Mary Berry Date And Walnut Traybake Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re a fan of delicious, comforting baked goods, then you absolutely need to try Mary Berry’s date and walnut traybake recipe. It’s the perfect combination of sweet dates and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped up in a moist, light cake that’s easy to make and even easier to devour.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon treat, this traybake offers that classic Mary Berry charm – simple, delicious, and irresistibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a timeless recipe that’s full of flavor and will surely impress everyone who gets a bite!.

Mary Berry Date And Walnut Traybake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Traybake is an absolute classic, perfect for an afternoon tea or a delicious snack. This traybake offers a combination of rich, sticky dates and the nutty crunch of walnuts, all held together in a soft, tender cake-like base. The ingredients used are simple but make for a scrumptious, comforting treat.

• Dates: The star of this traybake, dates provide natural sweetness and moisture. They are packed with flavor, contributing to the rich texture and delightful stickiness of the cake. Ideally, use soft Medjool dates for the best result.
• Walnuts: These nuts offer a satisfying crunch and a slightly earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the dates. Chopped roughly, they add texture and depth to the cake.
• Self-raising flour: This is used to give the traybake its rise, creating a soft and light crumb structure. Using self-raising flour means you don’t need to worry about adding extra leavening agents like baking powder.
• Butter: For richness and a tender crumb, butter is a key ingredient in this recipe. It helps to bind the ingredients together and adds flavor.
• Caster sugar: Fine-grained caster sugar is perfect for this traybake, dissolving easily into the batter and providing sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors.
• Eggs: Eggs are essential for structure and moisture. They help to bind the dry ingredients and contribute to the cake’s overall texture.
• Baking soda: A small amount of baking soda works with the natural acidity of the dates to ensure a light and fluffy result.
• Milk: To adjust the consistency of the batter, a small amount of milk is needed. It helps the mixture come together without being too thick.
• Vanilla extract: This optional ingredient enhances the flavor profile of the traybake, adding a fragrant sweetness that complements the dates and walnuts.

The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity of these ingredients. You don’t need a lot of complicated components to create a deliciously moist and flavorful traybake.

Equipment Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Traybake, you’ll need a few basic tools, ensuring the process is simple and stress-free. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Baking tin: A 9-inch square or rectangular baking tin is ideal for this recipe. It’s the perfect size for achieving a nice, even bake and the right amount of depth for your traybake.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two mixing bowls-one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients-before combining them. This makes the process more organized and ensures the ingredients are properly mixed.
• Electric mixer or whisk: While you can mix the ingredients by hand, using an electric mixer or hand whisk is quicker and gives you a smooth batter. It’s especially useful for creaming the butter and sugar together and ensuring everything is well incorporated.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, you’ll need a spoon or spatula to fold them together gently.
• Knife or chopping board: A chopping board and a sharp knife are essential for chopping the walnuts and dates into the desired size. Chopping them evenly will ensure the texture of the traybake is consistent throughout.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Accurate measurements are key to ensuring that the cake turns out just right, so having a reliable set of measuring spoons and cups is necessary.
• Cooling rack: Once baked, it’s essential to cool the traybake on a rack to prevent it from becoming soggy. A cooling rack allows air to circulate around the cake, preserving its texture.

With these simple tools, you’ll be able to whip up this traybake in no time, creating a wonderful treat for any occasion.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Date And Walnut Traybake

Making Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Traybake is an easy, enjoyable process that results in a delicious, satisfying cake. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect traybake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F (320°F fan). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature by the time your traybake is ready to go in.

2. Prepare the Baking Tin: Grease your baking tin with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will ensure that the cake comes out easily once it’s baked and doesn’t stick to the tin.

3. Chop the Dates and Walnuts: Using a sharp knife, chop the dates into small pieces. Roughly chop the walnuts as well, ensuring the pieces aren’t too big so they can spread evenly throughout the cake.

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using an electric mixer or by hand with a whisk. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract if desired.

5. Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour and baking soda into a separate bowl. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing carefully to avoid overworking the batter.

6. Add Dates, Walnuts, and Milk: Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, fold in the chopped dates and walnuts. Then, add just enough milk to achieve a thick but spreadable batter. Be careful not to add too much milk-just enough to make the mixture the right consistency.

7. Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared tin, spreading it out evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The traybake should be golden and firm to the touch.

8. Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove the traybake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Expert Tips

To ensure that your Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Traybake turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:

• Use soft dates: Medjool dates are the best choice for this recipe. They are soft and sticky, giving the traybake a lovely texture and rich flavor. If your dates are firm, soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them before chopping.
• Chop the dates and walnuts evenly: To ensure that the dates and walnuts are evenly distributed throughout the cake, chop them into similar-sized pieces. This will help prevent clumps of dates or walnuts from forming in one area of the traybake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so fold gently to maintain a light texture.
• Add a glaze or icing for extra flair: If you want to elevate your traybake even more, consider adding a light glaze or icing. A simple drizzle of icing sugar and water or a lemon glaze complements the flavors of the dates and walnuts beautifully.
• Storage: This traybake keeps well for several days if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the slices, allowing you to enjoy them at a later date.

Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Traybake is the epitome of comfort baking. It’s simple yet flavorful, offering a perfect balance of sweetness from the dates and crunch from the walnuts.

The easy-to-follow steps and straightforward ingredients make it a great recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a lunchbox treat, or just as a way to indulge in something sweet, this traybake is guaranteed to satisfy.

With its moist, dense texture and the nutty contrast of walnuts, it’s a recipe that combines nostalgia with delightful flavors. Try it out, and you’ll soon see why it’s a Mary Berry classic!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Date And Walnut Traybake

Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Traybake is a timeless treat, known for its perfect balance of sweet dates and crunchy walnuts, all bound together with a tender cake base. However, if you’re in the mood to get creative, there are several easy variations you can make to suit your preferences or use up ingredients you already have in your pantry. Here are a few ideas:

1. Swap the Walnuts for Pecans:

While the recipe traditionally calls for walnuts, pecans can provide a similar texture and a slightly sweeter, milder flavor. They will still add that satisfying crunch, but the flavor profile will be subtly different, giving the traybake a new twist.

2. Add Chocolate Chips or Chunks:

For a more indulgent version, consider stirring in some chocolate chips or chunks into the batter. Dark or milk chocolate will complement the rich sweetness of the dates beautifully. For a slightly more sophisticated touch, you could even use white chocolate, which will add a creamy element to each bite.

3. Try Using Different Dried Fruits:

While dates are the star ingredient, you can switch them up with other dried fruits like apricots, prunes, or raisins. These fruits are also sticky and sweet, making them a good substitute for dates, though each will impart its own distinct flavor. For a tropical flair, try dried mango or pineapple.

4. Spice it Up:

Enhance the flavor of your traybake by adding some warming spices. A teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ground ginger can elevate the overall taste. These spices pair exceptionally well with the dates and walnuts and can give the traybake a lovely cozy, autumnal vibe.

5. Experiment with the Frosting:

While Mary Berry’s version might be left unfrosted, a simple drizzle of icing or frosting can add an extra layer of flavor and decadence. A classic lemon glaze, which combines powdered sugar and lemon juice, would add a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the cake. Alternatively, a light cream cheese frosting or a chocolate ganache would complement the other ingredients perfectly.

6. Add a Little Zest:

To brighten up the rich flavors, you can incorporate lemon or orange zest into the batter. A teaspoon of zest will infuse a fresh citrus note that works beautifully against the sweetness of the dates and the earthiness of the walnuts.

7. Add a Dash of Alcohol:

For an adult twist, try adding a tablespoon of rum, brandy, or whiskey to the batter. The alcohol will add depth and a slightly boozy flavor, which enhances the sweetness of the dates while giving the cake a richer, more complex taste.

These simple variations allow you to personalize Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Traybake to suit your flavor preferences or make use of ingredients you already have. It’s all about experimenting with what you love while maintaining the essence of the original recipe.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

When it comes to storing leftovers from Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Traybake, it’s essential to preserve the texture and moisture of the cake while ensuring it stays fresh for longer. Follow these simple tips for the best results:

1. Allow the Traybake to Cool Completely:

Before storing the leftovers, ensure the traybake has completely cooled. This helps prevent excess moisture from forming inside the storage container, which can make the cake soggy. Once cooled, you can either store it as a whole or cut it into slices for easier access.

2. Airtight Container for Optimal Freshness:

Place the leftover traybake in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and prevents the cake from drying out or absorbing any odors from the refrigerator. If you’re not planning to eat it within a day or two, you can even wrap individual slices in cling film and place them in the airtight container to keep each piece fresh.

3. Storing in the Refrigerator:

Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Traybake will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. The fridge helps maintain its moisture, particularly if you’ve added extra fruits or frosting. Be sure to keep the traybake tightly sealed to avoid it drying out.

4. Freezing for Longer Storage:

If you don’t think you’ll finish the traybake within a few days, freezing is a great option. To freeze, slice the traybake into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap.

Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag to protect them from freezer burn. The traybake will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply let the slices thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a quick treat.

