I still remember the first time I made Mary Berry’s Iced Chocolate Traybake with Fudge Icing. I had heard so much about her recipes, especially how simple yet delicious they are. So, one rainy Saturday, I decided to give it a go. The kitchen filled with the sweet smell of baking chocolate, and the promise of a rich fudgy icing on top was enough to make my mouth water. When I pulled that traybake out of the oven, I knew I had stumbled upon a keeper.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s easy to follow, and the result is an incredibly indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party or just want a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea, this traybake is your go-to. The fudge icing gives it that extra special touch, turning a simple chocolate cake into something truly luxurious.
Mary Berry Iced Chocolate Traybake With Fudge Icing Recipe
One of the things I love about Mary Berry’s recipes is how straightforward they are, but they still pack in flavor. This iced chocolate traybake has that perfect balance of richness from the cocoa and the creamy fudge icing that sets it apart. The cake itself is soft and moist with just the right amount of sweetness. Then, the fudge icing takes it to another level.
Here’s the recipe breakdown:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Makes: 12 to 16 servings (depending on how generously you cut it!)
Ingredients Needed
When I first made this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised at how few ingredients were needed. I always thought baked goods required a ton of fancy items. But here’s the simple list that will get you there:
- 225g (8oz) plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 50g (2oz) cocoa powder (for the deep, chocolatey flavor)
- 200g (7oz) caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 150ml (5fl oz) milk
- 150g (5oz) melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 225ml (8fl oz) boiling water
For the fudge icing:
- 175g (6oz) butter
- 300g (10oz) icing sugar
- 50g (2oz) cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
You can find all of these in most local grocery stores. No hard-to-find items here, which is a real plus!
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this traybake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk or electric mixer (handheld or stand)
- A 9×13 inch baking tray (or similar size, just make sure it’s deep enough)
- A sieve for sifting the cocoa powder
- A spatula to spread the icing
- A cooling rack to let your cake rest after baking
That’s it! Just basic baking essentials.
How To Make Mary Berry Iced Chocolate Traybake With Fudge Icing?
I remember how satisfying it was to see the batter come together. The whole process takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, and here’s how you do it:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
- Prepare the tin – Grease your 9×13 inch tray or line it with parchment paper. This helps the cake come out without sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cocoa powder, and caster sugar.
- Add wet ingredients – Add the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until smooth. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk for this.
- Incorporate boiling water – Add the boiling water slowly, stirring to form a batter that will be quite runny. Don’t worry; this is normal!
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared tray and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool the cake – Let the cake cool in the tray for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Now comes the fun part – the fudge icing!
- Melt the butter in a pan over low heat, then stir in the cocoa powder until smooth.
- Add the icing sugar – Gradually whisk in the icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth – Keep whisking until the icing is thick and glossy, and it’s ready to spread on the cake.
- Spread the icing over the cooled cake using a spatula. Try to make it as even as possible – though a little rustic look never hurt anyone!
- Let it set – Allow the icing to firm up before cutting and serving.
That’s it! Easy, right?
Recipe Variations
One thing I love about this traybake is how customizable it is. Here are some variations you can try:
- Add nuts – Fold in some chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds into the batter for extra crunch.
- Use dark chocolate – Swap out the cocoa powder for some finely melted dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Make it extra indulgent – Top the icing with mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Try a different icing – If you’re not in the mood for fudge icing, try a cream cheese frosting or a simple chocolate ganache.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Iced Chocolate Traybake With Fudge Icing?
As much as I love this traybake on its own, I’ve found that a few things complement it perfectly:
- A hot cup of coffee – The richness of the chocolate pairs so well with the slight bitterness of coffee.
- Vanilla ice cream – This is a no-brainer. The cold, creamy ice cream balances the warm, fudgy texture.
- Fresh berries – Raspberries or strawberries add a touch of freshness that cuts through the sweetness.
- Whipped cream – If you want to make it extra indulgent, a dollop of fresh whipped cream will do the trick.
What I Have Learnt
Baking this traybake taught me a few things that I’ll always remember:
- Don’t be intimidated by the boiling water – I was unsure at first, thinking the batter would be too runny. But trust the recipe. It works!
- Fudge icing is magical – I never realized how easy it is to make fudge icing. It’s rich but not overly sweet, and the texture is perfect.
- Baking is about enjoying the process – I found myself savoring every step of making this cake, from the mixing to the scent of the cake rising in the oven. It reminded me why I love baking in the first place.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Iced Chocolate Traybake With Fudge Icing?
The main ingredients for Mary Berry’s iced chocolate traybake with fudge icing include self-raising flour, cocoa powder, butter, caster sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract for the cake. For the fudge icing, you will need butter, icing sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract.
How Long Does It Take To Bake Mary Berry’s Iced Chocolate Traybake?
Mary Berry’s iced chocolate traybake typically takes around 20-25 minutes to bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) or 350°F. The cake should be golden brown and firm to the touch when done.
Can I Make The Fudge Icing Ahead Of Time For Mary Berry’s Iced Chocolate Traybake?
Yes, you can make the fudge icing ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If it thickens too much, simply reheat it gently and stir to loosen before spreading it on the cooled cake.