesh Sieve: For sifting the self-raising flour and baking powder, ensuring the dry ingredients are light and well-incorporated into the mix.
- Cooling Rack: Once the traybake is out of the oven, placing it on a cooling rack will allow air to circulate around it, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake
Making Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake is a fun and relatively simple process. The beauty of this recipe lies in how effortlessly everything comes together. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Gas Mark 4, and line your baking tray with baking parchment or grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, toss the apples with the ground cinnamon and a little Demerara sugar. This not only coats the apples in spice but also gives them a slight caramelization once baked.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (or a hand whisk) to beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This can take about 4-5 minutes and is key to creating a soft cake.
- Add the Eggs: Beat the eggs into the creamed butter and sugar one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. If the mixture looks like it’s curdling, add a spoonful of the flour to help stabilize it.
- Fold in the Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the batter and gently fold it in with a spatula or spoon. Add the milk to help loosen the batter, making it smooth and spreadable.
- Add the Apples: Gently fold the chopped, cinnamon-coated apples into the batter. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to maintain the fluffiness.
- Transfer to the Tray: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tray and level the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining Demerara sugar over the top of the cake for a crunchy, caramelized finish.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for around 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should have a golden-brown color and a slight spring when touched.
- Cool and Serve: Let the traybake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Once cooled, slice it into squares and serve with a cup of tea.
Tips And Tricks
- Choosing the Right Apples: For the best results, go for cooking apples like Bramleys, which are tart and hold their shape well when baked. You can also use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor.
- Add Some Zing: If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bit of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the apples.
- Even Distribution: When mixing the apples into the batter, make sure they’re evenly distributed so that every bite has a good balance of apple and cake. You can even sprinkle a few apple chunks on top of the batter before baking for a rustic look.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the traybake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes well-simply wrap slices individually in cling film and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw before serving.
- Enhance the Flavor: For a richer flavor, you can drizzle some caramel sauce over the cake just before serving, or serve with a dollop of clotted cream or custard for an indulgent treat.
Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake is the epitome of British home baking: simple, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is both approachable and endlessly satisfying. The soft, buttery sponge, combined with the tart apples and caramelized sugar topping, creates a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion-from a cozy afternoon tea to a summer picnic. With just a few basic ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a truly comforting treat that celebrates the best of British baking. So, next time you’re craving a slice of something sweet, give this classic traybake a try-it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake
Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake is a traditional British dessert that celebrates the humble apple in all its glory, wrapped in a tender sponge and infused with hints of cinnamon. But while the original recipe is undoubtedly delicious, it offers ample room for creative twists. Here are some easy recipe variations to elevate or modify this classic treat, whether you’re looking to add new flavors, adjust ingredients for dietary preferences, or simply have a bit of fun in the kitchen.
1. Add A Nutty Touch With Walnuts Or Pecans
Mary Berry’s recipe already calls for a lovely soft texture, but adding a handful of chopped nuts can add crunch and depth. Walnuts and pecans work particularly well with the apple’s natural sweetness, lending an earthy, buttery flavor. Simply fold in about 50g of roughly chopped nuts into the batter before adding the apple slices. The result is a delightful contrast of textures with each bite.
2. Introduce A Fruity Twist
If you’re in the mood to experiment, consider mixing in other fruits along with the apples. Pears make a wonderful substitute or complement to apples in Dorset Apple Traybake. Their soft texture and gentle sweetness add complexity. For a more tropical flair, diced pineapple or even mango could be incorporated, giving the bake a juicy and fragrant surprise. Try 150g of chopped fruit along with the apples for a multi-dimensional fruit experience.
3. Spice It Up
While cinnamon is the go-to spice in the original recipe, there’s plenty of room to broaden the spice profile. A touch of nutmeg pairs beautifully with apples, while ground ginger adds a hint of warmth that plays well with the fruit. You could also experiment with mixed spice, which combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove for a comforting, festive flavor. A half-teaspoon of your chosen spice added to the batter can transform the overall taste.
4. Add A Citrus Zing
For a burst of brightness, you can elevate the traybake with citrus zest. Lemon zest is a perfect partner to apples, offering a clean, fragrant note that cuts through the sweetness. Alternatively, orange zest adds a rich, sweet undertone. Mix in a teaspoon or two of zest into the batter, and you’ll get a lovely citrus-infused cake that’s even more refreshing.
5. Try A Vegan Version
If you’re catering to a plant-based diet, this recipe can be easily adapted. Replace the eggs with flaxseed or chia egg substitutes: mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds with three tablespoons of water, then allow it to sit until it forms a gel-like consistency. For a dairy-free option, swap out butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine. You can also use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk instead of regular cow’s milk. These swaps maintain the integrity of the original cake while accommodating different dietary needs.
