Who doesn’t love a classic vanilla tray bake? It’s a timeless treat that never fails to bring joy, whether it’s for a casual gathering or a special celebration.
This simple yet delightful recipe has been a favorite in kitchens for generations, cherished for its soft, buttery sponge and irresistible vanilla flavor.
Originating from the heart of home baking traditions, the vanilla tray bake is a testament to the beauty of simplicity.
With its humble ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe invites both novice and experienced bakers to indulge in the art of creating something truly delicious.
Don’t be intimidated by its elegance – despite its sophisticated appearance, this recipe is surprisingly easy to master. With a few basic ingredients and minimal fuss, you can whip up a delightful tray bake that will impress friends and family alike.
Expert Tip: Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid developing too much gluten, which can result in a dense and tough cake.
Butter: Rich and creamy, butter forms the foundation of the sponge, lending it a luscious texture and rich flavor.
Sugar: Sweetness is essential in balancing the flavors of the sponge, creating a delightful contrast to the buttery richness.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure and stability to the sponge, ensuring a light and airy texture.
Plain Flour: The main component of the sponge, plain flour gives structure to the cake while keeping it tender and moist.
Baking Powder: Acting as a leavening agent, baking powder helps the sponge rise, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
Milk: Adding moisture and richness, milk contributes to the softness of the sponge, ensuring it stays moist and delicious.
Vanilla Extract: Infusing the sponge with its unmistakable aroma and flavor, vanilla extract adds depth and complexity to the recipe, elevating it to new heights of deliciousness.
Icing Sugar: For the glaze, icing sugar provides sweetness and a smooth, glossy finish that beautifully coats the cake.
Water: Used to thin out the glaze to the desired consistency, water helps achieve that perfect drizzle over the cake.
Sprinkles: The final touch of whimsy, sprinkles add a pop of color and fun, making the vanilla tray bake a delight to behold and devour.
Expert Tip: Ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar to achieve a smooth and fluffy texture for the sponge.
Expert Tip: For a more intense vanilla flavor, you can scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean pod and add them to the batter along with the vanilla extract.
How long does the vanilla tray bake stay fresh? The vanilla tray bake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I freeze the vanilla tray bake? Yes, you can freeze the vanilla tray bake for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I omit the sprinkles? Absolutely! The sprinkles are optional and can be omitted if desired. Feel free to get creative with your decorations or keep it simple with just the glaze.
Can I use vanilla essence instead of vanilla extract? Yes, you can substitute vanilla essence for vanilla extract if that’s what you have on hand. However, be aware that vanilla extract typically has a richer flavor than vanilla essence, so you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.
Can I use self-raising flour instead of plain flour and baking powder? Yes, you can use self-raising flour instead of plain flour and baking powder. However, since self-raising flour already contains leavening agents, you may need to adjust the quantity slightly to achieve the desired texture.
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