Mary Berry Elderflower And Lemon Traybake Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s not only refreshing but also incredibly easy to make, then Mary Berry’s elderflower and lemon traybake is absolutely worth trying!

This recipe combines the light, fragrant flavor of elderflower with the zesty brightness of lemon, creating a cake that’s both moist and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for springtime gatherings or whenever you need a sweet treat that’s not too heavy. Plus, Mary Berry’s reputation for foolproof baking means you can trust that this traybake will turn out perfectly every time.

So, why not give it a go?

You won’t be disappointed!

Mary Berry Elderflower And Lemon Traybake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Mary Berry’s Elderflower and Lemon Traybake is a perfect blend of floral, zesty, and sweet, making it a delight for any occasion. To get started, here’s a breakdown of all the ingredients you’ll need for this beautiful traybake:

For The Traybake

• 225g (8oz) butter – The base of the cake, giving it a soft and moist texture. Use unsalted butter to have control over the salt levels in your bake.
• 225g (8oz) caster sugar – This fine sugar dissolves well and helps the cake remain light and tender, while providing sweetness to balance the sharpness of the lemon and elderflower.
• 4 large eggs – The eggs act as a binding agent, providing structure to the cake. They contribute moisture and help it rise, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• 225g (8oz) self-raising flour – Self-raising flour includes a leavening agent (baking powder) that helps the cake rise beautifully without needing additional baking powder or soda.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Though self-raising flour is used, a little extra baking powder gives the cake a lift, ensuring it’s light and airy.
• 2 tablespoons elderflower cordial – This is the star of the show, adding a subtle floral sweetness that’s refreshing and delicate. It infuses the cake with its unique flavor.
• Zest of 1 lemon – The zest adds an aromatic citrus kick that brightens up the cake, complementing the elderflower flavor.
• Juice of 1 lemon – The lemon juice provides the tartness that balances the sweet and floral elements. It helps to make the cake moist and adds a bit of tang.

For The Icing

• 150g (5oz) icing sugar – A finely powdered sugar that will create a smooth, glossy finish for the icing, giving it a professional look.
• 2 tablespoons elderflower cordial – Just like in the cake, the elderflower cordial in the icing continues the theme, enhancing the flavor with its fragrant, sweet notes.
• Juice of ½ lemon – The acidity of lemon juice cuts through the sweetness of the icing, preventing it from being overly sugary and balancing the overall taste of the cake.

Equipment Needed

To prepare Mary Berry’s Elderflower and Lemon Traybake, you’ll need some basic yet essential equipment to ensure everything comes together smoothly.

• A 30 x 23 cm (12 x 9 inch) traybake tin – The larger surface area of a traybake tin allows the cake to cook evenly, making it easier to slice into squares. It’s important to line the tin with baking parchment to prevent the cake from sticking and to ensure it comes out cleanly.
• Mixing bowls – You’ll need a large mixing bowl to cream the butter and sugar together and a smaller bowl for the dry ingredients. Having these two bowls will help you combine everything efficiently.
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – While you can mix by hand, using an electric mixer makes the process much quicker and ensures the butter and sugar are properly creamed, creating a light and fluffy batter.
• Spatula or spoon – To scrape the sides of the bowl and fold in ingredients like the elderflower cordial, lemon zest, and juice without over-mixing.
• Zester or grater – For zesting the lemon, you’ll want a fine zester or grater to get thin strands of peel that release the essential oils, enhancing the flavor.
• Sifter or sieve – If you prefer, sifting the self-raising flour and baking powder together will help prevent any lumps and ensure a smooth batter.
• Cooling rack – Once baked, you’ll need a cooling rack to allow air to circulate around the cake, preventing it from becoming soggy as it cools.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Elderflower And Lemon Traybake

This cake is easy to make and can be prepared in just a few simple steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you bake the perfect Elderflower and Lemon Traybake:

Step 1: Prepare The Tin

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Line your traybake tin with baking parchment, ensuring the edges are covered, so the cake will release easily after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream the butter and caster sugar together. Mix until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This process aerates the butter, which is key to achieving a light texture for your cake.

