The Iconic Lemon Drizzle Tray Bake by Mary Berry: A Zesty Delight Since the 1960s!

Unlocking the Timeless Appeal Experiencing Mary Berry's Legendary Lemon Drizzle Tray Bake

I tried Mary Berry’s iconic lemon drizzle tray bake and discovered why it’s a hit for over 50 years.

Mary Berry’s Lemon Drizzle Tray Bake

Oh, my fellow fashionistas, let me introduce you to the queen of baking, Britain’s very own Mary Berry! This legendary baker, food journalist, and former host of “The Great British Baking Show” has graced us with her timeless recipes and expert insights into the art of baking sweet treats. And one of her absolute favorites is the lemon drizzle tray bake that has been winning hearts since the swinging 1960s!

Mary Berry

Now, picture this: a zesty-flavored tray bake with a crunchy, sweet glaze that’s so good, it’ll have you swooning like a model on a catwalk. Mary Berry’s lemon drizzle tray bake is not just a cake; it’s a masterpiece that transcends fashion trends and delivers a taste sensation that will make you weak at the knees.

But let’s not keep this beauty a secret any longer! Mary Berry spilled the tea on this iconic recipe during an episode of “Mary Berry Absolute Favourites: Episode 3.” She revealed that she actually learned the recipe from the mother of one of her friends! Talk about a fabulous baking mentor!

Mary Berry in 1977

Now, let’s dive into the delectable details, shall we? To make this lemony dream come true, you’ll need some baking staples, a whole lot of sugar, and two lemons to create the perfect balance that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

Here’s the rundown:

Ingredients
225g of butter
225g of caster sugar
275g of self-raising flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
4 eggs
4 tablespoons of milk
The zest of two unwaxed lemons
Ingredients for the batter

Now, if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can add some finely chopped lemon verbena for an elevated flavor experience. But if you can’t find it, worry not! Berry assures us that the recipe works like a charm even without it.

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to dance your way into the kitchen! Preheat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius (or 320 degrees Fahrenheit) and prepare a baking dish, just like the one Berry recommends, with dimensions of 12 by 9 inches. Make it smooth sailing by greasing the dish with butter and lining it with baking parchment paper.

Preparing the baking tray

Now, mix together all the dry ingredients. To create baking magic, it’s best to mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, ensuring a flawless distribution of flavor in every bite. Then, add the softened butter and give it a gentle massage with your hands. Imagine you’re in a luxurious spa, pampering the batter to perfection!

Adding the butter

Once the butter is blended like a high-fashion ensemble, it’s time to add the star players: the eggs and milk. Give it a good whisk, darling! Watch as the mixture transforms from a crumbly, dry state into a thick, smooth batter fit for a runway show.

Adding the wet ingredients

But we’re not done yet! This is where the magic of lemons comes in. Grate the zest of two unwaxed lemons (remember to remove the wax if your lemons are feeling a bit “extra”). Think of this step as adding the perfect touch of elegance and zest to your sweet creation.

Adding the zest

With all the ingredients lovingly combined, it’s time to pour the batter into the baking tray. Smooth it out like a supermodel on the runway, making sure every corner is flawless. We want our cake to shine like a diva in the spotlight!

Smoothing the cake mix

With the batter beautifully settled in the tray, it’s showtime! Pop that masterpiece into the oven and let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is ready when it has slightly shrunk from the sides of the tin and the center “springs back” like a spirited catwalk strut when poked gently with your fabulous finger.

While our beauty is baking, let’s prepare the magical lemon glaze that takes this tray bake to the next level. Get your lemons and squeeze out all that tangy goodness, mixing it with a ton of sugar. Brace yourself; this glaze will make your taste buds go wild!

The magical icing ingredients

Once the cake is perfectly cooked, transfer it onto a serving dish and let it cool for five minutes (if you can resist!). Then, get ready for the grand finale. With a heavy hand and an artistic touch, brush a generous layer of the lemony glaze all over the cake. Don’t forget to coat the sides too for the ultimate crunch sensation!

Brushing the icing onto the cake

And ta-da! Your masterpiece is complete! Admire those golden brown hues, the glimmering sheen, and the enticing aromas rising from the cake. Let it cool down to room temperature (if you can wait that long!) and then slice it into thick, heavenly cubes.

Slicing the tray bake

Now, it’s time for the moment of truth. Sink your teeth into a slice of this divine creation. Feel the flavors of lemon zest and juice dancing on your tongue, balancing perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar. And oh, the texture! The moist, light, and fluffy cake paired with the crispy, crunchy glaze is a match made in fashion heaven.

Enjoying a slice of heaven

I must warn you, my dear fashionistas, this tray bake is utterly addictive. One slice will turn into two, and two will turn into three as you find yourself completely enchanted by Berry’s culinary masterpiece. And just like Mary herself, this cake has been wowing audiences since the fabulous 1960s.

So, my lovely readers, let your taste buds embark on this fashionable journey and recreate Mary Berry’s iconic lemon drizzle tray bake. Trust me, it’ll be a runway sensation at your next gathering. Bon appétit!

Are you ready to embark on the fashion-forward journey of baking Mary Berry’s lemon drizzle tray bake? Share your excitement and baking adventures in the comments below! Let’s slay the kitchen together! 🍰💃