As the aroma of coffee wafts through the kitchen, you know something special is on the horizon. Enter Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake—a delightful dessert that masterfully combines a soft, golden sponge with a rich, coffee fudge icing. This recipe is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for any home chef eager to impress friends or simply treat themselves to a well-deserved indulgence. With minimal ingredients required, it’s an inviting option for both seasoned bakers and those just starting to explore the world of homemade treats. Plus, this vegetarian delight is ideal for afternoon tea gatherings or cozy nights in. Are you ready to uncover the magic behind this iconic British bake? Let’s dive in!
Why is this Coffee Fudge Traybake a Must-Try?
Simplicity at its core: With minimal effort and just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Irresistible coffee flavor shines through every bite, making it a fantastic dessert for coffee lovers. Versatile options allow you to customize it with nuts or chocolate, keeping it exciting. Perfect for sharing: Whether at a gathering or simply as an after-dinner treat, this traybake delights everyone. If you enjoy classic bakes, you’ll also love Indulge Raspberry Chocolate and Raspberry Brownies Fudgy for more of Mary Berry’s creations that bring joy to your kitchen!
Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Ingredients
• A delightful selection for irresistible baking!
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For the Batter
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Butter – Provides rich flavor and moisture; substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
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Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor; can be replaced with white sugar for a lighter taste.
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Eggs – Binds the ingredients for structure; ensure they are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
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Self-Raising Flour – Essential for lightness and lift in the sponge; use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
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Baking Powder – Enhances sponge rise; keep it fresh for best results; omit if using self-raising flour.
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Instant Coffee Granules – Provides intense coffee flavor; feel free to use decaf for a caffeine-free option.
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Chopped Walnuts – Adds crunch and complements the coffee flavor; omit for a nut-free version.
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For the Icing
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Icing Sugar – For a smooth and sweet icing finish; ensure sifting to prevent lumps.
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Milk – Adjusts icing consistency for easy spreading; use any type of milk or a dairy-free alternative.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. While the oven warms up, grease and line a 9×9-inch baking tin with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of your delicious Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake once baked. A properly lined tin also helps the cake rise evenly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and light brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, typically around 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a light and delightful sponge.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Next, add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, incorporating them one at a time. Beat well after each addition to achieve a smooth consistency. This process can take about 2-3 minutes. The eggs will help bind the ingredients, creating a rich, moist base for your Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift in the self-raising flour and baking powder over the wet mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter to maintain an airy texture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense sponge. You want the mixture to be just combined with no visible flour remaining.
Step 5: Mix in Coffee and Nuts
Dissolve the instant coffee granules in a small amount of hot water, then stir it into the batter along with chopped walnuts, if using. This step enhances the coffee flavor of your Traybake and adds delightful texture. Mix until fully incorporated, ensuring that the coffee is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Traybake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is ready when it turns golden brown and springs back when gently pressed in the center—trust your senses!
Step 7: Cool Before Icing
Once baked, remove your Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is a crucial step; icing a warm cake can lead to a messy result, so patience is key!
Step 8: Prepare the Icing
While the cake cools, beat the softened butter and icing sugar together in a medium bowl until the mixture is light and creamy. This may take about 3-4 minutes. If the icing appears too thick, gradually add milk until it reaches a pourable but spreadable consistency, ready to adorn your traybake.
Step 9: Ice the Cake
Once your cake is completely cool, spread the prepared coffee icing evenly over the top, using a spatula for a smooth finish. This adds a luxurious and glossy layer to your Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake. For an extra touch, consider decorating the top with walnut halves to enhance its visual appeal.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
After the icing has set slightly, slice the traybake into squares or rectangles according to your preference. Serve with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of your indulgent creation. Each bite offers a delightful burst of coffee goodness that’s perfect for sharing!
Make Ahead Options
These Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybakes are a fantastic option for meal prep, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious treat with minimal fuss! You can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, which helps maintain its light and airy texture. Alternatively, bake the traybake and cool it completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze uniced for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and ice it before slicing. This way, you’ll have a delectable coffee-infused dessert ready to impress with little effort, perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests!
Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful traybake with these fun variations!
- Nut-Free: Omit the chopped walnuts to cater to nut allergies while keeping the coffee flavor front and center.
- Dairy-Free: Use margarine and a dairy-free milk alternative for both the batter and icing without sacrificing flavor.
