Irresistibly Fudgy Moist Chocolate Traybake Cake Recipe

Chocolate lovers rejoice when this irresistible moist chocolate traybake cake emerges from the oven, filling the kitchen with rich, decadent aromas.

Every baker understands the magic of a simple yet spectacular dessert that delights everyone at the table.

Soft, tender crumbs melt in your mouth with each heavenly bite of this classic treat.

The simple ingredients transform into a seriously delectable cake that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Chocolate enthusiasts will adore how quickly this recipe comes together, creating a crowd-pleasing dessert in under an hour.

Warm slices paired with a cold glass of milk promise pure comfort and joy.

This cake beckons you to slice, serve, and savor every delightful moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 295 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients in Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake

• Self-Rising Flour: Provides structure and lightness to the cake, choose fresh and sifted for smooth consistency.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor, opt for high-quality dark cocoa for deeper taste.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise evenly and creates soft crumb, ensure it's fresh and not expired.

• Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps bind ingredients, use room temperature for easy mixing.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create tender texture, select fine granulated for smooth incorporation.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps blend ingredients, whole milk works best for richer result.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity, choose pure extract for authentic taste.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure, use fresh large eggs at room temperature for best results.

What You’ll Need to Make Chocolate Traybake Cake

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
• Sifter: Helps blend dry ingredients without lumps.
• 9×13-inch baking tray: Standard size for even baking and classic traybake shape.
• Parchment paper: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center.
• Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and spreading batter evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.

Steps for Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking tray and give it a quick spray with cooking oil, then line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

• Create Creamy Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and whip the butter and sugar together until they’re super light and fluffy – think cloud-like texture that looks almost white and airy.

• Blend in Eggs

Drop in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps create a smooth, consistent batter that’ll make your cake tender.

• Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift the self-rising flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder directly into your wet mixture. Fold gently to keep the batter light and avoid tough cake texture.

• Add Liquid Magic

Pour in milk and vanilla extract, stirring until everything blends into a silky, chocolatey dream. Make sure no dry spots remain in the batter.

• Prepare for Baking

Spread the batter evenly across your prepared tray, creating a smooth surface that promises a perfect cake.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

• Cool and Decorate

Let the cake cool completely before adding your favorite frosting or topping. Enjoy your delicious chocolate creation!

Chocolate Traybake Tips and Tricks

• Easy Chocolate Cake Perfection: Simple Pro Tips
• Moisture Magic: Ensure cake stays super moist by not overmixing batter and checking doneness precisely at 25 minutes with toothpick test.
• Flavor Boost: Add instant coffee powder or espresso granules to enhance chocolate depth without making cake taste like coffee.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace self-rising flour with gluten-free flour blend and add extra baking powder to maintain tender texture.
• Frosting Flexibility: Swap traditional chocolate frosting with cream cheese icing, salted caramel drizzle, or raspberry glaze for exciting flavor variations.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Bake cake one day ahead and store covered at room temperature to develop richer, more intense chocolate flavor.

Serving the Chocolate Traybake Cake

• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Top the cake with rich chocolate ganache, letting it drip softly down the sides for an indulgent touch.
• Nostalgic Afternoon Delight: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk or hot cup of coffee, creating a perfect sweet break during the day.
• Birthday Party Star: Decorate with colorful sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or candles to transform this classic traybake into a festive celebration centerpiece.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters and let children help dust powdered sugar or spread frosting for a delightful baking activity.

Chocolate Traybake Storage Notes

• Quick Room Temperature Enjoyment: Savor the chocolate traybake within 2-3 days when kept on a covered cake stand or plate at normal kitchen temperature.
• Chilled Storage Strategy: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing slices to reach room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cake portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for 2-3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cake base up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered at room temperature. Add frosting just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and prevent soggy edges.

Moist Chocolate Traybake Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Grandma’s old school chocolate traybake cake delivers rich, nostalgic chocolate comfort with simple ingredients. Classic crumb and smooth frosting create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups self-rising flour and cocoa powder (combined)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 4 tbsps hot water (adjust for consistency)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Colorful sprinkles (hundreds and thousands)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×13-inch baking tray with parchment paper, covering all surfaces completely.
2. Creaming: Blend butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
3. Egg Integration: Add eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, uniform batter.
4. Dry Ingredient Incorporation: Sift self-rising flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder into the creamy mixture, folding gently to maintain the batter’s delicate consistency.
5. Liquid Fusion: Pour in milk and vanilla extract, stirring softly until the batter becomes silky and well-combined.
6. Baking Process: Spread the batter evenly across the prepared tray using a spatula, ensuring a level surface, then place in the preheated oven.
7. Completion and Cooling: Bake for 25-30 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature before decorating.

Notes

• -Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, cocoa, and sugar to ensure consistent texture and rich chocolate flavor.
• -Blend Smoothly: Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until pale and fluffy, which creates a lighter, more tender cake structure.
• -Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs, butter, and milk to reach room temperature before mixing, helping ingredients combine more evenly and improving overall cake consistency.
• -Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients and mix minimally to prevent developing tough gluten, maintaining a soft and delicate cake crumb.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg