Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe

Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake is a soft, fluffy, and wonderfully simple cake perfect for birthdays, school events, afternoon tea, or any celebration that needs a reliable and delicious bake. Its light vanilla sponge pairs well with a smooth icing, making it a comforting classic that never fails to impress. This bake is beginner-friendly, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers consistent results every time.

What Is Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake?

Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake is a light, tender vanilla sponge baked in a rectangular tray and finished with a sweet icing. The cake cuts neatly into squares, making it ideal for parties, gatherings, lunch boxes, and sharing with family and friends.

Other Popular Vanilla Tray Bake Recipes

• Mary Berry Coconut Traybake
• Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake
• Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake
• Mary Berry Coffee and Walnut Traybake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Effortless preparation – A simple all-in-one method makes it ideal for busy bakers.
• Perfect texture – Soft, moist, and fluffy crumb with a delicate vanilla aroma.
• Great for celebrations – Cuts cleanly into squares for parties or bake sales.
• Uses basic ingredients – Everything needed is usually already in the kitchen.
• Highly customizable – Add sprinkles, jam swirls, or lemon icing for variety.
• Kid-friendly bake – An easy recipe children love to help with.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake

For the Sponge

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

For the Vanilla Icing

• 250g icing sugar
• 2–3 tbsp water or milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Sprinkles (optional)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowl
• Electric whisk or hand mixer
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula
• Tray bake tin (approx. 30x23cm)
• Baking parchment
• Sieve

Ingredients You’ll Need Again for the Steps

For the Sponge

• Self-raising flour – 225g
• Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
• Softened butter – 225g
• Caster sugar – 225g
• Eggs – 4 large
• Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
• Milk – 2 tablespoons

For the Icing

• Icing sugar – 250g
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Water or milk – 2–3 tablespoons (adjust as needed)
• Sprinkles (optional) – 2–3 tablespoons for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake

Step 1: Prepare the tray

Line your tray bake tin with parchment paper and lightly grease the edges so the cake releases easily.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 160°C (fan) or 180°C (conventional), giving it enough time to reach the right temperature.

Step 3: Combine all sponge ingredients

Place flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, vanilla, and milk into a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Spread the batter evenly

Pour the mixture into the lined tin and level the top gently with a spatula to ensure even baking.

Step 5: Bake the sponge

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool completely

Allow the cake to cool in the tin before icing to avoid melting the topping.

Step 7: Prepare the icing

Mix icing sugar, vanilla, and water/milk until smooth and spreadable.

Step 8: Ice the cake

Spread the icing across the cooled sponge and finish with sprinkles if desired.
Let it set before slicing into neat squares.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Icing melted on the cake – Waiting until the sponge cooled fully solved the issue.
• Cake turned dense – Beating the batter only until combined kept it light.
• Uneven rise – Leveling the batter well before baking improved consistency.
• Dry edges – Reducing the oven temperature slightly helped the cake stay moist.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake

• Swap half the butter for Greek yoghurt to reduce saturated fat.
• Use a mix of caster sugar and a natural sweetener like erythritol.
• Choose a lighter icing using lemon juice and a reduced amount of icing sugar.
• Add fresh berries on top for natural sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake

• Replace caster sugar with light brown sugar for a deeper flavour.
• Use margarine instead of butter for a softer crumb.
• Swap milk with buttermilk for extra moisture.
• Replace self-raising flour with plain flour + 2 tsp baking powder.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake

• A cup of English breakfast tea – Complements the gentle vanilla sweetness.
• Fresh berries on the side – Adds freshness and a touch of tartness.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream – Creates a classic cake-and-ice-cream pairing.
• Warm custard – Turns it into a comforting dessert.
• Iced coffee – The bitterness balances the cake’s sweetness.

Expert Tips to Make a Perfect Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake

• Use room-temperature butter – Helps create a smooth, even batter.
• Do not overmix – Keeps the crumb soft and airy.
• Check the cake early – Prevents overbaking and dryness.
• Sieve icing sugar – Ensures a perfectly smooth icing.
• Spread icing quickly – It begins to set fast, so work efficiently.
• Let the cake fully cool – Prevents icing from running.
• Store properly – Keeps the sponge moist for several days.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake

• Add rainbow sprinkles to the batter – Creates a fun, confetti-style sponge.
• Swirl raspberry jam through the batter – Adds colour and fruity flavour.
• Top with lemon icing – Brightens the cake with a fresh zing.
• Mix in chocolate chips – A simple but popular twist.
• Add a layer of buttercream – Great for birthdays and celebrations.

How to Store Leftover Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake

• Keep in an airtight container – Stays soft for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerate during warm weather – Prevents icing from softening.
• Freeze un-iced sponge – Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Slice before freezing – Makes it easier to defrost individual pieces.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake

• Microwave gently – Warm a slice for 6–8 seconds to soften the crumb.
• Oven method – Warm at 140°C for 5 minutes if you want a just-baked aroma.
• From frozen – Thaw at room temperature, then warm lightly if desired.

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: ~280
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 150mg

Print

FAQs

How do I keep my vanilla tray bake soft and moist?

A moist vanilla tray bake depends on not overbaking the sponge and using the right ratio of butter, eggs, and milk. Check the cake 5 minutes before the suggested time, and remove it from the oven as soon as a skewer comes out clean. Adding 1–2 tablespoons of milk to loosen the batter also helps keep the crumb tender.

Why did my vanilla tray bake sink in the middle?

A sunken cake usually happens when the oven door is opened too early or the batter was overmixed. Keep the oven closed for at least the first 20 minutes and mix only until the ingredients are just combined. This ensures the cake rises evenly and stays stable.

How do I get a smooth icing on a vanilla tray bake?

For a lump-free icing, sift the icing sugar before mixing and add the liquid slowly until you reach a pourable but thick consistency. Spread it over the fully cooled cake so it sits smoothly without melting or spreading unevenly.

Can I flavour the vanilla tray bake with lemon or almond?

Yes, you can easily adapt the flavour. Replace some vanilla extract with lemon zest, lemon juice, or almond extract. Keep the quantities small so the sponge stays balanced and light.

Final Words

Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake is the kind of recipe every home baker should keep in their collection. It’s straightforward, quick to prepare, and always produces a soft, delicious sponge that suits any occasion. You can customise it, decorate it, or enjoy it plain—every version tastes homemade and comforting. This tray bake is perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a warm drink.