Description
Nostalgic chocolate traybake cake whispers sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen, bringing comfort in every rich, moist slice. Chocolate lovers will discover pure bliss in this classic dessert that promises warmth and indulgence with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) self-rising flour
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
Chocolate and Flavoring Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) hot water (adjust for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Colorful sprinkles (hundreds and thousands)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking equipment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a 9×13-inch tray with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the butter and sugar together until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy, and voluminous consistency.
- Incorporate eggs into the creamed mixture one at a time, thoroughly blending each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous batter.
- Carefully sift the self-rising flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder directly over the wet ingredients, using gentle folding motions to prevent deflating the mixture.
- Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring gently until the batter achieves a silky, uniform texture with no visible dry patches.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared tray, using a spatula to distribute it evenly and create a level surface.
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before applying icing, ensuring the surface is at room temperature to prevent melting.
Notes
- Choose high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cake’s taste.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure smooth, even mixing and a perfectly textured baking result.
- Check cake doneness early to prevent overbaking, which can lead to a dry and crumbly texture.
- For a gluten-free version, swap self-rising flour with a gluten-free alternative and add extra baking powder to maintain the cake’s light structure.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg