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Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake

This Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake features a soft sponge and luscious icing, perfect for cozy afternoons and celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Birthday, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: British
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 200 g unsalted butter, softened Ensure the butter is at room temperature
  • 200 g caster sugar
  • 4 large eggs Room temperature is best
  • 170 g self-raising flour Can substitute homemade self-raising flour
  • 30 g cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
For the Icing
  • 250 g icing sugar, sifted
  • 30 g cocoa powder, sifted
  • 3-4 tbsp cold water Add water slowly to reach the desired consistency
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract For icing
  • Chocolate strands (sprinkles) for topping Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan) and line a 30x20cm traybake tin with baking paper.
  2. Cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and milk.
  4. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, folding gently to combine into a smooth batter.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and level the top with a spatula.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until risen and a skewer poked into the centre comes out clean.
  2. Let it cool completely in the tin.
Icing and Serving
  1. For the icing, mix icing sugar, cocoa powder, water, and vanilla extract until you get a thick, smooth icing.
  2. Spread the icing over the cooled sponge, then scatter over the chocolate strands while the icing is still wet.
  3. Leave to set, then slice into squares and serve.

Notes

For extra flavor, add instant coffee or espresso powder to the batter. This cake is great served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.