Chocolate Tray Cake is like a warm hug on a cold day, with its rich chocolate flavor and fluffy texture that makes your taste buds dance. Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of moist, decadent cake topped with velvety frosting that makes you forget all your worries. This delightful treat is perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or even just a cozy night in when you need to indulge yourself.
Growing up, my kitchen was filled with the aroma of baked goods. I remember my grandma’s Chocolate Tray Cake cooling on the counter, its tempting scent wafting through the air as we eagerly waited for our first slice. The anticipation, the excitement—it was always worth it! Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because it’s Tuesday, this cake brings joy and sweetness to any moment.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chocolate Tray Cake is incredibly easy to make, perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike
- Its rich chocolate flavor will have your friends and family begging for seconds
- The luscious frosting adds an irresistible finish that makes it visually appealing on any dessert table
- Versatile enough to serve at any occasion, this cake can easily become your go-to favorite
Ingredients for Chocolate Tray Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sifted flour ensures a light and airy cake.
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Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake perfectly; adjust based on your taste preference.
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Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise beautifully while keeping it fluffy.
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Eggs: Large eggs add moisture and richness; they also help bind the ingredients together.
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Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; you can substitute with almond or oat milk if desired.
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Vegetable Oil: Oil keeps the cake moist; feel free to use melted butter if you prefer.
For the Frosting:
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Butter: Softened unsalted butter creates a creamy base for your frosting.
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Powdered Sugar: Sifted powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
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Cocoa Powder: Adding cocoa powder to the frosting intensifies its chocolatey goodness.
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Milk: A splash of milk makes your frosting smooth and easy to spread.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chocolate Tray Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large rectangular baking tray with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This dry mix will be the foundation of your delicious cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth. Gradually pour this mixture into your dry ingredients while stirring gently until just combined—no one wants over-mixed cake!
Step 4: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared tray and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Resist the urge to open that oven door too early!
Step 5: Cool Down
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is key; no one likes melted frosting!
Step 6: Frosting Time
To make your frosting, beat softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder while mixing on low speed until combined. Add milk until you reach your desired consistency before spreading generously over the cooled cake.
Transfer to plates and slice generously because who can resist seconds? Enjoy each bite of this heavenly Chocolate Tray Cake—it’s sure to leave everyone smiling!
You Must Know
- This delightful Chocolate Tray Cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for gatherings
- With its rich chocolate flavor and moist texture, it’ll steal the spotlight at any dessert table
- Ideal for sharing but you might want to keep it all to yourself!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by preheating your oven while you prepare the batter. Mix dry ingredients first, then combine them with wet ones. Pour into your tray and bake without peeking for the first 20 minutes to ensure even rising.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to get creative! Swap out some of the flour for almond flour for a nutty twist or add in chocolate chips for extra gooeyness. A sprinkle of sea salt on top elevates the flavor wonderfully.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Chocolate Tray Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat it, microwave individual slices for about 10 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked warmth again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Chocolate Tray Cake comes out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips
- Always sift your dry ingredients together to avoid lumps
- Let your eggs come to room temperature before mixing them in; this helps create a fluffier cake
- Don’t overmix after adding wet ingredients—gentle folding keeps it light and airy
I remember baking this Chocolate Tray Cake for a friend’s birthday party, and let’s just say it was gone faster than I could say “slice!” The smiles on everyone’s faces made the effort totally worth it. For more inspiration, check out this explore more cake recipes recipe.
FAQs:
What is a Chocolate Tray Cake?
A Chocolate Tray Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate in a simple sheet cake form. This cake is perfect for gatherings and parties, as it can be cut into squares or rectangles for easy serving. The recipe typically includes ingredients like cocoa powder, flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, making it a crowd-pleaser. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it ideal for any chocolate lover, and it can be topped with icing or served plain. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
How do I store Chocolate Tray Cake?
To store your Chocolate Tray Cake properly, ensure it cools completely before wrapping. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the cake tightly. You can keep it at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate it for about a week. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. This way, you can enjoy your homemade treat even later!
Can I customize my Chocolate Tray Cake?
Absolutely! Customizing your Chocolate Tray Cake is easy and fun. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture and flavor. Additionally, consider experimenting with different frostings like cream cheese frosting or ganache. For a twist, you might even try adding coffee or orange zest to enhance the chocolate flavor further. Your creativity can transform this cake into your version!
What occasions are suitable for serving Chocolate Tray Cake?
Chocolate Tray Cake is versatile and perfect for various occasions such as birthday parties, family gatherings, potlucks, or even casual get-togethers with friends. Its straightforward preparation makes it an excellent choice for last-minute events. Whether celebrating a special milestone or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this cake will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Conclusion for Chocolate Tray Cake:
In conclusion, the Chocolate Tray Cake is a delightful dessert that combines simplicity with rich flavors. Its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, while customization options allow you to tailor it to your taste preferences. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this treat longer without losing its deliciousness. Whether you serve it at a party or indulge in a quiet moment at home, this cake is sure to please everyone who loves chocolate!
Chocolate Tray Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Chocolate Tray Cake is a heavenly dessert that envelops you in a rich chocolate embrace. This moist and fluffy cake, topped with a creamy frosting, is perfect for any occasion—from birthday celebrations to cozy nights at home. Indulge in every slice as it brings warmth and joy to your gatherings, leaving everyone craving more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large rectangular baking tray or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients; mix gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tray and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting. For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk to reach desired consistency before spreading over the cooled cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: - For an added twist, fold in chocolate chips or nuts into the batter. - Substitute some all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor. - To enhance the chocolate flavor further, consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee or vanilla extract.