Mary Berry All In One Cake Recipe

The Mary Berry All-In-One Cake Recipe is one of the easiest and most reliable cake recipes you can make. Everything goes into a single bowl — no complicated steps, no separate mixing — just pure simplicity and delicious results. The texture is soft, moist, and buttery, making it perfect for birthdays, tea-time treats, or any celebration. Ready in under an hour, it’s a true Mary Berry classic that never fails.

What is Mary Berry All In One Cake?

Mary Berry’s all-in-one cake is a simple sponge cake where all the ingredients are mixed together in one go, instead of creaming butter and sugar separately. It produces a light, even-textured cake every time and is ideal for beginner bakers or anyone who loves fuss-free baking.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Everything mixes in one bowl, saving time and effort.
• Perfect texture – Soft, fluffy, and moist sponge every time.
• Customisable – Add flavours like lemon zest, cocoa, or jam for variety.
• Reliable results – Foolproof method inspired by Mary Berry’s baking expertise.
• Great for any occasion – Perfect base for layered, birthday, or teatime cakes.

Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry All In One Cake

• 225g self-raising flour
• 225g caster sugar
• 225g unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

(Optional Filling and Topping)

• 100ml double cream or buttercream
• 3 tbsp strawberry or raspberry jam
• Icing sugar, for dusting

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins
• Spatula
• Wire cooling rack
• Oven

Instructions to Make Mary Berry All In One Cake

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins with baking paper.

Step 2: Combine the ingredients

In a large bowl, add flour, sugar, butter, baking powder, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Divide and bake

Spoon the batter evenly between the prepared tins. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool the cakes

Let the cakes cool in their tins for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Assemble and serve

Spread jam and whipped cream (or buttercream) on one sponge, then place the second sponge on top. Dust with icing sugar before serving.

What to Serve With Mary Berry All In One Cake

• Afternoon tea – Pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.
• Fresh fruit – Add berries or sliced strawberries for a light touch.
• Custard or cream – Serve warm with custard for a comforting dessert.
• Ice cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the sponge perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry All In One Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensures even mixing and a smooth batter.
• Don’t overmix – Overbeating can make the cake dense.
• Level the batter – Helps the cakes bake evenly.
• Test early – Start checking for doneness at 20 minutes.
• Cool completely before icing – Prevents melting and sogginess.
• Add your twist – Mix in cocoa powder, lemon zest, or almond extract for flavour variation.

What are the Variations of Mary Berry All In One Cake

• Chocolate version – Replace 25g of flour with cocoa powder.
• Lemon version – Add zest of one lemon and 2 tbsp lemon juice.
• Coffee version – Stir in 2 tbsp cooled coffee for a rich flavour.
• Victoria sponge style – Fill with jam and cream, topped with icing sugar.

How Do I Store Mary Berry All In One Cake

• At room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the fridge – If filled with cream, refrigerate and consume within 2 days.
• In the freezer – Freeze unfilled sponges for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in cling film and thaw before serving.

How Do I Reheat Mary Berry All In One Cake

• In the microwave – Heat slices for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat.
• In the oven – Wrap in foil and warm at 150°C (300°F) for 10 minutes.
• Avoid overheating – Warming too much can dry out the sponge.

How Can I Make Mary Berry All In One Cake Healthier?

Substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt for less fat. Reduce sugar slightly or use coconut sugar for a lighter sweetness. Wholemeal self-raising flour adds fibre without compromising taste.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: ~340 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fibre: 1g

Print

FAQs

Can I mix all the ingredients for Mary Berry’s all-in-one cake by hand?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand using a wooden spoon or whisk, but an electric mixer makes the batter smoother and ensures the cake rises evenly.

How do I know when the all-in-one cake is baked perfectly?

The cake is ready when it turns golden and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door too early, as it can cause the cake to sink.

Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can use plain flour, but add 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every 225g of flour to achieve the same light and fluffy texture.

How do I keep my all-in-one cake moist?

Don’t overbake the cake, and store it in an airtight container once cooled. Adding a little milk to the batter also helps maintain moisture.

Final Words

The Mary Berry All In One Cake is proof that great baking doesn’t need to be complicated. With minimal ingredients and a simple one-bowl method, you get a soft, buttery, and perfectly risen sponge that works for any occasion. Whether you serve it with jam and cream or your favourite icing, this timeless cake never disappoints.