Every great baker has a secret weapon. For many in the UK, Mary Berry vanilla cake recipe is it. My grandmother first showed me this cake when I was a young girl. We were in her cosy kitchen, standing on a wooden stool.
The magic of Mary Berry’s vanilla cake is in its simplicity. It needs just a few ingredients and a simple mixing method. Even beginners can make a dessert that looks and tastes like it was made by a pro. It turns basic ingredients into a light, fluffy masterpiece loved by families for years.
This isn’t just another cake recipe. It’s a tradition passed down through generations, showing the charm of classic British baking. Whether for afternoon tea, a family event, or a sweet craving, Mary Berry’s vanilla cake is the perfect choice.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Mary Berry’s Vanilla Cake
Explore the world of British baking with a timeless recipe. Mary Berry’s vanilla sponge cake is a classic, loved by many. It’s a mix of simplicity and elegance.
Who is Mary Berry?
Mary Berry is a well-known figure in the UK, celebrated for her baking skills. Her vanilla sponge cake recipe is a favourite in many homes. It inspires both new and seasoned bakers.
- Celebrated cookbook author
- Television baking personality
- Respected culinary expert
The Appeal of Vanilla Cake
A vanilla cake is more than a dessert; it’s a canvas for creativity and comfort. The mary berry 10 inch sponge cake recipe lets bakers add their own touch while keeping the classic feel.
| Cake Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Texture | Light and fluffy |
| Flavour Profile | Subtle vanilla with rich undertones |
| Versatility | Suitable for multiple occasions |
A Classic British Delight
British baking is an art, and the vanilla sponge cake is a perfect example. Each slice tells a story of generations of home cooks perfecting their craft. It’s perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions, showing the heart of British culinary culture.
“Baking is about passion, precision, and sharing joy through food.” – Mary Berry
Mary Berry’s vanilla cake, with its golden-brown exterior and delicate crumb, showcases the beauty of simple, well-made baking.
Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry’s Vanilla Cake
Baking a delicious vanilla cake needs the right ingredients. Mary Berry’s victoria sponge tray bake is famous for its simplicity and taste. Let’s look at the key ingredients for a great baking experience!
Key Ingredients for Success
For the perfect mary berry victoria sponge butter icing, choose top-notch ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 225g self-raising flour
- 225g caster sugar
- 1 level teaspoon baking powder
- 225g unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 large free-range eggs
| Cake Size | Butter | Sugar | Eggs | Flour | Baking Powder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-inch | 225g | 225g | 4 eggs | 225g | 2 tsp |
| 7-inch | 175g | 175g | 3 eggs | 175g | 1.5 tsp |
| 6-inch | 100g | 100g | 2 eggs | 100g | 1 tsp |
Optional Add-Ins or Variations
Make your vanilla cake even better with these options:
- Jam Filling: Pick strawberry or raspberry jam
- Buttercream Ingredients:
- 100g unsalted butter (softened)
- 200g icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Optional vanilla extract for extra flavour
- Try different jam options like lemon curd
Pro tip: Using room temperature ingredients makes the batter smoother and more even!
For a perfect victoria sponge tray bake, focus on precision and quality. Each ingredient is vital for a cake that’s light, fluffy, and irresistible. It will surely impress your guests!
Equipment Required
To bake a tasty vanilla cake recipe by Mary Berry, you need some key kitchen tools. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, the right equipment makes baking fun and easy.
Essential Baking Tools
For a perfect Mary Berry vanilla sponge, you’ll need some reliable baking gear. Here are the must-haves:
- Digital scales for accurate ingredient measurements
- Two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon
- Wire cooling rack
- Serving plate
Helpful Kitchen Gadgets
While not essential, these extra tools can enhance your vanilla cake recipe Mary Berry experience:
- Freestanding mixer for easy mixing
- Silicone spatula for smooth batter
- Piping bag for fancy finishes
- Offset spatula for even frosting
*Pro tip*: Quality tools make baking more enjoyable, but don’t let a missing gadget stop you from creating a delicious vanilla sponge!
Remember, Mary Berry’s vanilla cake recipe is designed to be easy to follow. With these basic tools, you’ll be ready to bake a delicious sponge that will wow your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking the Cake
Baking a delicious mary berry vanilla cake needs precision and care. This guide will help you make a tasty sponge. It will be as good as a mary berry victoria sponge with buttercream.
Preparing the Baking Tin
Begin by preparing your workspace with two 20cm sandwich tins. Here’s what you need to do:
- Grease the tins well with butter
- Line the bottom with parchment paper
- Make sure it’s evenly coated to prevent sticking
Mixing the Batter
Mary Berry’s all-in-one method makes mixing the cake easy. You’ll need:
- 225g self-raising flour
- 225g caster sugar
- 225g unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 level teaspoon baking powder
Pro tip: Put all ingredients in a big mixing bowl. Mix until just combined – avoid overmixing!
Baking Time and Temperature
When baking your mary berry vanilla cake, precision is key:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan)
- Put tins on the middle shelf
- Bake for 20-25 minutes
- Check at 20 minutes with a skewer
The perfect sponge should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
After baking, let the cakes cool in the tins for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. Your vanilla cake is now ready for the next step of deliciousness!
Tips for Perfecting Your Vanilla Cake
Baking the perfect victoria sponge tray bake needs precision and care. Mary Berry’s classic recipes require attention to detail for a delightful result every time.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Achieving the perfect mary berry victoria sponge butter icing involves navigating several challenges:
- Weighing ingredients with absolute accuracy
- Controlling mixing techniques
- Managing baking powder quantities
Precise measurements are key. Even a small mistake can affect your cake’s texture and flavour. Experts suggest the following strategies:
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Over-mixing | Stop mixing when ingredients are just combined |
| Baking powder quantity | Use exact measurements to prevent premature rising |
| Ingredient temperature | Use room temperature ingredients for optimal results |
Adjusting for Altitude
Baking at different elevations needs subtle changes:
- Increase oven temperature slightly
- Reduce baking powder quantity
- Allow for extra baking time
Pro tip: Always check your cake by gently pressing the centre. It should spring back when perfectly baked!
Remember, practice makes perfect in creating your ideal vanilla cake.
Mary Berry’s Vanilla Cake
Equipment
- 2 x 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and scales
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon
- Wire cooling rack
- Spatula
Ingredients
- Cake Batter:
- 225 g self-raising flour
- 225 g caster sugar
- 225 g unsalted butter room temperature
- 4 large free-range eggs
- 1 level teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Buttercream Filling:
- 100 g unsalted butter softened
- 200 g icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Optional Fillings:
- 4 tablespoons strawberry or raspberry jam
- Fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line two 20cm (8-inch) cake tins.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together self-raising flour and baking powder.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Combine Batter: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients and milk until a smooth batter forms.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly between the cake tins. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Advanced Techniques and Variations
Turning a classic mary berry vanilla cake into something special takes creativity and a bit of adventure. Professional bakers make small changes to turn a simple sponge into a standout dessert.
Flavour Infusions to Enhance Your Cake
Trying new flavour infusions can make a traditional mary berry victoria sponge with buttercream even better. Here are some great ideas:
- Lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note
- Lavender extract for a delicate floral essence
- Almond essence for nutty undertones
- Rosewater for an elegant twist
Alternative Cake Sizes and Adaptations
Baking is all about being flexible. Here’s a guide to changing your cake size:
| Cake Pan Size | Baking Time | Serving Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| 8-inch round | 20-25 minutes | 8 standard servings |
| Heart-shaped | 15-20 minutes | Romantic occasion dessert |
| Mini cupcakes | 12-15 minutes | Party-friendly portions |
Pro tip: If you’re not in the UK and can’t find self-raising flour, use plain flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder per 225g of flour. This trick helps your cake rise perfectly!
“Baking is an art, and every recipe is a canvas for your creativity.” – Mary Berry
As we finish our baking journey, let’s remember the key steps to making a great Mary Berry sponge cake. Whether you’re making a classic cake with oil or a 10-inch version, the main things stay the same. You need precision, passion, and practice.
Your homemade cake will always beat the ones from the shop. Using fresh ingredients, mixing carefully, and knowing how to bake are your secrets. Learning to cream butter and sugar, fold dry ingredients gently, and keep the oven at 180°C will make your cake amazing.
Start your baking adventure! Don’t be afraid to try new flavours, decorations, or ingredients. Every cake you make is a chance to learn and get better. The best recipes come from being curious and open to new things.
So, put on your apron, heat the oven, and let baking magic happen in your kitchen. Your perfect Mary Berry-inspired vanilla sponge is waiting for you!
Frequently Asked Question :
What is the difference between sponge cake and vanilla cake?
A sponge cake is light and airy, made by whipping eggs to create volume, often without butter or oil. Vanilla cake is richer, with butter, oil, or milk, giving it a denser, moist texture.
What is a Mary Jane cake?
A Mary Jane cake is an old-fashioned cake inspired by Mary Jane candies, featuring flavors like molasses, caramel, or peanut butter. Some variations include chocolate or spice flavors.
Can you make a cake without caster sugar?
Yes! Substitute caster sugar with:
Granulated sugar (blend for a finer texture)
Brown sugar (adds moisture and a caramel flavor)
Honey or maple syrup (adjust liquid content)
Powdered sugar (reduce slightly as it dissolves faster)
How to keep vanilla cake moist?
Use buttermilk, sour cream, or oil in the batter.
Don’t overmix—it makes the cake dense.
Bake at the right temperature and don’t overbake.
Store in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap.
Brush with simple syrup (sugar + water) after baking for extra moisture.
Is sponge cake better with oil or butter?
Oil makes sponge cakes softer and moister, while butter gives a richer flavor but firmer texture. Many bakers prefer oil for light sponges and butter for flavor.
What type of cake is the most moist?
Chocolate cake (with oil, buttermilk, or sour cream)
Red velvet cake (contains vinegar and buttermilk)
Carrot cake (keeps moisture from grated carrots)
Banana cake (naturally soft from bananas)
Tres leches cake (soaked in three kinds of milk)