A rich and buttery delight, Mary Berry butterscotch traybake recipe is the perfect combination of caramelized sweetness and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This classic bake features a golden sponge infused with the deep, toasty flavor of butterscotch, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, afternoon tea, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this traybake is guaranteed to impress.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity—using pantry staples, you can achieve a wonderfully moist cake with a decadent butterscotch glaze. Mary Berry’s foolproof method ensures a light yet indulgent texture, making this bake a must-try for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Pair it with a cup of tea, and you’ve got the ultimate comforting treat.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 12 squares
Difficulty Level: Easy
Dietary Suitability: Vegetarian

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sponge:

175g (1 ½ cups) self-raising flour
175g (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened
175g (¾ cup) light brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk

For the Butterscotch Glaze:

100g (½ cup) light brown sugar
50g (3 ½ tbsp) unsalted butter
2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Substitutes and Optional Ingredients

Plain flour + baking powder: If you don’t have self-raising flour, use plain flour with an extra 1 tsp baking powder.
Dark brown sugar: For a deeper caramel flavor, swap light brown sugar for dark brown sugar.
Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Equipment You’ll Need for Butterscotch Traybake

Large mixing bowl
Hand or stand mixer
9×9-inch (23cm) baking tin
Parchment paper
Saucepan
Wire rack for cooling

Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Time needed: 30 minutes

Follow these simple steps to make butterscotch traybake

Preheat and prepare the tin
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking tin with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla
Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Incorporate dry ingredients
Sift in the self-raising flour and baking powder. Gently fold to combine.
Add milk for smoothness
Stir in the milk to loosen the batter slightly.
Bake the sponge
Pour the batter into the prepared tin, level it out, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Make the butterscotch glaze
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and sugar together, stirring continuously. Add the milk, vanilla, and salt, then bring to a gentle simmer until smooth and glossy.
Glaze the traybake
Pour the warm butterscotch glaze over the cooled sponge, spreading evenly. Allow it to set before slicing into squares.

Nutrition Facts & Dietary Info

Each traybake yields 12 servings, and each serving has approximately:

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	280 kcal
Carbohydrates	35g
Protein	3g
Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	8g
Sugar	22g

Contains: Dairy, eggs, gluten
Suitable for: Vegetarian diets

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for any skill level.
Rich butterscotch flavor. The combination of light brown sugar and butter creates an indulgent caramelized taste.
Perfect for sharing. Whether for a bake sale, afternoon tea, or family dessert, this traybake is ideal for serving a crowd.

Pro Tips for Perfect Butterscotch Traybake

Room temperature ingredients. Using softened butter and room temperature eggs ensures a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
Don’t overmix. Fold in the flour gently to keep the sponge light and fluffy.
Glaze while warm. Pouring the butterscotch glaze over a slightly warm cake helps it absorb better for extra flavor.

Fun Variations & Ingredient Swaps

Chocolate twist. Drizzle melted chocolate over the butterscotch glaze for an extra indulgence.
Salted butterscotch. Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the caramel notes.
Nutty crunch. Stir chopped pecans or almonds into the batter for added texture.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Overbaking. Keep an eye on the oven—overbaking can make the sponge dry. Check for doneness with a skewer.
Skipping the parchment paper. This helps release the traybake easily without sticking.
Glazing too late. If the cake is too cool, the glaze won’t spread evenly and may not soak in as well.

How to Store & Serve Butterscotch Traybake

Storing

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Can last up to a week in the fridge, but bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Wrap slices in cling film and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Serving

Classic tea-time treat. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Dessert twist. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Party platter. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a sweet snack at gatherings.

Mary Berry Butterscotch Traybake Recipe FAQs

Can I make this traybake in advance?

Yes! This butterscotch traybake keeps well for several days, making it a great make-ahead bake. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. If freezing, wrap slices individually for easy grab-and-go treats.

What can I use instead of light brown sugar?

You can substitute dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor or use a mix of granulated sugar and molasses. However, light brown sugar is best for achieving the classic butterscotch taste.

Can I use a different size baking tin?

Yes, but the baking time will vary. A smaller tin will result in a thicker cake that may need extra time to cook, while a larger tin will make a thinner traybake that bakes faster. Always check with a skewer for doneness.

Conclusion

This Mary Berry butterscotch traybake recipe is the perfect balance of rich, caramelized flavor and soft, moist texture. It’s an easy and reliable recipe that’s great for sharing, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy treat. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new go-to bake that’s sure to become a household favorite!