Easy Chocolate Traybake Recipe: One-Pan Wonder for Crowds & Parties
Easy Chocolate Traybake: The Perfect One-Pan Chocolate Cake for Any Occasion
There’s something magical about a simple chocolate traybake – that nostalgic school cake style dessert that brings smiles to every face. This easy chocolate traybake recipe is your new go-to for parties, bake sales, packed lunches, or just a delightful everyday treat. With minimal effort and maximum chocolatey reward, this one-pan wonder delivers a moist, soft sponge topped with creamy fudgy icing that slices perfectly into satisfying portions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chocolate slab cake is incredibly versatile – it’s equally perfect for feeding a crowd at parties, slicing up for school lunchboxes, or impressing at bake sales. The quick chocolate sponge comes together in minutes, and the fudgy icing adds that extra special touch that makes it feel celebratory. Best of all, it bakes in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 225g self-raising flour
- 225g caster sugar
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 4 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Fudgy Icing:
- 100g dark chocolate, chopped
- 100g butter
- 3 tbsp golden syrup
- 100g icing sugar
- Sprinkles or chocolate shavings for decoration (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Grease and line a 30x23cm 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 softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift the self-raising flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together. Gradually fold this into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until you have a smooth, velvety batter.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared tray and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be springy to the touch. Allow to cool completely in the tin.
Step 5: Create the Fudgy Icing
While the cake cools, melt the chocolate, butter, and golden syrup together in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. Once smooth, remove from heat and sift in the icing sugar, whisking until glossy and thick.
Step 6: Decorate and Serve
Spread the cooled chocolate icing evenly over the completely cooled cake. If using, scatter with sprinkles or chocolate shavings. Allow the icing to set before slicing into squares.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Traybake
- Room temperature ingredients are key for a smooth batter – take eggs and butter out of the fridge at least an hour before baking
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour – gentle folding preserves the cake’s light texture
- Cool completely before icing – warm cake will melt your beautiful chocolate topping
- For extra fudginess, add 50g of dark chocolate chips to the batter before baking
- Storage tip: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days – it actually gets more moist over time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this traybake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend and add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum for structure.
How many portions does this recipe make?
This easy chocolate traybake yields approximately 16 generous squares, making it perfect for parties, bake sales, or feeding a crowd.
Can I freeze the chocolate traybake?
Yes! Freeze the un-iced cake wrapped tightly in cling film for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add fresh icing before serving.
What’s the best way to slice clean portions?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. This gives you beautifully clean, professional-looking slices.
Whether you’re planning a party, contributing to a bake sale, or simply craving a comforting chocolate treat, this easy chocolate traybake recipe is your new secret weapon. Simple, satisfying, and sure to please everyone from kids to adults!
Easy Chocolate Traybake: The Perfect One-Pan Chocolate Cake for Any Occasion
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Grease and line a 30x23cm baking tray with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes with electric mixer). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract
- Sift self-raising flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together. Gradually fold into wet mixture, alternating with milk, until smooth velvety batter forms
- Pour batter into prepared tray and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until skewer inserted into center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in tin
- Melt chocolate, butter, and golden syrup together in heatproof bowl set over simmering water. Once smooth, remove from heat and sift in icing sugar, whisking until glossy and thick
- Spread cooled chocolate icing evenly over completely cooled cake. Scatter with sprinkles or chocolate shavings if using. Allow icing to set before slicing into squares
