Thereโs something about this traybake that feels like spring in sponge form. Itโs light, bright, and quietly impressiveโthe sort of thing you pull out at a picnic and everyone thinks youโve put in far more effort than you actually have.
I first made this for my mumโs garden birthday tea, trying to use up the last of a fancy elderflower cordial that had been skulking at the back of the fridge. Thought Iโd be clever and ice it straight awayโbig mistake. The glaze melted right off the cake like it was making a run for it. Lesson learned.
Second go, I let it cool, added a bit of extra zest to the icing, and held my nerve on the mixing. Result? A soft, floral sponge with a lemony snap thatโs now firmly in my “bring-to-everything” list.
WHY THIS ONE WORKS SO WELL
The flavourโs familiar, but the elderflower lifts it into something special. Itโs lemon drizzleโs softer, sunnier cousin. The trick is in the balanceโsharp citrus, delicate floral, and just enough sweetness from the glaze to pull it together.
Also worth noting: using fridge-cold baking spread instead of softened butter speeds things up without losing texture. The batter comes together fast, and the rise is spot on every time Iโve baked it.
INGREDIENTS + WHY THEY MATTER
Self-Raising Flour (225g) โ Built-in lift means no fussing with extra leavening.
Baking Spread (225g, cold) โ Straight from the fridge. No softening, no splitting. Whips up light and smooth.
Caster Sugar (225g) โ Fine enough to dissolve quickly. Keeps the crumb delicate.
Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon) โ Adds bright citrus depth. Donโt sub with juiceโitโs not the same.
Elderflower Cordial (2 tbsp) โ Brings a soft floral note that lingers beautifully.
Icing Sugar (200g) + Lemon Juice (3โ4 tbsp) โ Mixed into a sharp glaze that cuts through the sponge.
MAKING IT YOURS (WITHOUT RUINING IT)
No elderflower cordial? Orange blossom water worksโbut use just 1 tbsp, itโs stronger.
Want it sharper? Add lemon zest to the glaze too. I do this often.
Gluten-free version? I tested Doves Farm self-raising flourโit held up, but was a bit more fragile. Still worth it
MISTAKES IโVE MADE (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)
What Went Wrong | Why It Happens | How to Fix It |
---|---|---|
Icing melted and vanished | Cake was too warm | Let it cool completely first |
Cake came out dense | Overmixed the batter | Mix just until smooth, then stop |
Glaze too runny | Added all the lemon juice at once | Add slowlyโstop when pourable |
HOW TO MAKE MARY BERRYโS ELDERFLOWER AND LEMON TRAYBAKE
- Prep the Tin
Preheat oven to 180ยฐC (160ยฐC fan). Grease and line a 30x23cm traybake tin. - Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, flour, baking spread, baking powder, lemon zest, and elderflower cordial. Whisk until light and smooth. - Bake
Spoon into the tin, level the surface, and bake for 30โ35 minutes. It should be lightly golden and spring back when pressed. - Cool
Let the cake sit in the tin for 10 minutes, then lift onto a rack to cool completely. - Ice and Decorate
Sift icing sugar into a bowl. Gradually add lemon juice until youโve got a pourable glaze. Spread over the cooled cake and decorate with edible flowers or zest curls if using.
TIPS FROM MY KITCHEN
I donโt use a mixerโjust a handheld whisk. It keeps me from overmixing.
I always zest the lemon directly over the bowlโthe oils land in the batter.
I store leftover slices layered with baking paper so the glaze doesnโt stick.
STORAGE + SERVING
Keeps: 3โ4 days in an airtight tin at room temp.
Freezes: Yes, preferably un-iced. Wrap slices well and defrost overnight.
Serve with: A mug of black tea or a chilled white wine if itโs sunny.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Can I use butter instead of baking spread?
Yesโbut make sure itโs soft. Cold butter wonโt mix properly, and warm butter can split.
Q: Can I make this in cupcake cases?
You canโbake for 18โ20 minutes. Keep an eye on them after 15.
Q: My icing soaked inโwhat went wrong?
Itโs almost always a heat issue. The cake needs to be fully cool before you ice.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Lemon and Passion Fruit Traybake
- Mary Berry Lemon Drizzle Traybake
- Mary Berry Lemon Lime Traybake
Mary Berry Elderflower and Lemon Traybake
Course: Desserts, Traybake RecipesCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy16
servings15
minutes35
minutes305
kcalA soft lemon sponge laced with elderflower cordial and topped with sharp-sweet icing. Itโs light, fragrant, and slices beautifully for tea or picnics.
Ingredients
- For the sponge
4 large eggs
225g caster sugar
225g self-raising flour
225g cold baking spread
1 tsp baking powder
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp elderflower cordial
- For the glaze
200g icing sugar
3โ4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Edible flowers or lemon zest curls, to decorate (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 180ยฐC (160ยฐC fan). Grease and line a 30x23cm traybake tin.
- Add all sponge ingredients to a large bowl. Beat until just smooth and combined.
- Pour into the tin and level the surface. Bake for 30โ35 minutes until golden and springy.
- Cool in tin for 10 minutes, then fully on a wire rack.
- Mix icing sugar and lemon juice into a smooth glaze. Spread over cooled cake. Decorate if desired.
Notes
- Add lemon juice to the icing slowlyโit thins quickly.
- Cold baking spread works better than expectedโno need to soften.
- Donโt skip the cooling time before icing, or the glaze will run.