Easy Mary Berry Spotty Traybake Recipe

This Mary Berry spotty traybake is a soft vanilla sponge baked in a tray, topped with buttercream and colourful spots, and cut into squares. Based on Mary Berry’s simple all-in-one sponge, it is easy to make, it feeds a crowd, and it is perfect for bake sales, parties and school events. No round tins, no layering, just one tray and easy slices.

Why You Will Love Mary Berry Spotty Traybake

This Mary Berry spotty traybake is loved because it is simple and generous. One bowl, one tray and one bake give you plenty of squares to share. The sponge stays soft, the buttercream is easy to spread, and the spots make it look fun without any piping skill. It also travels well in the tin, so it is ideal for taking to a party or bake sale.

Ingredients for Mary Berry Spotty Traybake

For the traybake:

• 225g butter, at room temperature, or baking spread
• 225g caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 225g self-raising flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the icing and decoration:

• 150g butter, softened
• 300g icing sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Colourful chocolate sweets, such as Smarties, for spots
• Sprinkles, if you like

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spotty Traybake

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the tin. Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan / Gas 4). Grease and line a 30 x 23cm traybake tin with baking paper.

Step 2: Mix the batter. Put the butter, caster sugar, eggs, self-raising flour, baking powder and vanilla extract into a large bowl. Beat until combined and soft, with a dropping consistency. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Bake in a tray. Pour the batter into the lined tin and level the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden, springy to touch, and a skewer comes out clean.

Step 4: Ice the top. Leave the traybake in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Beat the softened butter, icing sugar and milk into a smooth buttercream. Spread it evenly over the cooled traybake.

Step 5: Add spots and cut into squares. Press colourful chocolate sweets into the buttercream in a spotty pattern. Add sprinkles, if you like. Cut into squares, about 24 pieces, and serve.

Cook’s Secrets for a Perfect Spotty Traybake

Use butter at room temperature, so the batter mixes smoothly and rises well. Level the batter in the tin, so the traybake bakes evenly. Cool the traybake completely before icing, or the buttercream will melt. For neat squares, chill the iced traybake for 15 minutes, then cut with a sharp knife, wiping it between cuts. Keep the tin lined, so the traybake lifts out easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Mary Berry spotty traybake in advance? Yes. Bake the traybake a day ahead, keep it wrapped, and ice and decorate on the day. The finished traybake keeps for 2 to 3 days in an airtight tin.

Can I freeze spotty traybake? Yes. Freeze the plain baked traybake, cut into squares, for up to 3 months. Thaw completely, then ice and decorate.

How many squares does it make? About 24 squares, depending on how large you cut them. Smaller squares are perfect for bake sales.

Can children help make this traybake? Yes. Children love mixing the batter and adding spots. An adult should handle the oven and hot tin.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Mary Berry Spotty Traybake

This Mary Berry spotty traybake is soft, sweet and easy to share. Vanilla sponge, buttercream and colourful spots, cut into squares, make a cake that is perfect for parties and bake sales. Bake it, decorate it, and enjoy every square.