I’ve always had a soft spot for traybakes. They’re like the comfort food of the baking world. Easy to make, no fuss, and always delicious. I first came across Mary Berry’s Confetti Traybake during a rainy afternoon when I was looking for a simple recipe to lift my spirits. The colors, the texture, and the sweetness-it was everything I needed. I remember biting into that first square, the soft cake mixed with the crunch of sprinkles, and it was like a party in my mouth. Ever since then, this recipe has become one of my go-tos for family gatherings, casual weekends, or when I need a sweet treat to bring to a friend’s house.
Mary Berry’s Confetti Traybake is everything you want in a traybake: it’s soft, moist, light, and so easy to make. It’s the perfect balance of cake and frosting, with a sprinkle of fun from the colorful confetti. If you’re in the mood for something sweet and easy, this recipe is the one to try.
Mary Berry Confetti Traybake Recipe
Let’s dive into the heart of this recipe. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Just simple ingredients, a little mixing, and some time in the oven, and you’ve got yourself a traybake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Here’s the recipe you’ll need to follow:
Ingredients
- 200g butter (room temperature)
- 200g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 200g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- 100g colorful confetti sprinkles (or rainbow sprinkles)
- 100g icing sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (for icing)
Frosting
- 100g butter (room temperature)
- 200g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients list is simple and straightforward. You likely have most of these ingredients already in your kitchen. Here’s a breakdown:
- Butter (200g): This adds richness and moisture to the cake, making it soft and tender. Make sure it’s at room temperature to avoid lumps when mixing.
- Caster Sugar (200g): This sugar dissolves easily, creating a smooth batter that doesn’t feel grainy.
- Eggs (3 large): Eggs provide structure and moisture. They’re essential in creating the soft texture of the cake.
- Self-Raising Flour (200g): This flour already has the baking powder mixed in. It’s what helps the cake rise without needing any additional leavening agents.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): Helps the cake stay light and fluffy.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp): Adds that signature vanilla flavor, making the cake smell irresistible as it bakes.
- Milk (2 tbsp): Just enough to loosen up the batter and give it that perfect consistency.
- Confetti Sprinkles (100g): The fun part! These give the cake a festive, colorful look. You can also mix them into the batter for that extra burst of color.
- Icing Sugar (100g): The key to making the cake’s topping smooth and glossy.
- Frosting Butter (100g): Creamy and smooth, this helps bind the frosting together.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): For the frosting’s flavor, complementing the sweetness of the cake.
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you don’t need a lot of special equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Baking Tray (20 x 30cm): A standard traybake size is perfect for this. If you don’t have an exact match, any similar-sized tray will work.
- Mixing Bowl: You’ll need this for beating together the butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
- Electric Mixer: A hand mixer will save you a lot of time and effort. If you don’t have one, you can mix it by hand, but it will take a little longer.
- Sieve: To sift your flour and baking powder, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the cake.
- Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and spreading the frosting smoothly on top.
- Cooling Rack: To let the traybake cool evenly after it comes out of the oven.
- Small Bowl: For mixing up the icing.
How To Make Mary Berry Confetti Traybake?
Now for the fun part-baking! Here’s how to make Mary Berry’s Confetti Traybake from start to finish.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease your baking tray and line it with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take around 5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. If you notice any curdling, don’t worry. Just sift in a little bit of flour to help it come together.
- Sift in the self-raising flour and baking powder. Fold them gently into the butter and sugar mixture using a spatula. Add the milk to loosen the batter, then fold in the sprinkles, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout.
- Pour the batter into your prepared tray, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the tray.
- While it cools, make the frosting. Beat the butter, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Once the traybake has cooled, spread the frosting over the top.
- Top with extra sprinkles. Be generous, it’s all about the color and fun!
- Cut into squares and serve.
Recipe Variations
You can easily make this traybake your own by tweaking the recipe a bit. Here are some ideas:
- Chocolate Confetti Traybake: Add 50g of cocoa powder to the batter and use chocolate sprinkles for a rich, chocolatey version.
- Fruit Confetti: Mix in some dried fruit like raisins or sultanas for added texture and flavor.
- Lemon Confetti Traybake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a fresh citrus twist. You could even drizzle a lemon glaze over the frosting for extra zing.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your sprinkles are gluten-free as well.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Confetti Traybake?
This traybake is versatile. You can pair it with:
- Tea or Coffee: A light afternoon treat.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of strawberries, blueberries, or even a light fruit salad to balance out the sweetness.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or strawberry ice cream would complement the confetti’s sweetness perfectly.
What I Have Learnt
Baking this traybake has been a lesson in simplicity and joy. What I’ve learned over time is that the best recipes don’t have to be complicated. You don’t need five-star ingredients or a long list of instructions. Sometimes, the most delicious treats come from a few simple ingredients and a little creativity. This traybake has reminded me that baking can be fun, messy, and completely satisfying. And the bonus? It looks as good as it tastes.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For The Mary Berry Confetti Traybake?
The Mary Berry Confetti Traybake requires the following ingredients: unsalted butter, caster sugar, large eggs, self-raising flour, baking powder, milk, vanilla extract, rainbow sprinkles, and a pinch of salt. For the icing, you’ll need icing sugar, butter, and a small amount of milk.
How Do You Make The Icing For The Mary Berry Confetti Traybake?
To make the icing for the Mary Berry Confetti Traybake, beat softened butter and sifted icing sugar together until smooth. Gradually add a small amount of milk to reach a spreadable consistency. Once the traybake has cooled, spread the icing over the top and sprinkle with additional rainbow confetti or sprinkles for decoration.
Can The Mary Berry Confetti Traybake Be Made In Advance?
Yes, the Mary Berry Confetti Traybake can be made in advance. You can bake the traybake up to two days ahead and store it in an airtight container. Once iced, it is best consumed within a couple of days for optimal freshness, but the traybake itself will keep for up to three days at room temperature.