Simple Mary Berry's Classic Cake Recipe

Mary Berry, the beloved British food writer and television presenter, has a knack for creating simple yet delicious recipes that everyone can enjoy. One of her most popular creations is her simple cake recipe, which has become a staple in many households. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also produces a moist and flavorful cake that is perfect for any occasion.

Mary Berry's simple cake recipe is a classic Victoria sponge cake, which is a light and airy cake that is perfect for afternoon tea or as a base for a variety of desserts. The cake is made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, and it comes together in just a few easy steps.

Ingredients and Equipment

Before you begin baking, it's important to gather all of your ingredients and equipment. For this recipe, you will need:

• 225g (8oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 225g (8oz) caster sugar
• 4 medium eggs
• 225g (8oz) self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 4 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

You will also need a 20cm (8in) round cake tin, greased and lined with non-stick baking paper.

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. This will ensure that your oven is at the correct temperature when you are ready to bake the cake.

Next, you will need to grease and line your cake tin. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the tin and will make it easier to remove the cake once it is baked.

Making the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer or 4-5 minutes by hand.

Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a spoonful of the flour to help bring it back together.

Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl and gently fold it into the mixture using a metal spoon or spatula. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.

Add the milk and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until just combined. The batter should have a soft, dropping consistency. If it is too thick, add a little more milk to loosen it up.

Baking the Cake

Spoon the cake batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure that the batter is evenly distributed in the tin.

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and starting to pull away from the sides of the tin.

Cooling and Serving

Leave the cake in the tin for a few minutes to cool slightly, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake is completely cool, you can dust it with icing sugar or serve it with your favorite jam and cream.

Mary Berry's simple cake recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Why not give Mary Berry's simple cake recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills? With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious and impressive cake that everyone will love. Happy baking!