Easy Chocolate Traybake: Simple Slab Cake Recipe with Fudgy Icing
Easy Chocolate Traybake: Your New Favorite Crowd-Pleasing Dessert
Looking for the perfect dessert that’s easy to make, serves a crowd, and satisfies every chocolate craving? This chocolate traybake recipe is your answer. Whether you need a quick party slice cake, a bake sale treat, or just an everyday chocolate dessert, this simple traybake delivers moist chocolate sponge topped with rich fudgy icing—all baked in one pan for maximum convenience.
Traybakes have long been a favorite for their simplicity and flexibility. They’re the ultimate solution when you need to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. This particular recipe captures the nostalgic charm of school cake style desserts while delivering bakery-quality results that will impress both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Traybake Recipe
- One-pan wonder: Mix everything in one bowl, bake in one pan
- Quick preparation: Ready for the oven in just 15 minutes
- Crowd-friendly: Easily serves 12-16 people
- Perfect texture: Moist sponge with rich fudgy icing
- Versatile: Great for parties, packed lunches, or bake sales
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Sponge:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Fudgy Icing:
- ½ cup butter
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Incorporate Hot Water
Slowly add the boiling water to the batter while stirring continuously. The batter will be thin, which is normal and contributes to the moist texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: Prepare the Fudgy Icing
While the cake cools, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat and gradually stir in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until you achieve a spreadable consistency.
Step 7: Ice and Serve
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the fudgy icing evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve. For easier slicing, you can chill the iced cake for 15-20 minutes first.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Traybake
Measuring flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off—don’t scoop directly from the bag, as this can compress the flour and lead to a dense cake.
Don’t overmix: Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mix only until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and can make your sponge tough rather than tender.
Cool completely before icing: If the cake is still warm when you add the icing, it will melt and become runny. Patience here pays off in perfect presentation.
Customize your traybake: Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles to the batter for extra texture and flavor variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this traybake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chocolate traybake keeps well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. You can bake it a day ahead and add the icing just before serving.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, both the unfrosted cake and the iced version freeze well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
What’s the best way to cut neat squares?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For extra clean edges, you can chill the iced cake briefly before cutting.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The results are nearly identical.
More Delicious Dessert Recipes
If you enjoyed this easy chocolate traybake, you’ll love these other crowd-pleasing desserts:
- Easy Strawberry Crunch Cake – A nostalgic dessert that brings back childhood memories
- Ultimate One-Bowl Moist Fudgy Chocolate Cake – For when you need an extra chocolate fix
- Ultimate Moist And Fudgy Chocolate Cake – Bakery-style perfection for special occasions
- Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake – Another fantastic crowd-pleasing dessert option
This chocolate traybake truly is the ultimate solution for anyone needing a simple, reliable dessert that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. Whether you’re planning a party, contributing to a bake sale, or just treating your family to something special, this recipe will become your go-to choice for chocolate cake perfection.
Easy Chocolate Traybake: Your New Favorite Crowd-Pleasing Dessert
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Slowly add the boiling water to the batter while stirring continuously. The batter will be thin, which is normal and contributes to the moist texture.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
- While the cake cools, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat and gradually stir in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until you achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the fudgy icing evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve. For easier slicing, you can chill the iced cake for 15-20 minutes first.
