The first time I made Mary Berry’s Elderflower and Lemon Traybake, I was looking for something fresh and simple to make for a summer get-together. I had heard about the magic of elderflower, but I had never baked with it before. When I stumbled across this recipe, I was intrigued by the balance of floral elderflower and zesty lemon. I remember the excitement of pulling it out of the oven – the whole kitchen smelled so inviting. The cake was perfectly soft, with a subtle sweetness and the kind of refreshing citrus tang that made me feel like I was enjoying a lazy afternoon in a sunlit garden.
If you haven’t yet experienced this traybake, I promise it’s worth the effort. It’s simple enough to make on a quiet Sunday afternoon yet impressive enough to serve at a gathering.
Mary Berry Elderflower And Lemon Traybake Recipe
Mary Berry is known for her ability to create approachable, foolproof recipes, and this traybake is no exception. The elderflower adds a lovely delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bright lemon. What makes it even more irresistible is the light texture and the glaze that gives it a slight tang, making each bite a treat. Here’s the recipe to follow:
Ingredients Needed
This is where the magic happens – just a few basic ingredients come together to create something amazing. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g self-raising flour – This gives the cake structure without being too heavy.
- 200g unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- 200g caster sugar – This adds sweetness and gives the cake a soft crumb.
- 4 large eggs – These help bind everything together and give the cake its structure.
- Zest of 1 lemon – Fresh lemon zest gives that zesty aroma.
- 2 tbsp elderflower cordial – The key ingredient for the delicate floral flavor.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise evenly.
- A pinch of salt – Just to balance the flavors.
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For The Glaze
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 50g icing sugar – Sweetens the glaze to perfection.
Equipment Needed
Before you start, make sure you’ve got the right equipment to make things smooth. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A 9-inch square baking tin – A traybake classic, it ensures the cake cooks evenly.
- Mixing bowls – One for the wet ingredients and one for the dry.
- Electric hand mixer – While you can use a whisk, an electric mixer saves time and effort.
- Spatula – For folding in the flour without over-mixing.
- Cooling rack – Essential to cool the traybake evenly and prevent it from getting soggy.
- Sieve – For sifting the flour and icing sugar, ensuring no lumps in your batter or glaze.
How To Make Mary Berry Elderflower And Lemon Traybake?
The process is fairly simple. I remember feeling almost surprised by how quickly everything came together. Here’s how to make it:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line the baking tin with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl using your electric hand mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins. The butter should turn pale and smooth, which is key for a soft, airy cake.
- Add the eggs one at a time. Mix each one in well before adding the next to avoid curdling.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold them into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this ensures the cake stays light.
- Stir in the lemon zest and elderflower cordial. The elderflower gives the cake such a delicate sweetness, and the lemon adds that fresh zing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. The cake should be golden and slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool the traybake in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake cools, prepare the glaze:
- Mix the lemon juice with the icing sugar until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Let it set for about 30 minutes before cutting.
Recipe Variations
While this traybake is absolutely perfect as it is, there are a few simple variations you can try to give it your own twist:
- Add poppy seeds: For a little extra texture and flavor, add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter.
- Use lime instead of lemon: If you want a twist, try lime zest and juice in place of the lemon for a tangier version.
- Add fresh fruit: Blueberries or raspberries could be folded in for an added burst of flavor.
- Swap elderflower cordial for rosewater: If you’re looking for a different floral note, rosewater gives the cake a lovely aromatic lift.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Elderflower And Lemon Traybake?
When I serve this traybake, it pairs perfectly with a light, refreshing beverage. Here are a few ideas:
- Fresh iced tea – Lemon or mint iced tea complements the bright citrus flavors.
- Prosecco or champagne – The slight floral notes of the elderflower play beautifully with bubbly drinks.
- Lemonade – A classic pairing for any lemon-based dessert.
- Whipped cream or clotted cream – A dollop of cream is an indulgent way to enjoy this cake.
What I Have Learnt
Baking this traybake taught me a few valuable lessons:
- The importance of soft butter: It helps the sugar blend in more smoothly, resulting in a fluffier batter.
- Don’t rush the mixing: I learned that over-mixing the batter can lead to a dense cake, so gentle folding is key.
- Flavor balance is everything: Elderflower can be quite delicate, so I learned to add just enough to give it a noticeable taste, but not overpower the lemon.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients For Mary Berry’s Elderflower And Lemon Traybake?
The main ingredients for Mary Berry’s Elderflower and Lemon Traybake include self-raising flour, butter, caster sugar, eggs, elderflower cordial, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The recipe also calls for a drizzle of elderflower syrup and a lemon glaze to finish.
Can I Substitute The Elderflower Cordial In The Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the elderflower cordial with other fruity syrups like lime or raspberry, though this will slightly change the flavor. For a non-sweet alternative, you could use a splash of lemon juice or other floral infusions, but the distinctive elderflower taste might be lost.
How Long Should I Bake The Mary Berry Elderflower And Lemon Traybake?
The traybake should be baked in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F for approximately 25-30 minutes. It’s done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is lightly golden.