An apple cake baked in a tray is an easy way to bring the comforting taste of fresh apples to a crowd. This Mary Berry apple cake traybake pairs a soft, moist sponge with sliced apples and a gentle sweetness. It is a British bake that suits beginners and experienced bakers alike, and it can be enjoyed warm or cold.
It works well for afternoon tea, family gatherings or a cosy autumn dessert. Below you’ll find the ingredients, the equipment, and the step-by-step method, followed by serving ideas, storage and freezing advice, answers to common questions and the nutrition information.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, explore our Mary Berry Traybake Recipes guide for more delicious traybake recipes from across the collection.
Equipment
Equipments for Mary Berry apple cake traybake Recipe:
For this apple traybake, you only need a few basic baking tools to prepare and bake the cake successfully. The right equipment helps create an even bake, smooth mixture, and neat slices when serving.
- Traybake tin – used to bake the cake evenly and create the classic traybake shape.
- Baking parchment – helps prevent the cake from sticking and makes removal easier.
- Large bowl – useful for mixing the cake mixture and combining ingredients.
- Electric hand whisk – helps cream butter and sugar until light and smooth.
- Wooden spoon – useful for gently mixing and folding ingredients.
- Palette knife – helps spread the mixture evenly in the tin.
- Cooling rack – allows the cake to cool properly after baking.
- Sharp knife – used for slicing apples and cutting the finished cake into portions.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Ingredients for Mary Berry apple cake traybake Recipe:
This Mary Berry Apple Cake Traybake Recipe uses simple baking ingredients to create a soft, moist, and fruity cake. The combination of apples, flour, sugar, and warm flavours creates a traditional homemade dessert that is perfect for sharing. The quantities below are based on the classic apple traybake recipe style.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Butter, softened | 225g |
| Cooking apples, such as Bramley | 550g |
| Lemon juice | Juice of ½ lemon |
| Light muscovado sugar | 225g |
| Self-raising flour | 300g |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Full-fat or semi-skimmed milk | 1 tbsp |
| Icing sugar | For dusting |
How to Make Mary Berry apple cake traybake
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC (fan 160ºC/350ºF/Gas 4). Grease the traybake tin and line it with baking parchment. This helps the cake release easily after baking.
- Prepare the apples by peeling, quartering, coring, and thinly slicing them. Place the apple slices in a bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and creamy. Add the eggs gradually and mix well after each addition.
- Add the self-raising flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon to the mixture. Fold gently until everything is combined into a smooth cake batter.
- Add the milk and continue mixing until the batter reaches an even consistency. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared traybake tin using a palette knife.
- Arrange the sliced apples over the cake mixture in an even layer. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired and gently press the apples into the batter.
- Bake the traybake until it becomes golden brown and well risen. The cake should feel firm and a skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar before serving.
Expert Tips for Mary Berry apple cake traybake Recipe
After making many apple cakes, I find that small preparation details make a big difference to the final texture. Choosing the right apples, mixing gently, and allowing enough baking time helps create a moist cake with a soft sponge and beautiful apple flavour.
- Use soft juicy apples for the best flavour and texture in the finished cake.
- Slice apples evenly so they cook at the same speed throughout the traybake.
- Toss apples with lemon juice to help prevent browning before adding them to the cake.
- Avoid overmixing the batter because it can make the sponge heavier instead of light and tender.
- Use a palette knife to spread the mixture gently and create an even surface.
- Leave enough space between apple slices to allow the cake mixture to rise properly.
- Check the centre of the cake with a skewer before removing it from the oven.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing so the delicate crumb stays intact.
- Store leftover slices carefully to maintain the moist cake texture.
Serving Suggestions
How to serve Mary Berry apple cake traybake:
Mary Berry Apple Cake Traybake Recipe is delicious served in simple ways that highlight its soft sponge and apple flavour. Enjoy it warm or cold with a favourite drink, creamy topping, or as a comforting dessert. It is ideal for afternoon tea, family gatherings, autumn weekends, or a homemade snack.
- Serve warm with clotted cream for a rich and traditional dessert.
- Add a spoonful of crème fraîche for a fresh creamy contrast.
- Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee during afternoon tea.
- Add a light icing sugar dusting before serving for a simple finishing touch.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a comforting warm dessert.
- Pack slices into school lunchboxes as a sweet homemade snack.
- Offer slices at family gatherings or weekend celebrations.
Storage
How to store Mary Berry apple cake traybake:
Room Temperature
- Store the cooled cake in an airtight container or wrap it well to keep it moist.
- It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- The cake can be made the day before and served when needed.
Refrigerator
- Keep leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Warm individual slices gently before serving if you prefer a softer cake.
Freezer
- Cool the cake completely before wrapping and freezing.
- Freeze slices or the whole cake for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature and gently reheat if you want to serve it warm.
FAQs
Q: What is Mary Berry Apple Cake Traybake Recipe?
Mary Berry Apple Cake Traybake Recipe is a classic British apple dessert with a soft sponge and tender apple pieces. It is a simple homemade bake suitable for afternoon tea or family occasions.
Q: What apples should I use for this recipe?
Bramley apples or other cooking apples work well because they soften during baking and add a lovely flavour. Choose firm apples that hold their shape while cooking.
Q: Can I make this apple traybake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made ahead and stored until needed. Making it the day before allows the flavours to develop while keeping the sponge moist.
Q: Can I freeze Mary Berry Apple Cake Traybake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it carefully once completely cool to protect the texture and flavour.
Q: How long does apple cake last?
The cake can last around 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
Q: Can I serve this cake warm?
Yes, it is delicious served warm with clotted cream, crème fraîche, or ice cream. Warm slices give the dessert a softer and more comforting texture.
Q: Why is my apple traybake too dense?
A dense texture can happen if the batter is overmixed or the ingredients are not measured correctly. Mix gently and bake until the centre is fully cooked.
Nutrition
The nutrition information below is an estimate based on a standard serving of Mary Berry Apple Cake Traybake Recipe. Actual values may vary depending on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and any changes made to the recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 341 calories |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fibre | 3g |
| Sodium/Salt | 0.3g |
1 thought on “Mary Berry Apple Cake Traybake Recipe – Easy, Moist Apple Sponge”