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Mary Berry’s Courgette Cake Recipe

Mary Berry’s Courgette Cake Recipe

What is Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe?

Mary Berry’s Courgette Cake is a moist, lightly spiced cake that incorporates courgettes (zucchini) into the batter, which adds a lovely moist texture without a strong vegetable flavor. This cake is often paired with cream cheese frosting, giving it a delicious balance between sweetness and tang.


What Goes Best with Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe?

Courgette Cake pairs well with:

  • Cream cheese frosting: A tangy cream cheese frosting complements the subtle sweetness of the cake.
  • Lemon glaze: A light lemon glaze can enhance the fresh flavors of the courgettes.
  • Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch.
  • Tea or coffee: A mild tea like Earl Grey or a cup of coffee pairs beautifully with the spiced cake.

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 175g caster sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 150ml sunflower oil
  • 225g grated courgettes (zucchini), with excess moisture squeezed out
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 50g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the cream cheese frosting:

  • 100g cream cheese, softened
  • 50g unsalted butter, softened
  • 225g icing sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

How to Prepare Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe

Mary Berry’s Courgette Cake Recipe
  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins.
  2. Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, and sugar until smooth. Stir in the grated courgettes, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. If using, stir in the chopped nuts.
  4. Bake the cake: Divide the batter between the two tins and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  5. Prepare the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Optionally, stir in the lemon zest.
  6. Assemble the cake: Once the cakes have cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on one cake, place the other cake on top, and frost the top and sides.

Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe – Detailed Recipe

Ingredients

See the full ingredient list above.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the tins.
  2. Whisk the eggs, oil, and sugar, then stir in the courgettes and flavorings.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients, mix with the wet, and bake.
  4. Prepare the cream cheese frosting and assemble the cake.

Notes

  • Moisture in courgettes: Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the grated courgettes to avoid a soggy cake.
  • Nuts or raisins: For added texture, stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or even raisins into the batter.
  • Spices: You can enhance the flavor by adding ground nutmeg or ginger to the batter.
  • Decorating: Garnish the frosted cake with extra lemon zest or chopped nuts for a decorative touch.
  • Make ahead: The cakes can be baked ahead of time and frozen without frosting for up to 3 months.

How to Serve Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe

  • With cream cheese frosting: The classic combination is to serve the cake with a generous layer of tangy cream cheese frosting.
  • With tea: It pairs beautifully with a cup of herbal tea like chamomile or a lightly brewed coffee.
  • As a dessert: Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert option.
  • Garnished with lemon zest: For a fresh citrusy finish, sprinkle lemon zest over the frosted cake.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe

  • In the microwave: Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds in the microwave if you’d like to serve the cake warm.
  • In the oven: Warm the cake at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes, wrapped in foil to keep it moist.

How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe

  • At room temperature: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • In the fridge: The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
  • In the freezer: The unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe

  1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
    Yes, you can use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend as a substitute.
  2. Can I use yellow courgettes instead of green?
    Yes, yellow courgettes (zucchini) work just as well and will have a similar flavor and texture.
  3. How can I reduce the sugar content in this cake?
    You can reduce the sugar by 25-30%, or substitute with honey or a natural sweetener.
  4. Can I omit the nuts?
    Yes, the nuts are optional and can be left out if you prefer a nut-free cake.
  5. Can I add other vegetables to this cake?
    Grated carrots or parsnips can be added to the courgettes for an additional vegetable element.
  6. How do I prevent the cake from being too oily?
    Make sure to measure the oil accurately and consider reducing it slightly if you prefer a less oily texture.
  7. Can I make this cake vegan?
    Yes, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a dairy-free frosting.
  8. What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?
    You can opt for a simple lemon glaze or vanilla buttercream as an alternative to cream cheese frosting.
  9. How long does the cake stay fresh?
    The cake stays fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days when refrigerated.
  10. Can I freeze the cake with frosting?
    While it’s best to freeze the cake unfrosted, you can freeze the frosted cake by freezing it uncovered for an hour, then wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap.

Nutritional Information of Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe (per 100g serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
    • Sugars: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g

Michael Tran

Michael Tran is a passionate food writer and culinary enthusiast, known for his expertise in creating delicious, approachable recipes. With a knack for blending flavors and crafting meals that inspire, Michael shares his love for cooking through engaging articles, offering tips, techniques, and mouthwatering recipes to home cooks of all levels.

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