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Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake Recipe

Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet chocolate traybake cake whisks nostalgic memories into a delightful dessert straight from grandma’s kitchen. Moist crumb and rich cocoa flavor promise pure comfort with each delectable slice you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
  • 4 medium eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) self-raising flour
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) whole milk

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
  • Chocolate sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×10-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring extra paper hangs over the edges for easy cake removal.
  2. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate vanilla extract, then gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  3. Gently fold flour, cocoa powder, and milk into the mixture, stirring until a smooth, rich chocolate batter forms without overmixing.
  4. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
  6. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack using the parchment paper overhang.
  7. Once the cake has completely cooled, prepare the glaze by whisking ingredients until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
  8. Pour the glaze over the cake, spreading it evenly across the surface and generously sprinkle with chocolate decorations.
  9. Let the glaze set for approximately 15-20 minutes before cutting into square servings.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free creaming with sugar, creating a lighter cake texture.
  • Use high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder for deeper, richer chocolate flavor and consistent color.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better structure.
  • This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making it perfect for advance preparation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg