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Easy Chocolate Traybake: The Ultimate One-Pan Chocolate Cake Recipe

This easy chocolate traybake recipe is perfect for quick, crowd-pleasing desserts that are simple to make and serve. The moist, fudgy cake baked in a single pan with rich chocolate icing is versatile enough for packed lunches, bake sales, or party desserts.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined
  3. Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy
  4. Carefully pour in boiling water and mix until batter is thin and smooth
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean
  6. While cake cools, prepare fudgy icing by melting butter in saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in cocoa powder and milk until smooth
  7. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth, pourable icing consistency
  8. Pour warm icing over completely cooled cake, spreading evenly with spatula. Let icing set before slicing into squares

Notes

For perfect texture: Don't skip boiling water - it blooms cocoa powder for maximum flavor. Use hot, wet knife for clean slices. Cake keeps 3 days at room temperature or freeze individual slices for packed lunches.