Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake

This Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake is a light, moist sponge scattered with juicy blueberries and baked in one tray for ease and consistency. It is the kind of bake that feels effortless yet rewarding, perfect for afternoon tea, casual gatherings, or a simple homemade treat during the week. The sponge stays soft, the blueberries burst gently as they bake, and the traybake format makes slicing and serving straightforward. From start to finish, it’s an uncomplicated recipe that delivers reliable results.

What Is Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake?

Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake is a single-layer sponge cake baked in a rectangular tin rather than a round cake tin. Fresh or frozen blueberries are folded into the batter, giving bursts of fruit throughout the sponge. Unlike layered cakes, traybakes focus on simplicity, even baking, and easy portioning.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Chelsea Buns
• Mary Berry Iced Fingers
• Mary Berry Apple and Rhubarb Crumble

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Soft, tender sponge – Bakes evenly across the tray
• Juicy blueberry bursts – Adds freshness and natural sweetness
• Easy to slice and serve – Ideal for sharing
• Minimal decoration needed – Looks good as it is
• Reliable everyday bake – No special techniques required

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake

• Unsalted butter – 225 g, softened
• Caster sugar – 225 g
• Eggs – 4 large
• Self-raising flour – 225 g
• Milk – 2 tablespoons
• Blueberries – 200 g
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Icing sugar – for dusting (optional)

Each ingredient plays a clear role, with blueberries providing moisture and contrast while the sponge stays light and balanced.

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Rectangular traybake tin (approx. 30 × 20 cm)
• Baking parchment
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric hand whisk or wooden spoon
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Lining the tin properly helps with clean edges and easy removal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake

• Prepare the oven and tin – Preheat to 180°C (160°C fan) and line the traybake tin.
• Cream butter and sugar – Beat until pale and fluffy to build structure.
• Add eggs gradually – Mix in one at a time, beating well after each.
• Fold in flour – Gently fold to keep the batter light.
• Add milk and vanilla – Loosen the mixture to a smooth consistency.
• Fold in blueberries – Add gently to avoid crushing the fruit.
• Transfer to tin – Spread evenly and smooth the surface.
• Bake until set – Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and springy.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Used frozen blueberries without rinsing – Rinsing and drying reduced colour bleeding.
• Overmixed after adding fruit – Gentle folding kept the sponge tender.
• Uneven spreading – Smoothing the batter improved even baking.
• Cutting while too warm – Cooling first gave cleaner slices.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake

• Reduce sugar slightly – Blueberries still provide sweetness.
• Use half wholemeal flour – Adds fibre and mild nuttiness.
• Add extra blueberries – Increases fruit content naturally.
• Skip icing sugar topping – Keeps the bake lighter.

This version remains soft and satisfying without feeling heavy.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake

• Raspberries instead of blueberries – Slightly sharper flavour.
• Frozen blueberries – Use straight from frozen, lightly floured.
• Plant-based butter and milk – Suitable for dairy-free baking.
• Lemon zest added – Brightens the flavour profile.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake

• Lightly whipped cream – Softens the fruitiness
• Greek yogurt – Adds gentle tang
• Custard drizzle – Turns it into a warm dessert
• Tea or coffee – Complements the sponge

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake

• Use room-temperature butter – Creams more smoothly
• Do not overmix the batter – Keeps the sponge light
• Toss blueberries lightly in flour – Helps prevent sinking
• Check the centre – Ensures even baking
• Cool before slicing – Improves structure
• Store properly – Keeps the sponge moist longer

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake

• Add lemon zest – Enhances freshness
• Sprinkle flaked almonds on top – Adds texture
• Drizzle with lemon icing – Introduces sweetness and contrast
• Swirl blueberry jam into the batter – Boosts fruit flavour

Storing Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake the Right Way

• Cool completely first – Prevents condensation
• Store in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to three days
• Refrigerate in warm weather – Helps preserve texture
• Freeze individual slices – Useful for longer storage

How to Reheat Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake (If Needed)

• Oven warming – Heat briefly at low temperature
• Microwave slices – Warm gently for a few seconds
• From frozen – Thaw fully before reheating

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~44 g
• Fats: ~15 g
• Protein: ~5 g
• Sugar: ~22 g

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FAQs

Should I coat blueberries in flour before adding them to the traybake?

Lightly coating the blueberries in a small amount of flour helps stop them from sinking to the bottom of the traybake. This keeps the fruit evenly distributed throughout the sponge as it bakes.

Can I use frozen blueberries in a blueberry traybake?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Add them straight from the freezer without thawing, and toss them lightly in flour to reduce excess moisture and colour bleeding into the sponge.

Why is my blueberry traybake soggy in the middle?

This usually means the traybake needs more time in the oven. Blueberries release moisture as they bake, so checking the centre with a skewer and allowing extra baking time helps the sponge set properly.

How do I know when a blueberry traybake is fully baked?

The traybake is ready when it is lightly golden, springy to the touch in the centre, and a skewer inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Wrapping It Up

This Mary Berry Blueberry Traybake is a dependable, fuss-free bake that fits perfectly into everyday cooking. Soft sponge, juicy fruit, and an easy traybake format make it ideal for sharing and repeat baking. If you enjoy classic British traybakes with reliable results and minimal effort, this recipe is one you’ll reach for again and again.