If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent treats that bring a perfect blend of coffee and chocolatey fudge together, the Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This classic British dessert combines a moist, coffee-infused sponge with a luscious fudge icing that melts in your mouth, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. It’s straightforward to bake and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying alongside a cozy cup of tea. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to sweet treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the magic of the Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe. From the rich butter that lends creaminess to the traybake to the instant coffee that infuses it with a subtle yet distinct flavor, every element is simple but essential.
- 100g unsalted butter, softened: Provides the perfect buttery base for both the cake and icing, ensuring moistness.
- 100g light brown sugar: Adds sweetness along with a hint of caramel richness to the batter.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure to the traybake.
- 100g self-raising flour: Makes the traybake light and fluffy with the help of baking powder.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent to give the sponge a lovely rise.
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee, dissolved in hot water: Infuses the traybake with that distinctive coffee flavor.
- 50g chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a pleasant crunch and nutty contrast to the smooth sponge.
- 75g unsalted butter, softened (for icing): Creates a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with coffee.
- 150g icing sugar, sifted: Sweetens the icing without graininess for that perfect fudgy finish.
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee, dissolved in hot water (for icing): Strengthens the coffee notes right on top of the traybake.
- Fudge pieces or chopped walnuts (optional for decoration): Adds visual appeal and an extra layer of texture.
How to Make Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Tin and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (or 160°C fan) and greasing and lining a 9×9-inch square tin. Having all your ingredients at hand and softened, especially the butter, helps everything come together smoothly and ensures a lovely, even bake.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy – this creates a wonderful base, trapping air for a perfect rise. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Stir in the dissolved coffee for that signature coffee flavor. Fold in the self-raising flour and baking powder gently to keep the airiness, then add the chopped walnuts if using, which add a delightful crunch.
Step 3: Bake the Traybake
Pour the batter into your prepared tin and smooth out the top for an even bake. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell at this point will be pure bliss, filling your kitchen with warm coffee and cake aromas. Let the traybake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, so that it’s ready for icing without melting the topping.
Step 4: Prepare and Spread the Coffee Fudge Icing
Beat the softened butter and sifted icing sugar together until wonderfully smooth and creamy. Then mix in the dissolved coffee, combining thoroughly for that delicious fudgy coffee essence. Once your cake is completely cooled, spread the icing evenly on top, creating a rich, glossy layer. Finish by decorating with fudge pieces or extra walnuts for that eye-catching touch and a burst of texture with every bite.
How to Serve Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped walnuts or small fudge chunks scattered over the icing not only makes your traybake look tempting but adds a subtle nutty crunch or rich chewiness that complements the dense, moist sponge beautifully.
Side Dishes
This coffee fudge traybake shines when served alongside a simple cup of black coffee or a creamy cappuccino. For an extra indulgent treat, a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will balance the coffee’s robust flavor with cool creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe stand out at a gathering, cut it into neat, bite-sized squares and serve it on a decorative platter with coffee beans scattered around for ambiance. You can also layer slices with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast in flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and moistness. This makes for a convenient sweet snack that stays delicious.
Freezing
Without the icing, this traybake freezes beautifully. Wrap the plain traybake tightly in cling film and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature before adding the coffee fudge icing.
Reheating
For a just-baked taste, warm individual squares gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This revives the fudgy creaminess and enhances the coffee aroma, making it feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I omit the walnuts in the Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe?
Absolutely! The walnuts are optional and simply add extra texture and nutty flavor. If you prefer a smoother, nut-free traybake, just leave them out or substitute with your favorite nuts or seeds.
How strong should the coffee flavor be?
The recipe uses instant coffee dissolved in hot water to ensure a balanced espresso note without overpowering the cake. You can adjust the coffee strength depending on how bold you want the flavor—just add a bit more coffee or reduce it for a milder taste.
Can this traybake be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising blend of the same quantity. Just make sure the baking powder is gluten-free as well, and the texture should stay wonderfully moist and light.
Is it possible to make the icing dairy-free?
Definitely. Swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative and ensure your icing sugar is free from bone char processing. The coffee flavor will remain intact, and you’ll have a delicious vegan-friendly option.
How long does the Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe take from start to finish?
It’s a quick bake, with about 20 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking, totaling around 50 minutes, which makes it perfect for an afternoon treat or last-minute dessert.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about the Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply because you deserve a treat, this traybake delivers delicious coffee undertones wrapped in a fudgy, buttery delight. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this at home—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and will quickly become a treasured recipe in your collection.
Print
Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mary Berry’s Coffee Fudge Traybake is a moist and fluffy British dessert combining the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate fudge. This easy-to-make traybake features a tender coffee-infused cake base topped with a smooth coffee fudge icing and optional crunchy walnuts or fudge pieces for decoration. Perfect as a teatime treat or dessert, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and coffee aroma.
Ingredients
For the traybake:
- 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 100g (1/2 cup) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 100g (3/4 cup) self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee, dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- 50g (1/2 cup) chopped walnuts (optional)
For the icing:
- 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150g (1 1/4 cups) icing sugar (powdered sugar), sifted
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee, dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
For decoration (optional):
- Fudge pieces or chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a 9×9-inch square traybake tin with baking parchment to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 100g softened unsalted butter and 100g light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, indicating air has been incorporated for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Coffee: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the dissolved instant coffee (1 tablespoon instant coffee in 1 tablespoon hot water) to infuse the coffee flavor evenly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Fold in 100g self-raising flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix, which could toughen the cake. Optionally, add 50g chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake the Traybake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the traybake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before icing, preventing the icing from melting.
- Prepare the Icing: Beat 75g softened unsalted butter with 150g sifted icing sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in the dissolved coffee (1 tablespoon instant coffee in 1 tablespoon hot water) until well combined to create a rich coffee fudge icing.
- Ice and Decorate: Spread the coffee fudge icing evenly over the cooled cake. Decorate with fudge pieces or extra chopped walnuts if desired for a textured and decorative finish.
- Serve: Cut the traybake into 16 squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze without icing for longer storage.
Notes
- Adjust the strength of the coffee according to your taste preference for a milder or stronger coffee flavor.
- Store the traybake in an airtight container to keep it fresh up to 3 days.
- This traybake freezes well when uniced; add icing after thawing for best results.
