Jam Donut Tray Bake - The One Pot Chef

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add 2 cups of self-raising flour, 1/2 cup of plain or all-purpose flour, and 3/4 cup of caster sugar into a large mixing bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are combined.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a jug, combine 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of buttermilk (or thin runny yogurt), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix with a fork until combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the well. Gently mix with a wooden spoon until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Tray and First Cake Layer

Grease and line an oven tray (approximately 3cm deep, like a Lamington or brownie tray) with non-stick baking paper. Carefully spread half of the cake mixture evenly over the surface of the prepared tray.

Step 5: Prepare Jam

In a microwave-safe dish, combine 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam and 2 teaspoons of cold water. Microwave for 10-20 seconds, or until the jam is warm and runny.

Step 6: Add Jam and Second Cake Layer

Drizzle the runny jam over the first cake layer. Dollop spoonfuls of the remaining cake mix over the jam to cover it.

Step 7: Add More Jam

Place approximately 2 more tablespoons of jam in rows across the top of the cake mixture.

Step 8: Bake the Tray Bake

Place the tray bake into a preheated oven at 200°C (≈390°F) (approximately 390°F) (400°F (≈205°C) (approximately 205°C)) for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 9: Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Once out of the oven, brush the surface of the cake (the non-jammed sections) with about 2 tablespoons of melted butter. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of white sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to create cinnamon sugar. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the entire tray bake.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the jam donut tray bake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving, as the jam will be very hot. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

• Do not overmix the cake batter, mix gently until just combined.

• Don't panic if the wet ingredient mixture looks curdled; it will come together during baking.

• Allow the tray bake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving, as the jam will be extremely hot.

• Use any jam flavor you prefer instead of strawberry.

• Replace cinnamon with nutmeg in the topping, or omit cinnamon entirely and use just white sugar.

• Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.