Indulge in Irresistible Chocolate Tray Cake Recipe

Name: Chocolate Tray Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: General
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tsp baking powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting); ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

Recipe By:

Emily Harrison

Posted:

May 7, 2025

Updated:

May 7, 2025

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Chocolate Tray Cake is the kind of dessert that can turn any ordinary day into a celebration. Imagine a rich, moist chocolate cake that melts in your mouth like a dream, with a glossy frosting that gleams like a treasure waiting to be discovered. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses and leaving everyone in eager anticipation of that first bite.

This cake is not just about flavor; it’s about memories. I remember the first time I made this Chocolate Tray Cake for my best friend’s birthday. The way her eyes lit up when she took the first bite was priceless. It’s perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or just because you deserve something sweet in your life.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy-to-make Chocolate Tray Cake is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore
Its deep chocolate flavor is irresistible and incredibly satisfying
The eye-catching presentation makes it perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to fancy celebrations
Plus, it’s versatile enough to be paired with ice cream or fresh berries for an extra treat!

When I whipped up this delightful cake last weekend, my family couldn’t stop raving about it. Their smiles as they devoured each slice made all the flour and cocoa worth it.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

All-Purpose Flour: A reliable choice for structure; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed offers extra richness.
Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise beautifully; make sure it’s not expired for optimal fluffiness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens and balances the cocoa; brown sugar adds moisture and depth.
Eggs: Fresh eggs create a light texture; room temperature works best to blend smoothly.
Milk: Full-fat milk enhances creaminess; substitute with almond or soy milk if desired.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender; you can use melted butter for richer flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor; pure extract is always preferred.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for the frosting; sifting ensures a smooth finish without lumps.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for frosting; it allows you to control the saltiness perfectly.

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

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking tray with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. You want these dry ingredients to be homogenous for even flavor.

Add Wet Ingredients : Create a well in the center of your dry mixture and add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated but avoid overmixing—lumps are okay!

Pour into Tray : Pour the batter into your prepared baking tray evenly using a spatula so every corner gets its fair share of chocolate goodness.

Bake It Up : Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Enjoy the lovely aroma filling your kitchen—it’s heavenly!

Make The Frosting : While your cake cools, beat softened butter until creamy before gradually adding powdered sugar and cocoa powder until fluffy. Add milk as needed to achieve desired consistency.

Your Chocolate Tray Cake is now ready! Slice generously and prepare for smiles and satisfied sighs from everyone around you—it’s truly irresistible!

You Must Know

A Chocolate Tray Cake is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for gatherings, birthdays, and just because
It’s moist, rich, and can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion
The aroma of chocolate baking will have everyone flocking to the kitchen

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you mix the batter. This ensures even baking. Grease your tray before pouring in the mixture to avoid sticky situations later on.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for nuts or add a splash of espresso for depth. Experimenting with flavors keeps things exciting and personalizes your cake.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Chocolate Tray Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it; just remember to let it come back to room temp before serving.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To ensure your Chocolate Tray Cake turns out perfectly every time, remember to use room temperature ingredients
This helps everything blend better
Avoid overmixing the batter; it can lead to a dense cake
Lastly, always test for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center

My first attempt at a Chocolate Tray Cake ended with my friends declaring it the best dessert they had ever tasted. Their smiles were worth every ounce of flour I spilled!

FAQs

FAQ

What is a Chocolate Tray Cake?

A Chocolate Tray Cake is a simple, decadent cake baked in a tray for easy serving.

How do I know when my cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean without batter stuck.

Can I freeze my Chocolate Tray Cake?

Yes, you can freeze it wrapped tightly for up to three months without losing quality.

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