Indulge in Delight: Easy Chocolate Tray Cake Recipe

Name: Chocolate Tray Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract

Recipe By:

James Walker

Posted:

May 1, 2025

Updated:

May 1, 2025

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Chocolate Tray Cake is the kind of dessert that can make you forget your troubles and embrace pure bliss in every bite. Imagine a rich, moist chocolate cake sitting in a tray, glistening with a luscious frosting that practically screams, “Eat me!” The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have you drooling before you even take a slice. This cake is perfect for any occasion—birthday parties, potlucks, or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve some chocolatey goodness.

I remember the first time I made this Chocolate Tray Cake for my friends. We were having a movie night, and I wanted to impress them with something decadent. As the cake baked in the oven, it filled my home with an intoxicating chocolate scent that had everyone eagerly waiting for dessert. It was the kind of anticipation that made the wait almost unbearable! When they finally dug in, I witnessed pure joy on their faces—chocolate smiles all around!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Tray Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels
Its rich flavor profile combines deep chocolate notes with a creamy frosting that’s hard to resist
The visual appeal of this cake is stunning; it can be decorated simply or dressed up for special occasions
Versatile enough to serve at gatherings or enjoy as an everyday treat, it’s sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients for Chocolate Tray Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: This is your base ingredient, providing structure to the cake. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that intense chocolate flavor that makes this cake so irresistible.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness alert! Sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps create that lovely moist texture.
Baking Powder: This magical ingredient helps your cake rise beautifully, giving it that light and fluffy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch! It enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Eggs: These guys provide moisture and richness while helping bind everything together—essential for any cake!
Milk: Adds creaminess and hydration to your batter; opt for whole milk for richer flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps your cake moist and tender; butter works too if you prefer that flavor!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla infuses warmth into the cake; it’s like a hug from grandma!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

How to Make Chocolate Tray Cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a large baking tray with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper—this will save you from a sticky situation!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This dry mix is crucial for getting those even flavors throughout your cake.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. You want everything mixed in perfectly; no one likes clumps of egg in their cake!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients bowl and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we’re going for fluffy here—not rubbery!

Step 5: Bake Away

Pour the batter into your prepared baking tray and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean like it’s been on vacation.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Once baked, let the tray cool completely before frosting with your favorite chocolate icing. Slice into squares and get ready for compliments!

Serve warm or at room temperature—it’s practically begging for a scoop of ice cream on top! Enjoy every mouthful as laughter fills the room while you share stories over this delightful dessert. The Chocolate Tray Cake promises joy in every bite—trust me on this one!

You Must Know

This Chocolate Tray Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a slice of happiness on a plate
Easy to make, it is perfect for gatherings and can be customized to suit your taste
The rich chocolate flavor will have everyone asking for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you mix the batter. Pour the batter into a greased tray, then bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow it to cool before frosting for perfect results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out regular flour for gluten-free options or add nuts for an extra crunch. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can elevate the chocolate flavor to new heights!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Chocolate Tray Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to warm them up without drying out.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor that will impress your family and friends
Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing
Don’t skip cooling time; it allows flavors to meld beautifully

Sometimes I think my kitchen holds secret powers because every time I whip up this Chocolate Tray Cake, I’m met with oohs and aahs from my friends. It’s like I’m some kind of dessert magician!

FAQs :

What is a Chocolate Tray Cake?

A Chocolate Tray Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with a moist, fluffy texture. This cake is baked in a tray, making it easy to cut into squares or bars for serving. It’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply satisfying your chocolate cravings. With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, anyone can whip up this delicious treat in no time. The cake often features chocolate frosting or ganache on top, enhancing its decadent taste. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert options recipe.

How do I store Chocolate Tray Cake?

To preserve the freshness of your Chocolate Tray Cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.

Can I customize my Chocolate Tray Cake?

Yes! One of the best things about Chocolate Tray Cake is its versatility. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even fruits like raspberries for added flavor and texture. Additionally, try experimenting with different frostings such as cream cheese or caramel to give it your unique twist. Substituting some of the flour with cocoa powder can also enhance the chocolatey goodness of the cake.

What occasions are best suited for serving Chocolate Tray Cake?

Chocolate Tray Cake is ideal for various occasions including birthdays, office parties, picnics, and family gatherings. Its easy-to-serve nature makes it perfect for events where guests can grab a piece without needing plates or utensils. Moreover, you can decorate it to match the theme of your celebration, making it not just tasty but also visually appealing. For more inspiration, check out this explore more cake recipes recipe.

Conclusion for Chocolate Tray Cake :

In summary, the Chocolate Tray Cake is an indulgent dessert that brings joy and satisfaction to any gathering. Its simple preparation makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. By storing it properly and customizing flavors, you can enjoy this delightful treat over several days or even weeks. Whether it’s served at a party or enjoyed as an everyday snack, this cake promises rich chocolate flavor that everyone will love.