This Beginner Chocolate Traybake is a soft, gently chocolatey cake baked in a shallow tin and cut into easy slices. The cocoa flavour is mild and balanced, with a moist crumb that stays tender without being rich or heavy.
It is ideal for new bakers because the traybake shape is forgiving and simple to handle. The method is clear and steady, making it well suited to everyday home baking, school events, or relaxed family sharing.
Recipe Information
Difficulty: Beginner
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients
-
220 g plain flour
-
30 g cocoa powder
-
2 teaspoons baking powder
-
Pinch of salt
-
180 g caster sugar
-
3 medium eggs
-
140 ml sunflower oil
-
160 ml milk
-
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Method
-
Heat the oven to 170°C fan. Grease and line a 20 × 30 cm rectangular baking tin, making sure the paper comes up the sides.
-
In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined and free of lumps.
-
In a jug, lightly beat the eggs with the oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients.
-
Stir gently with a wooden spoon until a smooth, pourable batter forms and no dry flour remains.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread it evenly into the corners.
-
Bake for 30 minutes, until the surface looks set and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
-
Leave the cake to cool completely in the tin before lifting out and slicing.
Baking Tips
-
If the cocoa powder looks lumpy, sift it before mixing to keep the colour even.
-
Spread the batter gently so the cake bakes level.
-
The traybake is ready when the centre feels springy and no wet crumbs cling to the skewer.
-
Cutting once fully cool gives the neatest slices.
Variations
-
Milk chocolate style: Reduce the cocoa powder by 1 tablespoon and replace with flour.
-
Dairy-free: Use a plant-based milk such as oat or soy.
-
Simple topping: Dust lightly with icing sugar once cooled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as neat squares with tea or milk. It works well for lunchboxes, bake sales, or casual sharing without any decoration.
Storage and Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months and defrost at room temperature. Warm gently if preferred.
