Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Traybake is a moist, spongy cake baked in a rectangular or square tin, infused with the bold flavor of coffee and dotted with chopped walnuts. It’s finished with a smooth, creamy coffee-flavored buttercream and often topped with more walnuts for a decorative touch and extra crunch.
Unlike a layered cake, this traybake is baked as a single layer and then cut into squares or bars, making it wonderfully convenient for sharing. What sets Mary Berry’s version apart is the perfect balance she achieves between richness and lightness, and her foolproof method that makes this recipe approachable even for novice bakers.
Mary Berry’s Coffee And Walnut Traybake Recipe
Ingredients Needed
This recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to form something truly delightful. Here’s what you’ll need:
For The Cake
- 225g (8 oz) self-raising flour – gives the sponge a light, fluffy texture.
- 225g (8 oz) unsalted butter, softened – for richness and moisture.
- 225g (8 oz) caster sugar – fine sugar that blends beautifully into the batter.
- 2 tsp baking powder – to help the cake rise.
- 4 large eggs – room temperature is best for even mixing.
- 2 tbsp milk – adds a little moisture.
- 2 tbsp instant coffee granules – dissolved in 1 tbsp boiling water; the star flavor!
- 100g (3.5 oz) chopped walnuts – adds nutty texture and flavor.
For The Coffee Buttercream Icing
- 175g (6 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 350g (12 oz) icing sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp instant coffee, dissolved in 1 tbsp boiling water
- Walnut halves – for decoration.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need a professional kitchen to whip up this traybake, just some basic baking equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring spoons and kitchen scale
- Spatula
- Sieve (for sifting flour and icing sugar)
- Baking parchment or greaseproof paper
- 30cm x 23cm (12×9 inch) traybake tin or roasting tin
- Wire cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for spreading the icing)
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Coffee And Walnut Traybake
Now let’s get baking! Follow these steps carefully and you’ll have a wonderfully soft, flavorful traybake in no time.
Step 1: Preheat And Prepare
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. Grease your traybake tin and line it with baking parchment, making sure the paper extends slightly above the sides for easy lifting later.
Step 2: Mix The Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the flour, butter, caster sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, and dissolved coffee. Use an electric hand mixer on medium speed (or a stand mixer with paddle attachment) to blend everything together into a smooth, creamy batter. Don’t over-mix-just enough to ensure there are no lumps.
Stir in the chopped walnuts gently using a spatula or spoon. You want them evenly distributed without breaking them down too much.
Step 3: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
Let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then lift it out carefully using the parchment and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
Step 4: Make The Buttercream
While the cake is cooling, make the buttercream. Beat the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add the sifted icing sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add the dissolved coffee and beat again until well incorporated.
Step 5: Ice And Decorate
Once the cake is cool, spread the buttercream evenly over the top using an offset spatula. Try to get it as smooth as possible, but don’t worry too much-it’s rustic and homemade after all!
Decorate with walnut halves, evenly spaced across the surface. Some people like to cut the cake into squares first and top each with a single walnut half for a neat presentation.
Tips And Tricks
Here are some handy tips to ensure your traybake turns out perfectly every time:
- Use good-quality coffee – Since coffee is the main flavor, it’s worth using a rich instant espresso or your favorite strong coffee granules.
- Room temperature ingredients – Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
- Don’t overmix – Once everything is combined, stop mixing. Overworking the batter can lead to a dense cake.
- Test for doneness – The skewer test never fails. Insert into the center-if it comes out clean, your cake is done.
- Store it right – This cake keeps well in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen by the next day!
- Freeze it! – The un-iced traybake can be frozen. Wrap it well and freeze for up to a month. Defrost thoroughly before icing.
Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Traybake is more than just a cake-it’s a celebration of bold flavors, beautiful textures, and traditional British baking at its best. With its fragrant coffee sponge, buttery icing, and satisfying crunch of walnuts, it’s no wonder this has become a timeless favorite.
Whether you’re making it for a bake sale, a family gathering, or just because the kettle’s on and you fancy something sweet, this traybake is guaranteed to bring smiles (and second helpings). So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and enjoy the delicious simplicity of baking-Mary Berry style.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Coffee And Walnut Traybake
Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Traybake is a classic British cake, beloved for its rich, coffee-flavored sponge and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. While the traditional recipe is already delicious on its own, there are plenty of simple variations you can experiment with to put your personal spin on this iconic treat. Let’s dive into some easy ways to customize the cake, whether you want to change the flavor profile, adapt it for dietary preferences, or simply add a creative twist!
1. Flavored Variations
- Chocolate Coffee and Walnut Traybake: For a decadent twist, try adding cocoa powder to the batter. This will not only deepen the flavor but also complement the coffee’s boldness. A handful of chocolate chips can be folded into the batter, or you could drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate on top for an indulgent finish.
- Caramel Coffee and Walnut Traybake: Swap out the walnuts for caramelized pecans or hazelnuts. Adding a small amount of caramel sauce to the batter, or drizzling it over the cake before serving, will infuse a luxurious, buttery sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the coffee flavor.
- Spiced Coffee and Walnut Traybake: If you’re in the mood for something a little more warming, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cake batter. These spices enhance the coffee’s depth and give the cake a cozy, autumnal vibe. You can even dust the finished cake with a little more cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
2. Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Coffee and Walnut Traybake: To make the cake gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends contain xanthan gum, which helps with texture, but be sure to check the packaging instructions to ensure it bakes just as beautifully. Additionally, almond flour can add a delightful richness to the crumb.
- Dairy-Free Coffee and Walnut Traybake: You can easily adapt the recipe for a dairy-free version by replacing butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Swap the milk with a non-dairy alternative such as oat milk or almond milk. The frosting, typically made with butter, can also be altered with vegan butter or a thick coconut cream for a dairy-free finish.