Step 3: Add The Eggs

One by one, crack the eggs into the bowl, mixing well after each addition. You may need to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything fully. If the mixture starts to curdle, you can add a tablespoon of flour to bring it back together.

Step 4: Mix In Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift the self-raising flour and baking powder. Gradually fold these into the wet mixture, being careful not to over-mix. This ensures the cake remains light and airy.

Step 5: Add Flavorings

Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and elderflower cordial to the batter. These ingredients will not only infuse the cake with flavor but also contribute to the moistness and lightness of the final result. Fold everything in gently.

Step 6: Bake The Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake as oven temperatures can vary.

Step 7: Cool The Cake

Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the cake onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make The Icing

While the cake cools, mix the icing sugar, elderflower cordial, and lemon juice together in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy. The consistency should be just thick enough to drizzle over the cake but not too runny.

Step 9: Decorate The Cake

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the elderflower and lemon icing over the top, ensuring it covers the surface evenly. You can also sprinkle a little more lemon zest on top for extra color and a burst of citrus.

Expert Tips

To perfect your Elderflower and Lemon Traybake, here are some expert tips that will elevate your baking:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to split and affect the texture.

2. Don’t Over-Mix: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet ones, mix just enough to combine. Over-mixing can result in a denser cake. Folding gently ensures a light texture.

3. Zesting the Lemon: When zesting the lemon, be sure to only take the colored part of the peel, as the white pith underneath is bitter and can affect the flavor of your cake.

4. Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking the cake around 25 minutes. If the top is golden and a skewer comes out clean, it’s done. If not, give it a few more minutes.

5. Chill the Icing: If you want a thicker, more defined icing, let it cool for a few minutes before drizzling it over the cake. It will set faster and stay in place.

Mary Berry’s Elderflower and Lemon Traybake is a beautifully fragrant and delightful cake that strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet. The lemon’s zesty freshness pairs wonderfully with the delicate floral notes of elderflower, making it a fantastic treat for any celebration or as an afternoon tea cake.

It’s simple to make, and with the tips provided, you’re sure to bake a traybake that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Elderflower And Lemon Traybake

Mary Berry’s Elderflower and Lemon Traybake is already a delightful combination of refreshing flavors and textures, but there are many ways to tweak the recipe to suit personal preferences or to introduce a new twist. Here are a few easy variations that can elevate the classic:

1. Berry Infusion: Adding fresh or frozen berries to the batter can provide a burst of color and sweetness that complements the citrus and elderflower flavors. Raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries are all excellent choices. Simply fold the berries into the batter just before pouring it into the baking tin, ensuring you don’t overmix, so the berries remain whole. You could also try a mixed berry compote drizzled on top after baking for an extra juicy topping.

2. Nuts and Seeds: For added texture, incorporate some chopped nuts or seeds into the batter or sprinkle them over the top before baking. Walnuts or pistachios can enhance the flavor profile, providing a nutty contrast to the light and fruity traybake. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can offer a nice crunch if you want a more neutral taste. Toasted almonds on top, when added as a finishing touch, give a beautiful golden color and a crunchy bite.

3. Lemon Drizzle Twist: Instead of the traditional elderflower glaze, try adding a lemon drizzle to the top. Mix icing sugar with fresh lemon juice and drizzle it over the cooled cake. This adds a zesty finish that complements the lemon flavor in the cake, while still keeping the elderflower aroma in the background. You can also mix some finely grated lemon zest into the drizzle to intensify the citrus flavor.

4. Floral Touches: To take the elderflower flavor to the next level, try using elderflower cordial in place of some of the sugar or liquid in the recipe. The added elderflower syrup will infuse the cake with a more pronounced floral essence. Alternatively, edible flowers such as pansies or nasturtiums can be placed on top of the cake after glazing, adding both visual appeal and a hint of extra floral flavor.

5. Vegan or Dairy-Free: For a vegan or dairy-free version, you can replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water), and swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. Plant-based milk, such as oat or almond milk, can easily replace dairy milk. This allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy this delectable traybake without compromising on flavor.

