Why Traybakes Are a Baker’s Best Friend

Traybakes are among the easiest and most rewarding types of cakes to bake. They allow for creativity with toppings and flavors while requiring minimal effort. With a straightforward sponge cake recipe as the base, the possibilities for decoration are virtually endless. For festive occasions, consider trying out alternatives like Christmas Cake Bars or a Chocolate Tray Bake topped with a rich chocolate glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Traybake Cake

You can find the complete list of ingredients and their respective quantities for this recipe at the end of this post in the printable recipe card. Simply click the “Jump to Recipe” button to access it directly.

Ingredients You Will Need

• 200g softened butter
• 200g caster sugar
• 4 medium eggs (lightly beaten)
• 200g self-raising flour (sieved)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 170 degrees Celsius (fan-assisted). Grease and line the base of a shallow 29cm x 19cm oblong tin or something similar, ensuring it’s at least 2cm deep.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and caster sugar using an electric hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the beaten eggs, a little at a time, incorporating a small amount of flour to prevent curdling. Mix thoroughly, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
3. Add the vanilla extract along with the remaining flour, mixing until fully combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a skewer into the center; when it comes out clean, your traybake is ready.
5. Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly in the tin before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. As it cools, it will settle slightly.

Creating the Irresistible White Chocolate Topping

While the cake cools, prepare the white chocolate topping. This adds the ideal finishing touch to your traybake.

Ingredients for the Topping

• 200g white chocolate (roughly chopped)
• 100g assorted chocolate toppings (such as Smarties or Maltesers)

Instructions for the Topping

1. To melt the white chocolate, place it in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring frequently until it melts smoothly. Once melted, allow the chocolate to cool slightly so it thickens but doesn’t set completely.
2. Once the traybake has cooled fully, pour the melted chocolate over the top. For easier cleanup, keep the cake in the baking tin during this step to prevent drippage.

Decorating with a Colorful Candy Topping

Before the chocolate hardens, generously sprinkle with candy toppings such as Smarties or Maltesers. Feel free to unleash your creativity using whatever colorful candy you have on hand!

Tip: To prevent the chocolate from cracking when cutting, score the chocolate into portions before it sets. If you’ve forgotten to do this, use a knife dipped in hot water, then wiped dry, to suavely slice through the chocolate as you serve.

This delightful cake can be stored, well-wrapped, for approximately 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cake before decorating, making it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire!

Conclusion

This White Chocolate and Candy Traybake is not only an easy cake to prepare but also a delightful treat for any occasion. With its visually appealing layers of chocolate and candy, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy baking and indulging in this sweet masterpiece!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How should I store the White Chocolate and Candy Traybake?

To maintain its freshness, wrap the traybake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days at room temperature. If you’re planning to keep it longer, consider freezing it before adding the topping.

2. Can I substitute the white chocolate in the recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer dark or milk chocolate, feel free to use those instead. Each type of chocolate will impart a different flavor profile to the traybake, making it a delightful experiment.

3. How do I make the traybake gluten-free?

To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet, substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to include a gluten-free baking powder if necessary for leavening.

4. Can I add other ingredients to the batter?

Certainly! You can incorporate various ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, or even swirls of jam or caramel into the batter for added flavor and texture. Just be cautious not to overload it to maintain the cake’s integrity.

5. What can I serve with the traybake?

This traybake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more indulgent dessert, serve it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of decadence.