Beautiful chocolate traybake cake with glossy icing on a baking tray

Easy Chocolate Traybake Recipe: The Perfect One-Pan Dessert for Crowds

Name: Easy Chocolate Traybake Recipe: The Perfect One-Pan Dessert for Crowds
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 250g self-raising flour; 250g caster sugar; 250g butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 50g cocoa powder; 2 tsp baking powder; 75ml milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 200g icing sugar; 50g cocoa powder; 75g butter, softened; 2-3 tbsp milk; Sprinkles or chocolate shavings for decoration (optional)

This simple chocolate traybake is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert that brings back nostalgic memories of school cake days. With its moist chocolate sponge and decadent fudgy icing, this one-pan wonder is perfect for parties, bake sales, or packed lunches. Best of all, it comes together in minutes with pantry staples.

If you love easy chocolate desserts, you’ll appreciate how our Dark Chocolate Sheet Cake offers another delicious option for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sponge:

250g self-raising flour
250g caster sugar
250g butter, softened
4 large eggs
50g cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
75ml milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Fudgy Icing:

200g icing sugar
50g cocoa powder
75g butter, softened
2-3 tbsp milk
Sprinkles or chocolate shavings for decoration (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Tray

Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Grease and line a 23x33cm baking tray with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 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, then fold gently to combine. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, pourable batter.

This method ensures your cake rises evenly – a technique that works beautifully in many easy weeknight recipes where proper mixing makes all the difference.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared tray and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cake is springy to touch and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the tray.

Step 4: Create the Fudgy Icing

While the cake cools, make the icing by beating together the softened butter, icing sugar, and cocoa powder. Gradually add milk until you reach a spreadable consistency. Spread evenly over the cooled cake and decorate as desired.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

Room Temperature Ingredients

Using room temperature butter and eggs will help your cake achieve the perfect texture. Cold ingredients can result in a dense cake.

Don’t Overmix

Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and can make the cake tough.

Cool Completely Before Icing

This is crucial! If the cake is even slightly warm, the icing will melt and become messy.

For more family-friendly dinner ideas that are just as easy to prepare, try our Instant Pot Chicken and Rice for a complete meal solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. The results are just as delicious.

How should I store this traybake?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the un-iced cake for up to 3 months.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Fold in 100g of chocolate chips after mixing the batter for extra chocolatey bites throughout.

What’s the best way to cut neat slices?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. This gives you perfectly clean edges every time.

If you’re looking for more crowd-pleasing recipes, our Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta offers another quick option for entertaining.