There is something so comforting about a soft coffee cake with sweet fudge frosting. This Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe brings warm coffee flavor and rich sweetness together perfectly.
I love making this Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe on cozy weekends. The cake smells amazing while baking.
If you enjoy simple homemade cakes, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why I Love Making This Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake
I first made this traybake during a rainy afternoon. The smell of coffee filled my kitchen beautifully. Since then, it became one of my favorite easy cake recipes.
I love how soft and moist this cake stays for days. The creamy fudge topping tastes rich but not too heavy. Every bite feels comforting and homemade.
This recipe is also simple for beginners. You do not need fancy baking skills. The ingredients are easy to find too.
It is perfect for tea time, birthdays, family gatherings or quiet evenings at home.
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking tray or traybake tin
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Small saucepan
- Butter knife or offset spatula
- Baking paper
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake
- Servings: 12 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: British
- Calories: 410 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake
For the Cake
- 225g self-raising flour
- 225g softened butter
- 225g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Coffee Fudge Frosting
- 175g butter
- 300g powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
Optional Decoration
- Chocolate curls
- Coffee beans
- Cocoa powder dusting
- Chopped walnuts
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Baking Tin
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line your traybake tin with baking paper carefully. This helps the cake release easily after baking. Greasing the corners also prevents sticking and keeps the edges neat.
2. Dissolve the Coffee
Place instant coffee into a small cup. Add hot water and stir well. Let the coffee cool slightly before adding it to the batter. This gives the cake a deep coffee flavor.
3. Mix the Butter and Sugar
Add softened butter and caster sugar into a large bowl. Beat until light and fluffy. The mixture should look pale and creamy. This step helps create a soft and airy cake texture.
4. Add the Eggs Slowly
Crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time. Beat well after each addition. Adding eggs slowly prevents the batter from splitting and keeps the mixture smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl. Fold gently using a spatula. Do not overmix the batter. Gentle mixing keeps the traybake soft and fluffy after baking.
6. Add Coffee and Vanilla
Pour the cooled coffee mixture and vanilla extract into the batter. Add milk too. Stir carefully until everything combines smoothly. The batter should look silky and smell wonderfully rich and sweet.
7. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared tray evenly. Bake for about 30 minutes. The cake should feel springy when touched lightly. A skewer inserted in the center should come out clean.
8. Cool the Cake Completely
Remove the cake from the oven carefully. Let it cool inside the tin for ten minutes. After that, place it on a cooling rack until fully cooled before frosting.
9. Make the Coffee Fudge Frosting
Mix instant coffee with hot water in a small bowl. Beat butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, coffee mixture and milk. Beat everything together until creamy and fluffy.
10. Frost and Decorate
Spread the frosting evenly across the cooled cake. Use a spatula for smooth edges. Decorate with chocolate curls, cocoa powder or chopped nuts for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.
Read More: Healthy Buckeyes Recipe
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use strong coffee for deeper flavor.
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Chill the frosting before spreading if too soft.
- Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- Add caramel drizzle for a sweeter finish.
- Use espresso powder for bold coffee taste.
- Do not overbake the cake. It dries quickly.
- Store the cake overnight for even better flavor.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Traybake cakes became popular in British homes many years ago. They are simple, easy to share and perfect for gatherings. Mary Berry helped make traybakes famous through her classic baking recipes.
Coffee cakes became especially popular during afternoon tea traditions in Britain. The rich coffee flavor pairs perfectly with tea or warm coffee.
Fudge frosting later became a favorite addition because it added creamy sweetness. Today, coffee traybakes remain a comforting homemade dessert loved by many families.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
This Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe tastes wonderful with many drinks and desserts.
Serve it with:
- Hot cappuccino
- Fresh latte
- English breakfast tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate mousse
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
You can also enjoy it with simple butter cookies or chocolate brownies during dessert parties.
Occasion or Event Ideas
This traybake works beautifully for many special moments.
Perfect occasions include:
- Birthday parties
- Afternoon tea gatherings
- Family dinners
- Holiday dessert tables
- Bake sales
- Weekend baking projects
- Office celebrations
- Coffee mornings with friends
I often make this cake during cool weather because the warm coffee smell feels comforting and cozy.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store the cake in an airtight container.