6. Coconut Variations: To add a tropical twist to the elderflower and lemon combination, you can incorporate desiccated coconut into the batter. This will not only add a lovely coconut flavor but also give the traybake a slightly denser, more moist texture. Alternatively, top the cake with shredded coconut for a light and crunchy finish.

7. Lemon Curd Center: For a decadent variation, you can add a layer of lemon curd in the middle of the traybake. This rich and tangy filling can be spread between two layers of batter, creating a creamy, gooey surprise when you cut into it. The combination of elderflower, lemon, and lemon curd is a match made in heaven.

Each of these variations offers a unique way to customize the traybake to your own tastes, whether you prefer something a bit more decadent, fruitier, or lighter. The beauty of Mary Berry’s recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to make it your own with simple modifications.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Storing leftovers of Mary Berry’s Elderflower and Lemon Traybake properly ensures that the cake remains fresh and delicious, maintaining its soft texture and fragrant flavors. Here are some best practices for storing your leftovers:

1. Cool the Cake Completely: Before storing any leftover traybake, it’s crucial to allow it to cool completely. If you store it while it’s still warm, condensation can form inside the storage container, making the cake soggy. Cooling also helps the flavors set and prevents any excess moisture from affecting the texture.

2. Use Airtight Containers: The best way to preserve the freshness of your traybake is by storing it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture while preventing the cake from drying out. An airtight container also protects it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.

3. Layer with Parchment Paper: If you’re stacking slices of traybake in the container, place a layer of parchment paper between them to prevent them from sticking to each other. This is particularly helpful if you’ve glazed the cake or topped it with any delicate ingredients, such as edible flowers.

4. Refrigeration for Freshness: Since this traybake includes butter and milk, storing it in the refrigerator is recommended, especially if you’ve added a glaze or lemon curd. Refrigeration helps prolong the cake’s shelf life for up to 4-5 days, while keeping the flavors intact. Ensure that the container is sealed well to avoid the cake drying out or absorbing any refrigerator odors.

5. Room Temperature Storage: If you plan on finishing the traybake within 2-3 days, you can store it at room temperature. Just make sure the cake is in an airtight container, and keep it in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it near any heat sources, as this could affect the texture and flavor.

6. Freezing Leftovers: For longer-term storage, Mary Berry’s Elderflower and Lemon Traybake can be frozen. Slice the cake into individual pieces, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. This allows you to take out only what you need, reducing waste. To defrost, simply leave the cake at room temperature for a few hours, or microwave it on low for a quick defrost.

7. Avoid Freezing Glaze or Toppings: If the traybake is topped with a glaze or fresh decorations, such as edible flowers or berries, it’s best to store the cake without these. Freezing can cause the glaze to lose its consistency and the flowers to wilt. Add any decorative elements after you defrost the cake for the best visual appeal.

Following these simple storage tips will help you enjoy your Elderflower and Lemon Traybake for several days, keeping it moist, flavorful, and just as delightful as when it was first baked.

What Goes Well With Elderflower And Lemon Traybake

Pairing the Elderflower and Lemon Traybake with complementary foods and beverages can enhance the overall dining experience. The light, floral, and citrusy flavors of this traybake can be wonderfully balanced with a variety of options:

1. Tea: A warm cup of tea is an ideal match for this light traybake. A delicate Earl Grey tea, with its hint of citrus, will accentuate the lemon flavor, while a floral-infused tea like jasmine or chamomile enhances the elderflower notes. For a more robust option, a black tea such as Darjeeling will provide a subtle contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

2. Fresh Fruit: Since the traybake already has lemon and elderflower, adding a side of fresh fruit can complement the dish’s flavors. Berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a tangy contrast to the cake’s sweetness. A simple fruit salad or even individual fruit servings can provide a refreshing balance.

3. Whipped Cream or Clotted Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream on the side can elevate the richness of the cake. The creamy, slightly tangy texture pairs beautifully with the lighter, fruity flavors of the traybake. For a twist, you could infuse the cream with a little bit of elderflower syrup or lemon zest to mirror the cake’s flavors.

