## Mary Berry’s Heavenly Coffee & Walnut Traybake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Transport yourself to a cozy afternoon tea with this delectable Coffee & Walnut Traybake, a classic British dessert elevated by the culinary genius of Mary Berry. This recipe, adapted from her celebrated baking bible, promises a moist, flavorful cake with a delightful crunch, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own. Prepare for an irresistible combination of rich coffee aroma and the satisfying texture of walnuts.
The beauty of this traybake lies in its simplicity. Unlike elaborate layer cakes, this recipe requires minimal fuss and yields a generous amount, making it ideal for gatherings or simply satisfying your sweet cravings throughout the week. The recipe easily produces 16 squares, perfect for portioning and sharing.
Why This Recipe Reigns Supreme:
*
Ease and Simplicity:
Mary Berry’s approach ensures even novice bakers can achieve fantastic results. The straightforward instructions and readily available ingredients make this a perfect weekend baking project.*
Flavor Perfection:
The rich coffee notes beautifully complement the nutty crunch of the walnuts, creating a harmonious balance that will tantalize your taste buds.*
Impressive Presentation:
This traybake is not only delicious but also visually appealing. The creamy coffee icing, generously spread over the cake and topped with crunchy walnuts, makes it a showstopper dessert.*
Perfect for Any Occasion:
From casual teatime gatherings to special celebrations, this traybake is versatile enough to grace any occasion.Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
* 225g baking spread (straight from the fridge)
* 225g light muscovado sugar
* 275g self-raising flour
* 1 level tsp baking powder
* 4 large eggs
* 2 tbsp milk
* 2 tbsp strong coffee (dissolve 2 tsp coffee granules in 2 tbsp hot water)
* 75g walnuts, chopped
For the Icing:
* 75g butter, softened
* 225g icing sugar, sifted
* 2 tsp milk
* 2 tsp strong coffee (same as above)
* 30g walnuts, chopped
Equipment:
* 30 x 23cm (12 x 9in) traybake or roasting tin
* Electric hand whisk
* Palette knife
Instructions:
1.
Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (Fan 160°C or Gas Mark 4). Grease your traybake tin and line the base with non-stick baking paper.2.
Make the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, combine all the cake ingredients. Using an electric hand whisk, beat until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.3.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake pulls away from the sides of the tin.4.
Cool:
Let the cake cool completely in the tin before removing it and peeling off the baking paper.5.
Make the Icing:
While the cake cools, prepare the icing. Beat together the softened butter, sifted icing sugar, milk, and coffee until light and fluffy.6.
Ice & Decorate:
Spread the icing evenly over the cooled cake using a palette knife. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts generously over the top.7.
Serve & Enjoy:
Slice your Coffee & Walnut Traybake into 16 squares and serve with a cup of tea or coffee. This delightful treat is best enjoyed fresh but will keep well in an airtight container for a few days.Tips for Baking Success:
* For an extra intense coffee flavor, use freshly brewed, strong coffee instead of instant granules.
* Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the icing. This helps achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
* Don’t overbake the cake; it should be golden brown and spring back when gently touched.
With Mary Berry’s trusted recipe, baking this heavenly Coffee & Walnut Traybake is guaranteed to be a rewarding experience. Enjoy the delicious results and share the joy of baking with your loved ones!