6. Switch Up The Sweetener
If you want to try a different kind of sweetness, you can substitute caster sugar with alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or agave. However, remember that using a liquid sweetener like honey might alter the cake’s consistency slightly, so you might need to adjust the dry ingredients accordingly. You can also opt for coconut sugar for a caramel-like flavor, or stevia if you’re cutting back on sugar.
7. Top With Cream Cheese Frosting Or Whipped Cream
While the traybake itself is already moist and flavorful, a cream cheese frosting can add an extra layer of indulgence. To make the frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract. Spread it on top once the traybake has cooled for a sweet and tangy finish. Alternatively, a simple whipped cream or even a dollop of clotted cream can be a luxurious complement, offering a rich and velvety mouthfeel.
Storing Leftovers
Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake makes a great treat to prepare ahead of time, and fortunately, storing leftovers is simple.
Room Temperature Storage
If you plan to eat the leftovers within a couple of days, you can store the traybake at room temperature. Keep it covered with a cake tin lid or wrap it tightly in cling film or parchment paper to maintain its freshness. The cake should stay good for about 2 to 3 days, but be sure to check the texture before serving, as it may lose some of its moistness over time.
Refrigerating For Longer Freshness
For longer storage, you can keep the traybake in the fridge. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly in an airtight container or well-covered with plastic wrap. Refrigerated, it should last about 5 to 7 days. Note that the cold may firm up the sponge slightly, so you might want to let it come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, or you could even warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to restore some of its softness.
Freezing For Extended Storage
If you’ve made a big batch or want to save some for later, freezing the Dorset Apple Traybake is an excellent option. First, slice the traybake into individual portions to make it easier to thaw and serve later. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The traybake should freeze well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave for a warm treat.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake?
Dorset Apple Traybake is already a delicious dessert on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can take it to another level, making it the star of a dessert table or the perfect tea-time snack. Here are a few ideas of what to serve alongside or with it:
1. Clotted Cream Or Whipped Cream
A classic pairing, clotted cream (a British favorite) or lightly whipped cream adds richness and a luscious texture to the traybake. The slight tanginess of clotted cream works wonders with the sweet apple flavor and moist cake. A dollop of whipped cream is lighter but still indulgent, and can help balance the sweetness of the cake.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream
For those who love warm and cold contrasts, serve the traybake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The rich, smooth ice cream complements the soft, cinnamon-spiced sponge perfectly. You could also try caramel or cinnamon ice cream for extra flavor depth.
3. Custard
Custard is another British dessert classic that pairs beautifully with apple-based treats. A rich, pourable custard, made from eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla, drizzled over the traybake is pure comfort food. It adds moisture and a luxurious richness to the dish.
4. Tea Or Coffee
As a great British classic, the Dorset Apple Traybake shines when served alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee. Choose a fragrant black tea like Earl Grey or Darjeeling to balance the sweetness of the cake, or a smooth, mild coffee for a more robust pairing. The cake itself is light enough to complement these beverages without overpowering them.
5. Fresh Berries
For a fresh contrast to the cake’s sweetness, serve the traybake with a side of fresh berries like raspberries, blackberries, or even a few slices of strawberries. Their tartness provides a refreshing balance that elevates the flavors of the cake and adds a burst of color to the plate.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake is a beautifully simple yet delicious treat that celebrates the humble apple. With its tender, moist sponge and the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple, it’s a recipe that has stood the test of time. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or enjoy experimenting with variations-like adding nuts, different fruits, or spices-this traybake has something to offer everyone. Its versatility, easy preparation, and wonderful taste make it a must-try for any occasion, whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea.
And with proper storage techniques, you can enjoy leftovers for days, or even freeze them for future enjoyment. Whether paired with whipped cream, a rich custard, or a cup of tea, Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake is sure to become a beloved dessert in any home.
FAQs
What Makes Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake Different From Other Apple Cakes?
Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake is unique because of its light, moist texture and the addition of cinnamon-spiced apples, which provide a warm, comforting flavor. The traybake also incorporates a hint of lemon zest and juice, giving it a fresh and zesty contrast to the richness of the apples. It’s easy to make and delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness, ideal for an afternoon tea or a casual dessert.
Can I Substitute Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake Recipe?
Yes, you can make a few substitutions in the recipe if needed. For example, if you don’t have self-raising flour, you can use plain flour with baking powder (usually 2 tsp of baking powder for every 150g of flour). For the apples, while Bramley apples are recommended for their tartness and ability to break down nicely when baked, you could use any variety of cooking apples like Granny Smith. If you want to make it dairy-free, swap butter for a plant-based alternative like margarine. Just keep in mind that substitutions can slightly change the texture and flavor.
How Can I Store Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake And How Long Will It Stay Fresh?
Mary Berry’s Dorset Apple Traybake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be refrigerated for up to a week, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you want to keep it for even longer, you can freeze individual slices. Just wrap them tightly in cling film or place in a freezer bag, and it will last for up to 3 months. To serve from frozen, allow the traybake to thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
