Looking for a cake that is moist, soft, and packed with rich chocolate flavor? The Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake Easy Delicious Recipe is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a simple afternoon treat. This detailed guide covers ingredients, tools, and step-by-step traybake instructions to ensure your traybake is perfect every time.
Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake Recipe – Why It’s a Must-Try
The Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake recipe is a classic favorite for any occasion. The soft chocolate traybake is topped with glacé icing, offering both flavor and visual appeal. Benefits include:
- Quick chocolate traybake – Easy all-in-one method saves time.
- Moist chocolate cake texture – Soft and tender sponge.
- Traybake for parties – Cuts neatly into squares for sharing.
- Customizable chocolate traybake – Decorate with buttercream, ganache, sprinkles, or nuts.
- Beginner-friendly chocolate cake – Simple enough for new bakers.
- Keeps well – Stays moist for several days.
For more Mary Berry baking tips, check her official recipes online.
Chocolate Sponge Traybake – Ingredients You Need
For the Chocolate Sponge:
- 225g self-raising flour
- 225g caster sugar
- 225g softened butter
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Icing Recipe:
- 200g icing sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2–3 tbsp warm water
- 50g butter (melted)
This creates a classic chocolate sponge with a rich flavor and tender crumb.
Essential Tools for Easy Family Traybake
- 30x23cm traybake tin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric whisk or hand whisk
- Sieve
- Baking parchment
- Cooling rack
- Small saucepan for melting butter
Using the right tools helps achieve a chocolate dessert traybake that looks and tastes amazing.
Step-by-Step Traybake Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Tin
Line your traybake tin with parchment and lightly grease. This ensures a clean release.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 160°C (fan) or 180°C (conventional) for even baking.
Step 3: Combine the Sponge Ingredients
Mix flour, sugar, butter, eggs, cocoa, baking powder, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep the soft chocolate traybake light.
Step 4: Fill the Tray
Spread batter evenly and level the top to ensure even baking.
Step 5: Bake the Chocolate Sponge
Bake for 25–30 minutes. Sponge is ready when it springs back and a skewer comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Cool in tin 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to prevent icing from melting.
Step 7: Prepare the Glacé Icing
Mix icing sugar, cocoa, melted butter, and warm water until smooth.
Step 8: Spread the Icing
Pour over cooled sponge. Decorate with nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate drizzle for a celebration cake idea.
Chocolate Traybake Variations & Customizations
- Add chocolate chips for extra pockets of flavor.
- Swirl caramel for contrast.
- Top with crushed nuts for crunch.
- Turn into a themed party traybake recipe with sprinkles.
- Drizzle white chocolate for visual appeal.
These tips make your customizable chocolate traybake perfect for any event.
Healthier Options
- Replace half butter with Greek yogurt.
- Use half sugar + erythritol.
- Choose unsweetened cocoa.
- Swap icing for a light dusting of cocoa and powdered sugar.
Still maintains a moist chocolate cake texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Cold milk – balances richness.
- Fresh berries – adds freshness.
- Whipped cream – luxurious touch.
- Coffee or tea – complements sweetness.
- Vanilla ice cream – perfect pairing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Airtight container – stays soft 3–4 days.
- Refrigerate in warm weather.
- Freeze un-iced sponge – up to 3 months.
- Microwave or warm slices gently.
Baking Tips for Traybake Success
- Sift cocoa powder for smooth batter.
- Room-temperature ingredients blend better.
- Avoid overmixing for soft chocolate traybake.
- Cool before icing.
- Level batter for even slices.
- Check doneness early.
- Add toppings while icing is wet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I make my Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake extra moist?
A: Use softened butter, the correct amount of milk, and avoid overbaking. Ensure you remove the cake as soon as a skewer comes out clean. Overmixing can also lead to dryness.
Q2: Why isn’t my chocolate traybake rising evenly?
A: Uneven rising usually occurs when the batter isn’t level in the tin or if the oven temperature is slightly off. Spread the mixture evenly and place the tin on the middle oven rack for the best results.
Q3: How do I get smooth chocolate icing that doesn’t crack?
A: Use warm water and melted butter to make a glossy icing. Always pour it over a fully cooled sponge to prevent cracking. Adjust consistency with a teaspoon of warm water if too thick.
Q4: Why does my icing soak into the cake instead of sitting on top?
A: This happens when the sponge is still warm. Allow the traybake to cool completely before adding icing so it sets properly.
Q5: Can I make variations of the Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake?
A: Yes! You can add chocolate chips, swirl in caramel, top with nuts or sprinkles, or drizzle white chocolate for a celebration or party traybake recipe.
Q6: How should I store leftover traybake?
A: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Refrigerate in warm weather, or freeze the un-iced sponge for up to 3 months. Thaw fully before serving.
Q7: What are the healthier options for this traybake?
A: Replace half the butter with Greek yogurt, use half sugar plus erythritol, choose unsweetened cocoa, or swap icing for a light dusting of cocoa and powdered sugar.
Final Wraping
The Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake Easy Delicious Recipe is an all-time favorite that’s beginner-friendly, indulgent, and perfect for any occasion. With expert tips, variations, and step-by-step traybake instructions, anyone can bake a perfect chocolate sponge traybake every time. Impress family and friends with this classic, customizable, and delectable chocolate dessert traybake.
