Mary Berry's Coffee Cake: A Deliciously Simple Recipe

Mary Berry, the queen of baking, has graced our kitchens with countless recipes, but her coffee cake stands out as a classic. This recipe is perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners, delivering a moist and flavorful cake that's ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. This guide will walk you through a simple, yet delicious, Mary Berry-inspired coffee cake recipe, highlighting key elements for optimal results.

Ingredients for Mary Berry Style Coffee Cake

This recipe adapts the spirit of Mary Berry's baking style, focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor. Feel free to adjust sweetness to your preference.

• For the Cake:

  • 200g (7 oz) self-raising flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 75g (2.6 oz) caster sugar
  • 75g (2.6 oz) softened unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 100ml (3.5 fl oz) milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

• For the Crumble Topping:

  • 50g (1.8 oz) plain flour
  • 50g (1.8 oz) brown sugar
  • 50g (1.8 oz) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking a Mary Berry Coffee Cake

This detailed guide ensures a perfect result every time.

1. Preparing the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Grease and flour a 20cm (8 inch) square baking tin. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and baking powder. This lightens the mixture and prevents lumps.
3. Add the caster sugar and softened butter. Using an electric mixer (or a good old-fashioned whisk!), cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a lighter texture.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, gently fold in the flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two and ensuring no dry flour remains. Stir in the vanilla extract.

2. Making the Crumble Topping:

1. In a separate bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour and brown sugar using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Cold butter is crucial for a crumbly topping.

3. Assembling and Baking the Cake:

1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin and spread evenly.
2. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it – ovens can vary!
4. Let the cake cool slightly in the tin before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions for your Mary Berry Inspired Coffee Cake

This versatile cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it further:

• Serve warm: A warm slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is heavenly.
• Add fruit: Incorporate blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples into the batter for extra flavor and texture.
• Dust with icing sugar: A light dusting of icing sugar adds a touch of elegance.
• Coffee pairing: As the name suggests, this cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Mary Berry Style Coffee Cake

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
• Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
• Check for doneness: Use a skewer to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
• Cooling time: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to prevent it from crumbling.

This recipe, inspired by Mary Berry's baking philosophy, offers a delicious and straightforward approach to creating a truly delightful coffee cake. Enjoy!