Classic Chocolate Traybake Cake Recipe: Sweet Nostalgia

Sweet chocolate lovers know a perfectly moist chocolate traybake cake can turn any ordinary afternoon into a delightful celebration.

This decadent dessert promises rich, velvety layers that melt in your mouth with incredible chocolate intensity.

An easy one-pan recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Simple pantry ingredients combine effortlessly to create a dessert that looks professionally baked.

Chocolate lovers will adore the deep, intense cocoa notes dancing across each tender crumb.

The cake’s soft texture guarantees a crowd-pleasing treat for every chocolate enthusiast.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of pure chocolatey bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s Inside Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that adds moisture and smooth texture, choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create golden-brown caramelization, opt for fine granulated sugar for even distribution.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure, select fresh, room-temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
• Self-Rising Flour: Provides soft, tender crumb, ensures proper rising without additional leavening agents.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor, select Dutch-processed cocoa for richer, more intense taste.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and become light, ensure it's fresh for maximum lifting power.

• Milk: Adds moisture and softens batter, use whole milk for richest texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Intensifies chocolate flavor and adds subtle aromatic depth, choose pure extract over artificial.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking, cut to exact tray size for perfect edges.

Baking Tools For Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs and creating a smooth, fluffy batter.
• 9×13-inch Baking Tray: Crucial for baking the traybake cake with even results.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cake removal effortless.
• Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Ideal for sifting dry ingredients to remove lumps.
• Toothpick or Cake Tester: Helps check cake doneness by inserting into the center.
• Rubber Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and scraping batter evenly.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cake to cool completely and prevents soggy bottom.

Steps To Make Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and grab a 9×13-inch baking tray. Line it with parchment paper, making sure every corner is covered.

• Whip Up the Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and blend butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, creamy dream. The mixture should look light and airy.

• Egg Dance

Crack eggs into the buttery mixture one by one, giving each a good beating until everything looks smooth and well-combined.

• Dry Magic

Sift cocoa powder, self-rising flour, and baking powder directly into your wet ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula, keeping the air and lightness intact.

• Liquid Love

Pour in milk and a splash of vanilla, stirring until your batter looks silky and tempting. No lumps allowed!

• Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared tray, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

• Cool and Decorate

Once a toothpick comes out clean, remove from the oven. Let the cake cool completely before adding your favorite frosting or topping.

Tips To Make Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake Like Grandma

• Moisture Magic: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap self-rising flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum for better texture.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Replace butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of regular milk for a plant-based version.
• Healthier Hack: Reduce sugar by using half applesauce and half sugar, which adds moisture and cuts calories.
• Flavor Boost: Sprinkle sea salt on top of the frosting to create a delightful sweet-salty contrast that elevates the chocolate taste.

Serving Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake Made Fun

• Party Platter Paradise: Slice this chocolate traybake into neat squares and arrange on a festive platter for birthday celebrations or casual gatherings.
• Cozy Coffee Companion: Serve warm slices alongside a steaming cappuccino or hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort dessert experience that warms both heart and taste buds.
• Decadent Decoration Station: Top each slice with fresh raspberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of melted chocolate to elevate the classic cake's visual and flavor appeal.
• Kids' Dessert Delight: Cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters and let children decorate their own pieces with colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips for an interactive sweet treat.

Keep Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake Rich And Moist

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and softness.
• Freezing Friendly: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen cake remains delicious for up to 3 months when stored properly.
• Refrigeration Tips: If decorated with cream-based frosting, store in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Moisture Magic: Place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain the cake's moisture and prevent it from drying out during storage.

Moist Chocolate Traybake Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 39 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Grandma’s classic chocolate traybake cake delivers pure nostalgia with rich cocoa and tender crumb. Simple ingredients merge into a comforting dessert perfect for family gatherings and weekend treats you’ll cherish.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 ml/4 fl oz) milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
• ¼ cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tbsps (42 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 tbsps (60 ml/2 fl oz) hot water (adjust for consistency)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Colorful sprinkles (hundreds and thousands)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheating Preparation: Position oven rack to center and warm to 350F (175C) while lining a 9×13-inch tray with parchment paper, covering bottom and sides completely.
2. Butter Mixture Creation: Cream butter and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until the blend transforms into a pale, fluffy, and voluminous texture that appears light and aerated.
3. Egg Integration: Gently introduce eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, ensuring thorough blending and maintaining a smooth, consistent batter without lumps.
4. Dry Ingredient Incorporation: Sift self-rising flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder directly over the wet ingredients, using delicate folding techniques to preserve the mixture’s airiness.
5. Liquid Harmonization: Introduce milk and vanilla extract, stirring with precision until the batter achieves a silky, uniform consistency with no visible dry ingredients remaining.
6. Baking Process: Carefully transfer the batter to the prepared tray, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a perfectly level surface, then slide into the preheated oven.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Bake for 25-30 minutes, verifying doneness with a toothpick test, then remove and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before applying icing.

Notes

• Measure Accurately: Use precise measuring tools for flour, cocoa, and other ingredients to maintain the cake’s light, fluffy texture and prevent dense results.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing, ensuring smoother blending and better cake structure.
• Gentle Folding Technique: Mix dry ingredients with a light hand to preserve air bubbles, creating a softer, more delicate cake crumb.
• Oven Positioning: Place the tray in the center of the oven for even heat distribution, preventing burnt edges or undercooked centers.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg