The Ultimate Chocolate Traybake Recipe: Rich, Fudgy, and Easy to Make

This decadent chocolate traybake recipe is perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving. It's easy to make, requiring minimal baking experience, and delivers a rich, fudgy texture that's guaranteed to impress. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe is your go-to for a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a convenient choice for any occasion.

• 200g (7oz) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter ensures a smooth and creamy batter.
• 200g (7oz) caster sugar: Caster sugar provides the perfect sweetness and helps create a fudgy texture.
• 200g (7oz) self-raising flour: Self-raising flour simplifies the process, eliminating the need for separate raising agents.
• 50g (1.75oz) unsweetened cocoa powder: Good quality cocoa powder is key to achieving a rich chocolate flavour.
• 4 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: This ensures the traybake rises beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavour profile.
• Optional: Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles for added texture and flavour.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious chocolate traybake:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Grease and line a 20x30cm (8x12 inch) baking tin. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this step to save time and effort.

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder.

5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough traybake.

6. Add Extras (Optional): If using, gently fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.

7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool & Serve: Let the traybake cool completely in the tin before cutting into squares. This allows it to firm up and makes it easier to serve.

Tips for Traybake Success:

• Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Mix until just combined.
• Check for doneness: Use a skewer to check if the traybake is baked through. If the skewer comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
• Let it cool completely: Allowing the traybake to cool completely prevents it from crumbling when you cut it.
• Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions:

This chocolate traybake is delicious on its own, but you can also elevate it with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, fudgy cake.
• A dusting of powdered sugar: A simple dusting adds a touch of elegance.
• Fresh berries: A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a burst of freshness.

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply a delicious treat for yourself. Enjoy!

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