There’s something magical about a Chocolate Tray Cake. Imagine a dense, rich chocolate cake that melts in your mouth, topped with a velvety icing that feels like a warm hug. The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make even the most disciplined dieter abandon all hope and sprint for a slice.
This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Whether it’s a birthday bash or just another Tuesday, this Chocolate Tray Cake will steal the spotlight and your heart. The way it satisfies your chocolate cravings while making you feel nostalgia for simpler times is simply divine.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Chocolate Tray Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion
- Its rich chocolate flavor and glossy icing create an irresistible visual treat
- You can serve it at parties or enjoy it as an afternoon snack with coffee, making it versatile for any time of day
- Plus, it always garners rave reviews from family and friends
I remember the first time I baked this cake; my friends devoured it in minutes and demanded I make it again—like some kind of culinary hero!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: A staple for any baking project, choose unbleached flour for a slightly richer taste.
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Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to ensure robust chocolate flavor.
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Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works perfectly here; it’ll sweeten the deal!
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Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh for that perfect rise—no one wants a flat cake!
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
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Eggs: Use large eggs for best results; they help bind everything together.
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Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess and moisture; you could also use buttermilk for extra tenderness.
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Vegetable Oil: This keeps the cake moist and fluffy—no one likes a dry dessert!
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
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Powdered Sugar (for icing): This is essential for creating that smooth, dreamy frosting.
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Cocoa Powder (for icing): Yes, more cocoa! It’s critical for that indulgent chocolate topping.
- The Chocolate Tray Cake is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings
- With its rich flavor and moist texture, it can become your go-to dessert for any occasion
- Best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that added indulgence
- To achieve a moist cake, avoid overmixing the batter; mix just until combined
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially eggs and baking powder
- Don’t skip the cooling step before frosting; this prevents melting and messy decorations
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (for icing)
- Milk as needed for icing consistency
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a tray or baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
- Pour batter into the prepared tray and smooth out evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- For the icing, mix powdered sugar and cocoa powder in a bowl; gradually add milk until you achieve a silky consistency.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the icing on top and cut into squares for serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 70g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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 tray or baking pan with nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy removal later.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. This creates a solid foundation for your cake.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. The blend should look creamy and inviting.
Combine mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture while stirring gently. Be careful not to over-mix; we want our cake light and fluffy!
Pour batter into tray: Pour the batter into your prepared baking tray evenly using a spatula to spread it out. The batter should be smooth without lumps.
Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Prepare icing: While the cake cools, mix powdered sugar with cocoa powder in a bowl. Gradually add milk until you reach that luscious pouring consistency.
Frost the cake: Once cooled completely, pour the icing over your cake gracefully—it’s like giving it a cozy chocolate blanket!
Serve: Cut into squares once frosted and serve on pretty plates. Enjoy every bite—it’ll disappear faster than you can say “Chocolate Tray Cake!”
You Must Know
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make the best Chocolate Tray Cake, mix dry ingredients first, then add wet ingredients. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This order ensures even mixing and perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version or add chocolate chips for extra richness. You can also experiment with different frostings like cream cheese or ganache.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
Sometimes I catch myself reminiscing about the first time I made this cake—it was a family gathering, and everyone devoured it in minutes! Their smiles are still my favorite part of baking.
FAQ
What makes this Chocolate Tray Cake so special?
Its rich chocolate flavor combined with a moist texture makes it irresistible to chocolate lovers.
Can I freeze the Chocolate Tray Cake?
Yes, you can freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Consider using unsweetened applesauce instead of oil or sugar alternatives like honey or agave syrup.
Decadent Chocolate Tray Cake
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of this Chocolate Tray Cake. With its dense texture and luscious icing, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to cozy afternoons. This easy-to-make cake is sure to impress your family and friends, winning their hearts with every bite.