5. Avoid Storing in Metal Containers:

If you choose to store your traybake in a metal container, be aware that the cake may develop a metallic taste over time due to contact with the metal. Stick with plastic or glass containers, which are better for preserving both the flavor and texture of your cake.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your Date and Walnut Traybake remains fresh, moist, and ready to enjoy for several days or even weeks after baking.

What Goes Well With Date And Walnut Traybake

Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Traybake is a delicious, moist dessert on its own, but it can also be enhanced when paired with other complementary foods and drinks. Here are some great options for what goes well with this classic traybake:

1. A Cup of Tea or Coffee:

This traybake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The rich flavors of the dates and walnuts are balanced by the bitterness of a strong cup of tea, such as English Breakfast or Earl Grey, or a robust coffee. The slight sweetness of the cake complements the slightly tannic notes of tea and the deep, roasted flavors of coffee.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream:

For a more indulgent treat, serve your traybake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melts beautifully with the warm cake, providing a luxurious contrast of textures. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of caramel sauce can add an extra layer of sweetness.

3. Fresh Cream or Clotted Cream:

If you prefer a lighter accompaniment, a dollop of fresh cream or clotted cream is an excellent choice. The richness of the cream adds a lovely smoothness that balances the cakey texture of the traybake. It’s especially good if you’ve added spices or citrus to the traybake, as it helps mellow out those flavors.

4. A Light Fruit Compote:

For something a bit fresher, pair your traybake with a light fruit compote. A mixed berry compote or a simple stewed apple would add a fruity, tart contrast to the sweetness of the dates and the nuttiness of the walnuts, creating a balanced dessert experience.

5. A Glass of Sweet Dessert Wine or Sherry:

For a more sophisticated pairing, consider serving your traybake with a glass of dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling or a tawny port. The sweetness of the wine will complement the cake’s rich flavors, making each bite feel indulgent. Alternatively, a glass of sweet sherry would also make a great match.

6. Cheese:

Though it might sound unconventional, a small serving of mild cheese, like a creamy brie or a tangy goat cheese, can be an excellent pairing. The richness of the cheese offsets the sweetness of the traybake, providing a savory balance that adds complexity to the flavor profile of the dessert.

These suggestions can elevate your Date and Walnut Traybake, making it even more enjoyable when shared with friends or family or served as part of a larger meal.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Traybake is a delightful and versatile dessert that has earned a place in many home kitchens. Its combination of rich dates, crunchy walnuts, and moist, tender cake is undeniably comforting and satisfying. Whether enjoyed on its own or dressed up with a variety of variations, it’s a perfect option for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a special celebration.

Storing leftovers properly ensures that this beloved treat stays fresh and delicious for days, while experimenting with variations opens up endless possibilities for new flavor combinations. Pairing your traybake with a warm drink, some ice cream, or even a glass of dessert wine will elevate the experience and make it an even more memorable treat.

Ultimately, the charm of Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Traybake lies in its simplicity and flexibility. It’s the kind of recipe that you can make your own, whether you follow the classic method or make a few tweaks along the way. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, it’s sure to bring warmth and joy to any gathering or personal moment of indulgence.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Date And Walnut Traybake?

The main ingredients for Mary Berry’s date and walnut traybake include dates, walnuts, butter, sugar, eggs, self-raising flour, baking powder, and a little milk to help with the texture.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Nut Instead Of Walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds if you prefer. However, the flavor and texture may slightly vary.

Do I Need To Soak The Dates Before Using Them In The Recipe?

No, Mary Berry’s recipe does not require soaking the dates. You can use them as they are, chopped, and added directly into the mixture.

Can I Make The Traybake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the traybake gluten-free by using a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Be sure to check the other ingredients for gluten content as well.

How Long Does It Take To Bake Mary Berry’s Date And Walnut Traybake?

The traybake takes approximately 25-30 minutes to bake at 180°C (350°F), or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I Freeze Mary Berry’s Date And Walnut Traybake?

Yes, you can freeze the traybake. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in cling film or foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Self-raising Flour?

If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can make your own by adding 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every 150g of plain flour.

What Kind Of Dates Are Best For The Traybake?

Medjool dates are ideal because they are soft and sticky, which helps in creating a moist and flavorful traybake. However, you can also use other varieties like deglet noor.

How Do I Store Mary Berry’s Date And Walnut Traybake?

Store the traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

Can I Add Other Ingredients Like Chocolate Or Spices To The Traybake?

You can experiment with adding chocolate chips or a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavor. However, it may alter the traditional taste of the recipe.