- Keep at room temperature for two days.
- Refrigerate for up to five days.
- Let chilled slices sit before serving.
- Freeze unfrosted cake for two months.
- Wrap slices individually before freezing.
- Avoid microwaving too long because frosting melts quickly.
- Warm slices for only 10 seconds if desired.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Sugar | 33g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 170mg |
Health Benefits
This cake is definitely a sweet treat, but it also offers small benefits. Coffee contains antioxidants that may help protect the body from damage. Homemade cakes also avoid many preservatives found in store desserts.
Using real butter, eggs and fresh ingredients creates a richer homemade flavor. Sharing homemade desserts can also bring comfort and joy during family moments and celebrations.
Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 225 g self-raising flour
- 225 g softened butter
- 225 g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Coffee Fudge Frosting
- 175 g butter
- 300 g powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
Optional Decoration
- Chocolate curls
- Coffee beans
- Cocoa powder dusting
- Chopped walnuts
Instructions
Prepare the Baking Tin
- Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line your traybake tin with baking paper carefully. This helps the cake release easily after baking. Greasing the corners also prevents sticking and keeps the edges neat.
Dissolve the Coffee
- Place instant coffee into a small cup. Add hot water and stir well. Let the coffee cool slightly before adding it to the batter. This gives the cake a deep coffee flavor.
Mix the Butter and Sugar
- Add softened butter and caster sugar into a large bowl. Beat until light and fluffy. The mixture should look pale and creamy. This step helps create a soft and airy cake texture.
Add the Eggs Slowly
- Crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time. Beat well after each addition. Adding eggs slowly prevents the batter from splitting and keeps the mixture smooth and creamy.
Add the Dry Ingredients
- Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl. Fold gently using a spatula. Do not overmix the batter. Gentle mixing keeps the traybake soft and fluffy after baking.
Add Coffee and Vanilla
- Pour the cooled coffee mixture and vanilla extract into the batter. Add milk too. Stir carefully until everything combines smoothly. The batter should look silky and smell wonderfully rich and sweet.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared tray evenly. Bake for about 30 minutes. The cake should feel springy when touched lightly. A skewer inserted in the center should come out clean.
Cool the Cake Completely
- Remove the cake from the oven carefully. Let it cool inside the tin for ten minutes. After that, place it on a cooling rack until fully cooled before frosting.
Make the Coffee Fudge Frosting
- Mix instant coffee with hot water in a small bowl. Beat butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, coffee mixture and milk. Beat everything together until creamy and fluffy.
Frost and Decorate
- Spread the frosting evenly across the cooled cake. Use a spatula for smooth edges. Decorate with chocolate curls, cocoa powder or chopped nuts for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Use strong coffee for deeper flavor.
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Chill the frosting before spreading if too soft.
- Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- Add caramel drizzle for a sweeter finish.
- Use espresso powder for bold coffee taste.
- Do not overbake the cake. It dries quickly.
- Store the cake overnight for even better flavor.
FAQs about Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake
Can I make this Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe without coffee?
Yes, you can replace coffee with warm milk and cocoa powder. The cake will taste more like chocolate fudge cake but still remain delicious and moist for dessert lovers.
How do I make the frosting thicker?
Add extra powdered sugar slowly while mixing. Chilling the frosting for ten minutes also helps it firm up nicely before spreading over the cooled cake.
Can I freeze this traybake cake?
Yes, this cake freezes very well. Wrap slices tightly with plastic wrap and store inside a freezer container for up to two months without losing flavor.
What is the best coffee for this recipe?
Instant espresso powder works wonderfully because it gives strong flavor quickly. Regular instant coffee also works perfectly and keeps the recipe simple for home bakers.
Why is my traybake dry after baking?
The cake may have baked too long. Always check a few minutes early. Overmixing the batter can also make cakes heavier and less moist after baking.
Final Thoughts
This Mary Berry Coffee Fudge Traybake Recipe is simple, rich and full of cozy flavor. The soft sponge and creamy frosting taste wonderful together.
It is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. I hope this homemade traybake brings warmth and happiness to your kitchen. Enjoy every sweet coffee-filled bite with family and friends.
Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.