- Chocolate Twist: Substitute walnuts with chocolate chips for a deliciously sweet surprise in your traybake. This will delight the chocolate lovers among you!
- Extra Coffee Punch: Increase the instant coffee granules slightly for a more intense coffee flavor that really wakes up your taste buds.
- Fruity Flavor: Add a layer of raspberry jam between the sponge and icing for a delightful fruity contrast to the coffee notes.
- Cocoa Dusting: Finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, spiced twist that pairs perfectly with coffee.
- Iced Delight: Drizzle melted chocolate over the icing once set for an indulgent finish that adds decadence to every bite.
If you’re intrigued by delightful flavor combinations, consider trying our recipe for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake for a show-stopping dessert or whip up some Raspberry Brownies Fudgy as another sweet treat!
Expert Tips for Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake
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Soft Butter is Key: Ensure the butter is very soft when creaming with sugar. This step is crucial for creating a light and fluffy sponge.
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Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, countering the airy quality of your Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake.
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Check for Doneness: To ensure perfect baking, gently press the cake’s center; it should spring back. Alternatively, insert a skewer—if it comes out clean, your bake is ready!
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Cooling Properly: Allow the traybake to cool completely before icing. Icing too soon can cause it to melt and become runny, ruining the presentation.
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Customize the Icing: If your icing is too thick for spreading, gradually add a bit of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
How to Store and Freeze Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake
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Room Temperature: Store your traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps the flavors deepen while keeping the moisture intact.
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Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the traybake, which will extend its freshness to about a week. Just make sure to cover it well to avoid drying out.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the un-iced Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container.
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Reheating: To enjoy it warm, simply thaw the frozen traybake overnight in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature and add icing before serving.
What to Serve with Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake?
Indulge in the rich coffee flavor accompanied by delightful pairings that elevate this sweet treat into a memorable meal experience.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery smoothness provides a savory contrast, making for an interesting balance with the sweet traybake following a hearty meal.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A tangy medley of seasonal fruits refreshes the palate, harmonizing with the luscious coffee fudge icing for a delicious end to your meal.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm traybake, creating a sublime fusion of flavors and textures.
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Espresso or Coffee: Brewed with care, a cup of rich espresso enhances the coffee experience, making each bite of the traybake even more delightful.
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Nutty Shortbread Cookies: The crisp, buttery texture of shortbread pairs perfectly with the chewy fudge topping, creating a satisfying contrast bound to please any dessert lover.
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Chocolate Ganache Tart: This decadent chocolate dessert offers a luxurious richness that rounds out the coffee notes, making it an exquisite choice for chocolate aficionados.
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Malty Oat Cookies: These cookies add a wholesome touch, with their nutty flavor complementing the fudge while providing a delightful crunch.
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Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in a warm cup of chai tea create a cozy atmosphere, enhancing the coffee flavor and inviting you to linger over each sweet bite.
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Mint Tea: For a fresh twist, a sip of mint tea refreshes the senses, cleansing the palate after the rich indulgence of the traybake.
Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this traybake?
Absolutely! When choosing ingredients, ensure your butter is very soft for optimal creaming and that your eggs are at room temperature. This allows for better mixing, resulting in a lighter sponge. For instant coffee granules, select a high-quality brand to ensure that the coffee flavor shines through every bite.
How should I store my Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake?
Store your traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will help maintain its moisture and allow the flavors to deepen over time. Alternatively, refrigerate it for up to a week; just make sure it’s well covered to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze this traybake for later?
Certainly! To freeze your Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the traybake overnight in the fridge, and once it’s at room temperature, you can add the icing before serving.
What should I do if my sponge turns out dense?
Very commonly, a dense sponge could result from overmixing once you add the flour. To avoid this, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined—no more! Additionally, ensure your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents won’t give the rise needed for a light texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian, but if you need to accommodate allergies or other dietary needs, consider omitting the walnuts for a nut-free version. For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with margarine and use dairy-free milk for the icing. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Indulge in Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a 9x9-inch baking tin with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and light brown sugar. Cream together until pale and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.
- Sift in the self-raising flour and baking powder, then fold gently into the batter.
- Dissolve the instant coffee granules in a small amount of hot water, then stir into the batter along with the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let the traybake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the softened butter and icing sugar together until light and creamy, adding milk as needed.
- Spread the icing evenly over the cooled traybake and decorate with walnut halves if desired.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and serve with coffee or tea.
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