Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake is a delightful dessert that combines rich coffee flavors with the indulgent sweetness of fudge, all within a soft, moist cake base. This traybake, a type of sheet cake, is perfect for serving large groups, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings, tea parties, or bake sales. The cake itself is lightly flavored with coffee, while the fudge topping adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess that perfectly complements the bitterness of the coffee. The texture is tender and smooth, creating a dessert that feels comforting yet sophisticated.
The beauty of this traybake lies in its simplicity, with basic ingredients coming together to create an unforgettable treat. It’s also a versatile recipe, which can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences or to add a personal touch, such as switching out the coffee for a different flavor or incorporating nuts or chocolate chips into the cake batter. If you’re a coffee lover, this recipe is a must-try, as the coffee flavor isn’t overpowering but rather enhances the overall experience.
In true Mary Berry style, this traybake is easy to follow, making it a perfect choice for novice bakers or anyone looking to create something delicious without the complexity of a more intricate dessert. It’s a dessert that’s not just about taste, but also about the joy of sharing it with others.
Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake, you’ll need a handful of common baking ingredients. These can usually be found in most well-stocked kitchens or local supermarkets. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
For The Cake
- Self-raising flour: This is essential for creating a light and fluffy texture. The self-raising aspect helps the cake rise without needing additional leavening agents.
- Caster sugar: Fine sugar that dissolves easily, making it perfect for cakes. It contributes to the sweetness and texture of the traybake.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt content. It provides richness and moisture, ensuring the cake remains soft and tender.
- Instant coffee granules: These provide the key coffee flavor. Choose a good-quality instant coffee for a more refined taste. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can adjust the quantity accordingly.
- Eggs: They help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps balance out the consistency of the batter. You can use whole milk or semi-skimmed, depending on your preference.
- Vanilla extract: This adds depth and a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
For The Fudge Topping
- Butter: Again, unsalted butter is used in the fudge to help create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Dark brown sugar: The richness of dark brown sugar gives the fudge its deep, caramel-like flavor. It balances the sweetness and complements the coffee.
- Double cream: This is what makes the fudge topping creamy and indulgent. It adds a luxurious texture and a touch of richness.
- Golden syrup: Adds sweetness and helps in achieving the right consistency for the fudge topping.
- Instant coffee granules: These are also used in the fudge topping, enhancing the coffee flavor and tying the cake and topping together.
Equipment Needed
To make Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake, the following equipment will be necessary. Thankfully, none of the tools required are overly specialized, making it easy for any home baker to pull this recipe together:
- Baking tin (traybake tin): A rectangular or square traybake tin is ideal for this recipe. A 20cm x 30cm (8′ x 12′) tin will work well, allowing for a nice thickness to the cake without it being too thin or too thick. It’s important that the tin is lined with baking parchment or greased to prevent sticking.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple of medium-sized bowls for mixing the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately. A large bowl is also needed for combining them later.
- Electric mixer (optional): While you can mix by hand, an electric hand mixer or stand mixer makes the process faster and ensures the batter becomes light and fluffy. If you don’t have an electric mixer, a whisk will do the job.
- Spatula: A spatula is useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl and for smoothing out the fudge topping when it’s ready to go on the cake.
- Saucepan: To prepare the fudge topping, a medium-sized saucepan is needed to melt together the butter, sugar, and cream.
- Cooling rack: After baking the cake, a cooling rack is ideal for letting it cool completely before frosting it with the fudge topping.
- Sieve: Sifting the flour and coffee granules ensures an even, lump-free batter and helps incorporate air, making the cake lighter.
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake
Step 1: Prepare The Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line your traybake tin with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this or a hand whisk.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a spoonful of flour with each egg to prevent curdling.
- Dissolve the instant coffee granules in a little warm milk and then add it to the bowl along with the vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- Gradually sift in the self-raising flour and mix until fully incorporated. If the batter seems too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it to a dropping consistency.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 2: Bake The Cake
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
Step 3: Make The Fudge Topping
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the fudge topping. In a saucepan, melt together the butter, dark brown sugar, golden syrup, and double cream over low heat. Stir frequently until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Remove from the heat and stir in the instant coffee granules until fully dissolved.