4. Prosecco or Sparkling Wine: For an indulgent treat, a glass of Prosecco or a dry sparkling wine pairs wonderfully with the light, sweet nature of the traybake. The effervescence of the wine cleanses the palate, making it an ideal accompaniment for dessert or an afternoon tea.

5. Vanilla Ice Cream: If you’re in the mood for a decadent dessert experience, a scoop of vanilla ice cream goes beautifully with the cake. The creaminess of the ice cream enhances the cake’s flavors, while the vanilla notes complement both the elderflower and lemon.

6. Cheese: A light cheese such as ricotta or cream cheese can also work well with the cake. A ricotta mousse, lightly sweetened and flavored with lemon zest, can create a more indulgent treat. Alternatively, a creamy goat cheese or a soft cheese like brie can be paired for a more savory contrast.

7. Lemonade or Elderflower Cordial: If you want a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink to serve alongside, fresh lemonade or elderflower cordial can further emphasize the citrus and floral notes. Served chilled with ice, these drinks complement the lightness of the cake and add to the overall refreshing experience.

By considering some of these pairings, you can enhance the flavors and texture of Mary Berry’s Elderflower and Lemon Traybake and make it part of a well-rounded and enjoyable meal or tea-time spread.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Elderflower and Lemon Traybake is a delightful treat that blends the delicate floral notes of elderflower with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a variety of flavorful twists, it is a versatile and crowd-pleasing cake. Easy to make, yet incredibly sophisticated, it’s the perfect addition to any celebration, afternoon tea, or casual gathering.

By exploring different recipe variations, such as adding berries, nuts, or coconut, you can personalize the cake to suit your tastes. Properly storing leftovers will ensure that the cake remains fresh, allowing you to enjoy it for several days after baking. And by pairing the traybake with complementary drinks, fruits, or creams, you can elevate the experience to new heights.

In every bite of this traybake, there’s a perfect balance of sweetness, lightness, and flavor that makes it a truly special dessert. Whether you stick to the original recipe or venture into creative variations, this traybake will always bring joy and a touch of elegance to any occasion.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Elderflower And Lemon Traybake?

The main ingredients include self-raising flour, butter, sugar, eggs, elderflower cordial, lemon zest, and baking powder. You’ll also need a little milk to adjust the consistency of the batter.

Can I Use Fresh Elderflowers Instead Of Elderflower Cordial?

While fresh elderflowers could be used to infuse a homemade syrup, the recipe specifically calls for elderflower cordial for convenience and a consistent flavor. If you want to use fresh flowers, you’ll need to make your own elderflower syrup.

Is It Necessary To Use Self-raising Flour In Mary Berry’s Elderflower And Lemon Traybake?

Yes, self-raising flour is essential as it helps the traybake rise without the need for additional raising agents like baking powder. However, you can substitute it with plain flour and add baking powder if needed.

Can I Make This Traybake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, the traybake can be made in advance. Once baked, it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For best results, add the glaze just before serving.

What Can I Substitute For Elderflower Cordial If I Can’t Find It?

If you can’t find elderflower cordial, you could try using lemon or lime cordial for a different citrusy twist, although the flavor will be slightly different. Alternatively, you could make your own elderflower syrup if fresh elderflowers are available.

How Long Does It Take To Bake Mary Berry’s Elderflower And Lemon Traybake?

The baking time is typically 25-30 minutes at 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I Freeze Mary Berry’s Elderflower And Lemon Traybake?

Yes, you can freeze the traybake before adding the glaze. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What Is The Purpose Of The Elderflower Syrup Glaze In This Recipe?

The elderflower syrup glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and a glossy finish to the cake. It also helps to keep the cake moist while enhancing the elderflower taste.

Can I Substitute The Lemon Zest With Another Citrus Fruit?

Yes, you can substitute lemon zest with orange or lime zest if you prefer a different citrus flavor, though it will alter the overall taste of the traybake.

How Should I Store Mary Berry’s Elderflower And Lemon Traybake?

Store the traybake in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for 3-4 days. If you have added the glaze, be sure to store it carefully to preserve the moist texture.