There’s something truly special about a traybake cake that takes us back to the simplicity of cherished moments spent in a warm, inviting kitchen. The aroma of chocolate wafting through the air feels like a big hug, a sweet reminder of family gatherings and life’s little celebrations. This Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake is sure to create memories that last a lifetime, with its soft sponge and luscious icing beckoning you to take a bite and savor the joy. You may also find Apple Chocolate Chip Cake useful.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is perfect for those cozy afternoons when you just want to indulge in something sweet. The combination of rich cocoa and simple ingredients comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike. If you’re looking for another delightful chocolate treat, consider trying this brownie chocolate cake which offers a fudgy texture that’s truly irresistible.
How to make Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake
Ingredients:
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 170g self-raising flour
- 30g cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 250g icing sugar, sifted
- 30g cocoa powder, sifted (for icing)
- 3–4 tbsp cold water
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for icing)
- Chocolate strands (sprinkles) for topping
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan) and line a 30x20cm traybake tin with baking paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and milk.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, folding gently to combine into a smooth batter.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and level the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until risen and a skewer poked into the centre comes out clean.
- Let it cool completely in the tin.
- For the icing, mix icing sugar, cocoa powder, water, and vanilla extract until you get a thick, smooth icing. Add water a little at a time — it should be spreadable, not runny.
- Spread the icing over the cooled sponge, then scatter over the chocolate strands while the icing is still wet. Leave to set, then slice into squares and serve up the memories!
How to serve Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake
Serving this delightful treat is as simple as slicing it into squares and placing them on a pretty plate for everyone to enjoy. It’s perfect for birthdays or just as a special after-school snack—you might even want to serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added touch of indulgence.
How to store Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to keep it fresh for longer, you can also freeze it. Simply wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a quick and easy sweet fix.
Tips to make Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the batter—chocolate and coffee make a perfect pair! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could drizzle a rich chocolate ganache on top instead of the simple icing. For more variations, check out the chocolate chip Santa cookies that are perfect for the festive season.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to experiment with this recipe! You might substitute some of the self-raising flour with ground almonds for a lovely nutty flavor or add in chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but it may slightly affect the texture and flavor of the cake.
2. What can I use if I don’t have self-raising flour?
You can make your own by adding 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder to every 120 grams of all-purpose flour.
3. How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when it has risen and looks set in the center; a skewer inserted should come out clean, indicating it’s ready to cool down.
Conclusion
Baking this Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake is not just about enjoying a sweet treat, but embracing the spirit of home and the joy of sharing. For those who want to explore even more delightful chocolate recipes, you might like to check out this chocolate school cake for a fun twist or try the classic old school chocolate traybake. Here’s to the sweet memories baked into every slice!
Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan) and line a 30x20cm traybake tin with baking paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and milk.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, folding gently to combine into a smooth batter.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and level the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until risen and a skewer poked into the centre comes out clean.
- Let it cool completely in the tin.
- For the icing, mix icing sugar, cocoa powder, water, and vanilla extract until you get a thick, smooth icing.
- Spread the icing over the cooled sponge, then scatter over the chocolate strands while the icing is still wet.
- Leave to set, then slice into squares and serve.