- Allow the fudge to cool slightly before pouring it over the cooled cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the surface.
Step 4: Set And Serve
- Allow the fudge topping to set for at least an hour before cutting the traybake into squares. The fudge will firm up as it cools, creating a smooth, glossy finish on top of the cake.
- Slice into squares or bars and serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgence!
Tips And Tricks
- Adjusting the Coffee Flavor: If you prefer a stronger coffee taste, you can increase the amount of coffee granules in both the cake and the fudge topping. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce it slightly.
- Moisture Maintenance: To keep the cake moist, ensure that you don’t overbake it. The skewer should come out clean but not dry, as overbaking will result in a crumbly cake.
- Decorative Touches: You can garnish the finished traybake with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Storing the Traybake: This traybake keeps well at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze individual slices for up to a month.
Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake is an irresistible treat that brings together the boldness of coffee with the sweet decadence of fudge. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that delivers both in flavor and texture, making it perfect for any occasion, from a casual coffee break to a more formal gathering. With simple ingredients, minimal equipment, and clear instructions, it’s a recipe that even novice bakers can master. The cake’s light, coffee-infused crumb paired with the rich, creamy fudge topping creates a harmonious balance that will surely leave anyone craving another bite.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake
Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake is already a delightful treat, with its rich coffee flavor balanced by the sweetness of the fudge and the lightness of the cake. However, there are numerous ways to make this recipe your own! If you’re looking for creative variations that bring a unique twist to the traditional traybake, here are a few ideas:
1. Nutty Twist:
Adding a nutty flavor enhances the texture and provides a satisfying crunch. Walnuts or pecans pair perfectly with the coffee flavor, creating a delightful contrast between the soft cake and the crunchy nuts. Simply toast the nuts lightly to release their aroma, chop them up, and fold them into the batter before baking. You can also sprinkle some extra on top before you pour the fudge over the cake for added texture.
2. Chocolate Lovers’ Dream:
For those who adore chocolate, you can add a chocolatey twist to Mary’s original traybake. Simply replace half of the fudge with melted chocolate or swirl some cocoa powder into the cake batter for a mocha-flavored base. You can also add chocolate chips to the batter, allowing little pockets of gooey chocolate to appear in every bite.
3. Caramel Coffee Fudge:
If you’re a fan of caramel, you can easily swap the fudge layer for a rich caramel topping. To do this, make a simple caramel sauce using butter, sugar, and cream, then pour it over the traybake once the cake has cooled. The rich, sweet caramel complements the bitter coffee flavor, creating an indulgent treat.
4. Adding a Spice Kick:
For a more aromatic flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cake batter. These spices work wonderfully with coffee and will create a warm, cozy dessert perfect for the colder months. A sprinkle of cinnamon over the finished traybake can also add a nice touch of extra flavor and visual appeal.
5. Vegan or Dairy-Free:
If you’re looking to make a vegan or dairy-free version, it’s easy to adjust the recipe! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk, and substitute a plant-based cream or coconut milk for the cream in the fudge. Make sure to also use a dairy-free chocolate or fudge if you’re adding that component.
6. Mocha-Infused:
If you love the deeper, more intense flavor of a mocha, replace the coffee in the recipe with a mixture of strong espresso and a touch of cocoa powder. This will give the traybake a chocolatey coffee depth that makes it even more decadent.
With these variations, you can tailor Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake to fit any taste preference or occasion, ensuring it’s always fresh, exciting, and full of flavor.
Storing Leftovers
Storing leftovers properly is key to ensuring that your Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake stays fresh for as long as possible. Thankfully, this traybake is one of those delicious desserts that keeps well over time, so you can enjoy it even after the initial bake.
1. Cooling:
Before you store your traybake, make sure it has completely cooled. Placing warm cake into an airtight container can lead to moisture buildup, which could affect the texture and freshness of the cake. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before moving to storage.
2. Storage in an Airtight Container:
The best way to store Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake is in an airtight container. This will prevent it from drying out and will also help it retain its freshness. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the entire traybake without squishing it. If needed, cut the traybake into squares before storing to make it easier to grab individual portions.
