If you’re a fan of rich, comforting treats that bring a little café magic straight to your kitchen, the Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This deliciously soft traybake combines the deep, warming notes of coffee with a luscious fudge frosting that’s both velvety and just the right amount of sweet. It’s a wonderful way to brighten any afternoon tea or to impress guests with something that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make. Trust me, once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t worry, the ingredients for this Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe are delightfully straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect flavor and texture. From the softness of the butter to the subtle kick from the coffee, every element comes together beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, softened: This gives the cake its rich, tender crumb and moisture.
- Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of caramel warmth and helps keep the bake moist.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
- Self-raising flour: Ensures a light, fluffy cake without needing extra effort.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake that essential lift and rise.
- Instant coffee dissolved in hot water: Deepens the flavor with a lovely coffee essence throughout.
- Milk: Loosens the batter for the perfect texture and smoothness.
- Icing sugar: Sweetens and thickens the decadent fudge icing perfectly.
- Additional unsalted butter for the frosting: For a creamy, luscious coffee fudge topping that complements the cake.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a gentle sweetness and aroma that balances the coffee taste.
How to Make Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Tin
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13 inch traybake tin with parchment paper. This ensures your traybake will lift out easily once baked and cooled, making slicing and serving a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft texture and contributes to the deliciously tender crumb we love in a traybake.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Coffee
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, gently stir in the dissolved instant coffee – this infuses the batter with that unmistakable coffee flavor that’s both rich and inviting.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients and Milk
Add the self-raising flour and baking powder, folding gently so you don’t deflate the batter. Pour in the milk gradually, loosening the mixture slightly to create a smooth batter that will bake up moist and spongy.
Step 5: Bake the Traybake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared tray and smooth the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cake has risen nicely and a skewer inserted comes out clean. This perfect timing ensures the traybake is cooked through without drying out.
Step 6: Prepare and Spread the Coffee Fudge Icing
While the cake cools completely, make the icing by beating the butter until creamy. Gradually whisk in the icing sugar, dissolved instant coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Once your traybake is cool, generously spread the luscious coffee fudge icing over the top for that irresistible finish.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
Allow the icing to set slightly, then cut into 16 squares and prepare to be amazed at how perfectly balanced the coffee and fudge flavors are in each bite.
How to Serve Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this traybake, try sprinkling chocolate shavings or espresso beans on top for a decorative and tasty touch. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a few pecan halves can add texture and visual appeal too.
Side Dishes
This traybake shines best with a cup of strong black coffee or creamy latte to echo its flavors. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a truly memorable dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or afternoon teas, place the cut squares on a pretty serving platter and garnish the edges with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves. You can also layer smaller pieces with whipped mascarpone cream in a trifle glass for a modern twist on this classic traybake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. The cake actually seems to develop a richer flavor as it rests, so leftovers can often be as delightful as freshly made.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this traybake in advance, it freezes well before frosting. Wrap tightly in cling film and pop it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, thaw completely, then apply the coffee fudge icing for the freshest results.
Reheating
If you prefer your traybake warm, especially on cooler days, gently reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This softens the icing slightly and brings out the aroma of the coffee beautifully, making every serving feel like a little moment of comfort.
FAQs
Can I use regular ground coffee instead of instant coffee?
Instant coffee dissolves easily and provides a smooth, even coffee flavor in this recipe. Using regular ground coffee is not recommended as it won’t fully dissolve and could affect the texture of your traybake.
Is this traybake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe is perfectly vegetarian-friendly as it doesn’t include any meat or gelatin-based ingredients.
How can I make the coffee flavor stronger?
If you love a more intense coffee kick, simply increase the amount of dissolved instant coffee in both the batter and the icing. Start with small increments to keep the balance just right.
Can I substitute the unsalted butter?
While unsalted butter is preferred for better control of saltiness, you can use salted butter if that’s all you have. Just omit adding any extra salt and enjoy the subtle variation in flavor.
What’s the best way to cut this traybake cleanly?
For neat squares, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps glide through the fudge icing smoothly without tearing or crumbling.
Final Thoughts
Making the Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, delicious hug in cake form. It’s perfect for when you want to treat yourself or impress friends with a bake that feels gourmet but is wonderfully doable in any home kitchen. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and bake up a tray of this divine coffee fudge traybake – your taste buds will be forever grateful.
Print
Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake is a deliciously moist and fluffy coffee-flavored cake topped with a creamy coffee fudge icing. Perfectly balanced to satisfy coffee lovers, this British dessert combines the richness of butter and brown sugar with the subtle bitterness of instant coffee, creating a decadent treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Cake
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 225g light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water
- 2 tbsp milk
Frosting
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp instant coffee dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
Instructions
- Prepare the tin: Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) traybake tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which helps give the cake a soft texture.
- Add eggs and coffee: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the dissolved instant coffee to infuse the batter with rich coffee flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: Gently fold in the self-raising flour and baking powder to maintain the airiness of the batter. Pour in the milk to loosen the batter slightly, making it easier to spread.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared traybake tin and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cake has risen and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the tin from the oven and let the cake cool completely inside the tin. This waiting time ensures the cake firms up and is ready for the frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat the softened unsalted butter for the frosting until creamy. Gradually add the icing sugar, dissolved coffee, and vanilla extract, mixing all until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost the cake: Spread the coffee fudge icing evenly over the cooled traybake using a spatula or knife.
- Serve: Cut the traybake into 16 squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep fresh.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of dissolved instant coffee in both the batter and the frosting to suit your taste.
- This traybake keeps well for several days when stored in an airtight container, making it great for advance preparation.
- For added texture and chocolate flavor, sprinkle chocolate shavings on top of the frosted traybake before serving.
