Ultimate Easy Chocolate Traybake Recipe – Simple One-Pan Dessert for Any Occasion
Ultimate Easy Chocolate Traybake Recipe
This classic chocolate traybake is the perfect solution when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. With its moist chocolate sponge and rich fudgy icing, this simple traybake recipe will become your go-to for bake sales, parties, lunchbox treats, and everyday desserts.
What makes this recipe so special is its versatility – you can whip it up in one bowl, bake it in a single pan, and serve it to a hungry crowd with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for a school event, or just craving something sweet, this chocolate slab cake delivers every time.
Chocolate Traybake Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 225g self-raising flour
- 225g caster sugar
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 50g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 4 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Fudgy Icing:
- 100g unsalted butter
- 150g icing sugar
- 25g cocoa powder
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- Sprinkles or chocolate chips for decoration (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Grease and line a 30x20cm baking tin with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Dry Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a tablespoon of flour with each egg to prevent curdling. Sift in the remaining flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract to create a smooth, pourable batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the mixture into your prepared tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cake is springy to the touch and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the tin.
Step 4: Make the Fudgy Icing
While the cake cools, prepare the icing. Melt the butter gently in a saucepan, then remove from heat. Sift in the icing sugar and cocoa powder, stirring until smooth. Add enough milk to create a spreadable consistency.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the fudgy icing evenly over the top. Add sprinkles or chocolate chips if desired. Cut into squares and serve. This cake keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Traybake
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a lighter texture
• Don’t overmix: Fold gently once you add the flour to avoid a tough cake
• Cool completely: Never ice a warm cake – the icing will melt
• Even baking: Rotate your tin halfway through baking for even cooking
• Storage: This cake freezes beautifully without the icing for up to 3 months
If you enjoy this everyday chocolate dessert, you might also love our Ultimate Dark Chocolate Sheet Cake which offers a deeper, richer chocolate flavor perfect for special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the self-raising flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum for best results.
How do I make this vegan?
Replace the butter with plant-based margarine, eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), and use your preferred plant-based milk.
What size tin should I use?
A 30x20cm rectangular tin works perfectly. If you use a different size, adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes! Stir in 100g of chocolate chips at the end of mixing for extra chocolate indulgence.
For more delicious party slice cake inspiration, check out our Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe which offers a delightful fruity twist on the traybake concept.
This quick chocolate sponge is perfect for bake sales, school cake style desserts, or simply as an easy everyday dessert that the whole family will love. Its simplicity makes it ideal for busy schedules while still delivering that homemade taste everyone craves.
Ultimate Easy Chocolate Traybake Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Grease and line a 30x20cm baking tin with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a tablespoon of flour with each egg to prevent curdling. Sift in the remaining flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract to create a smooth, pourable batter.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cake is springy to the touch and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the tin.
- While the cake cools, prepare the icing. Melt the butter gently in a saucepan, then remove from heat. Sift in the icing sugar and cocoa powder, stirring until smooth. Add enough milk to create a spreadable consistency.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the fudgy icing evenly over the top. Add sprinkles or chocolate chips if desired. Cut into squares and serve. This cake keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