3. Refrigeration:
If you live in a warm climate or if the traybake contains dairy (like cream in the fudge), it’s a good idea to store it in the fridge. Refrigerating the traybake will extend its shelf life and prevent any spoilage. In the fridge, your cake should stay fresh for up to 4 to 5 days.
4. Freezing for Long-Term Storage:
If you want to keep your Coffee Fudge Traybake for an extended period, freezing it is a great option. To freeze, first wrap individual slices of the traybake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or resealable plastic bag. When ready to eat, you can either let the slices thaw at room temperature for a few hours or pop them into the microwave for a quick reheat.
5. Reheating:
If you prefer your traybake warm, simply heat individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. For a slightly crispy edge, you can also reheat slices in the oven at a low temperature (around 150°C or 300°F) for about 5-10 minutes.
Proper storage is key to keeping your traybake tasting just as delicious as the day it was made.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake?
Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake is rich and indulgent on its own, but it can be even more delightful when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some ideas to complement the dessert and elevate the experience:
1. A Cup of Coffee or Espresso:
Given that the traybake is coffee-flavored, pairing it with a strong cup of coffee or espresso can enhance the coffee experience. A smooth cappuccino, a frothy latte, or even a cold brew coffee could balance the sweetness of the fudge and make for a perfect after-dinner treat.
2. Whipped Cream or Clotted Cream:
For an added touch of luxury, a dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream pairs wonderfully with the coffee and fudge flavors. The creaminess complements the rich, sweet layers of the traybake and gives a slight contrast to the dense texture of the cake. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a hint of vanilla or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top of the cream.
3. Ice Cream:
For those warmer months or if you want something extra indulgent, serving the traybake with a scoop of vanilla, caramel, or coffee-flavored ice cream can create a decadent dessert duo. The cold ice cream melts perfectly into the fudge and adds a refreshing contrast to the dense, moist traybake.
4. Fresh Berries:
Light, fresh fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries bring a burst of freshness to the rich coffee fudge flavor. Their slight tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the traybake, creating a balanced and refreshing combination.
5. A Glass of Dessert Wine:
If you’re hosting a special event or want to elevate your dessert, pairing the traybake with a glass of dessert wine such as a rich, sweet sherry or port wine can add a layer of sophistication to the meal. The deep, fruity flavors of the wine complement the sweetness of the fudge while the coffee undertones of the traybake bring out the richness in the wine.
These pairings not only make your dessert more interesting but also allow you to get creative with flavor combinations.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake is a timeless, indulgent treat that perfectly combines the rich depth of coffee with the smooth sweetness of fudge. Whether you’re following the original recipe or experimenting with variations, this traybake offers a range of possibilities to suit different tastes. The flexibility of the recipe allows you to tailor it to your personal preferences, making it suitable for any occasion-from casual afternoon teas to more festive gatherings.
In addition to its deliciousness, the traybake is easy to store and can even be frozen for later enjoyment. And when it comes to pairing it with other treats, there are endless possibilities-from a strong cup of coffee to a decadent scoop of ice cream.
So, next time you whip up Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake, feel free to get creative with toppings, variations, and pairings. With its rich flavors and easy-to-make nature, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire for years to come.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake?
The main ingredients for Mary Berry’s coffee fudge traybake include butter, caster sugar, plain flour, eggs, instant coffee, cocoa powder, and a handful of chocolate chips or fudge pieces for an extra indulgence. The recipe is simple but results in a rich, flavorful traybake with the perfect combination of coffee and chocolate.
How Can I Store Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake To Keep It Fresh?
To keep Mary Berry’s coffee fudge traybake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will typically stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze individual pieces by wrapping them in cling film or foil and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 1-2 months, and you can defrost them by letting them sit at room temperature for about an hour.
Can I Modify Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe To Make It More Decadent?
Yes, you can definitely enhance Mary Berry’s coffee fudge traybake to make it more decadent! A great way to do this is by adding a layer of rich chocolate ganache on top for an extra glossy finish. You could also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or white, or even include chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch. Additionally, you can increase the amount of instant coffee for a more intense coffee flavor.