- Sugar-Free Coffee and Walnut Traybake: For a low-sugar variation, you can replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol. Bear in mind that these sweeteners can alter the texture and flavor slightly, so it may require some experimentation to get it just right.
3. Topping And Frosting Ideas
- Coffee Buttercream: The original recipe often uses a coffee-flavored buttercream to ice the cake, but you can elevate this by adding a hint of espresso powder or coffee liqueur like Kahlúa for a more intense flavor.
- Mascarpone Frosting: For a lighter, creamier topping, try a mascarpone frosting. Mascarpone’s tangy richness balances beautifully with the bitterness of the coffee and the crunch of the walnuts. It’s a luxurious alternative to traditional buttercream.
- Walnut-Caramel Topping: Toasted walnuts are the traditional topping, but why not take it a step further by glazing them in caramel or even honey? A drizzle of warm honey over the top adds sweetness and a slight floral note that contrasts well with the coffee’s bitterness.
4. Other Fun Twists
- Layered Traybake: For a more show-stopping version, consider making a layered traybake. Bake two or three thinner layers of the cake and stack them with a filling of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese. This variation makes the cake more indulgent and turns it into a beautiful dessert for special occasions.
- Coffee and Walnut Cake Bars: Instead of making a large traybake, divide the batter into a smaller, shallower pan to create cake bars. These make perfect grab-and-go snacks and are especially good for parties or picnics.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Traybake (which is rare, I’m sure!), it’s essential to store them properly to keep the cake fresh for as long as possible.
1. Room Temperature Storage
- In an Airtight Container: For short-term storage, Mary Berry’s traybake can be kept at room temperature for about 3-4 days. Place the cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. If you’ve frosted the cake, make sure it’s covered loosely with cling film to avoid ruining the texture of the frosting.
- Covering with Cling Film or Parchment Paper: If you don’t have a container that fits the cake perfectly, wrapping the traybake in cling film or parchment paper works well, though it’s best to avoid any direct contact with the frosting.
2. Refrigeration
- If you live in a particularly warm climate or the cake contains dairy in the frosting, refrigerating the traybake can help it last for up to a week. Keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, as cold cakes can sometimes feel denser and less flavorful.
3. Freezing
- Freezing the Whole Cake: If you want to store the traybake for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. To freeze the cake, slice it first (if desired), and wrap each piece tightly in cling film or parchment paper, followed by aluminum foil. This double layer helps protect the cake from freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months.
- Freezing Without Frosting: If you’ve topped your cake with a buttercream or mascarpone frosting, it’s best to freeze the cake without the frosting and then add the frosting after thawing. Frosting can sometimes lose its texture and flavor after being frozen, but the sponge itself holds up well.
4. Thawing
- To thaw the traybake, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds for a freshly-baked texture.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Coffee And Walnut Traybake?
While Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Traybake is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside this iconic dessert:
1. Beverages
- Fresh Coffee or Espresso: Naturally, the coffee flavor in the cake makes a fresh cup of coffee a perfect pairing. A rich, dark roast or a smooth espresso complements the cake’s flavors without overpowering them.
- Tea: Classic English breakfast tea, Earl Grey, or even a light green tea provides a more delicate, refreshing contrast to the rich, nutty flavors of the traybake.
- Milk or Plant-Based Alternatives: For a more comforting and indulgent option, a glass of cold milk (or almond, oat, or soy milk) balances the cake’s sweetness and enhances its flavors.
2. Fruit Pairings
- Berries: Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries can add a burst of tartness to cut through the richness of the cake. A handful of mixed berries on the side, or even a berry compote spooned over the top, creates a lovely contrast.
- Citrus: A slice of fresh orange or a drizzle of orange zest over the frosting can introduce a refreshing citrus note that pairs surprisingly well with the coffee flavor.
3. Ice Cream Or Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream is an excellent choice to serve alongside the cake, offering a cold, creamy counterpoint to the warm, nutty flavors.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is always a classic pairing, and it complements the cake’s richness while adding lightness to each bite.
4. Savory Snacks
- If you want to serve something savory before the cake, consider light bites like cheese platters with crackers or cucumber sandwiches. The balance of savory and sweet is a lovely way to enjoy the traybake as part of a more substantial tea or dessert spread.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Traybake is a classic recipe that strikes a perfect balance between rich, nutty flavors and a light, airy texture. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with different variations, there are endless ways to make this cake uniquely yours. From gluten-free swaps to indulgent chocolate twists, the versatility of this traybake makes it a go-to dessert for any occasion.
When it comes to storing leftovers, the cake keeps well both at room temperature and in the fridge, and if you have more time, freezing it ensures you can enjoy it for months to come. And as for what to eat with it? Whether you go for a hot cup of coffee, some fresh berries, or even a scoop of creamy ice cream, the possibilities are endless.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients For Mary Berry’s Coffee And Walnut Traybake?
The main ingredients for Mary Berry’s coffee and walnut traybake include self-raising flour, butter, caster sugar, eggs, ground coffee, and chopped walnuts. The recipe also requires a little milk to help achieve the perfect consistency for the batter, as well as instant coffee for a strong coffee flavor.
How Do I Make The Coffee Flavor More Intense In The Traybake?
To intensify the coffee flavor in Mary Berry’s coffee and walnut traybake, you can use a stronger instant coffee or espresso powder. Dissolve the coffee in a small amount of hot water before adding it to the batter. Alternatively, you can add a splash of brewed espresso to the mixture, but be sure not to add too much liquid, as this may affect the texture of the bake.
Can I Freeze Mary Berry’s Coffee And Walnut Traybake?
Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry’s coffee and walnut traybake! Once cooled, slice the traybake into portions and wrap them individually in cling film or foil. Place the slices in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or heat them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
