Old-School Chocolate Cornflake Traybake Cake (Irresistibly Easy 9-Step Classic!)

Thank you so much for being here today, friend. There’s something truly special about sharing nostalgic recipes that bring back memories of school bake sales, birthday parties, and cozy kitchen afternoons. Today I’m thrilled to share my Old-School Chocolate Cornflake Traybake Cake, a charming British classic that’s wonderfully chewy, chocolatey, and simple enough for any home baker.

Unlike the no-bake chocolate cornflake nests you might know, this traybake is actually baked, giving it a soft cake-like crumb with a delightful chew from the cornflakes. And oh my goodness—the glossy chocolate icing on top? It’s the kind that cracks ever so slightly when you slice into it. Pure magic.

I promise this is the sort of recipe you’ll keep tucked in your recipe box for years. If you enjoy comforting homemade desserts like this, don’t forget to subscribe to receive new recipes by email so we can keep cooking together!

Overview of Recipe Content

What This Recipe Is

This Old-School Chocolate Cornflake Traybake Cake is a nostalgic British-style sheet cake made with crushed cornflakes folded into a sweet chocolate batter, baked in a tray, then topped with rich chocolate icing.

It’s the kind of dessert that fits anywhere:

• School bake sales
• Family gatherings
• Afternoon tea
• Lunchbox treats
• Simple weekend baking

Why You’ll Love It

There are so many reasons this cake earns a permanent place in your recipe rotation:

• Simple pantry ingredients
• Wonderfully chewy texture
• Rich chocolate flavor
• Quick to make in one tray
• Perfect for slicing and sharing

And if you’ve never baked with cornflakes before, let me tell you—they add the most delightful crunch and chew!

What It Tastes Like

Imagine a soft chocolate sponge with little pockets of crunch from the cornflakes, topped with silky chocolate icing that sets just firm enough to give that satisfying snap when sliced.

It’s sweet, comforting, and beautifully nostalgic.

Health or Seasonal Notes

While this is definitely a treat, cornflakes add a light texture compared to dense chocolate cakes, making each square feel pleasantly satisfying without being too heavy.

It’s also a perfect recipe for fall and winter baking, when cozy chocolate desserts really shine.

Ingredients

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• 150g cornflakes, lightly crushed
• 150g self-raising flour
• 150g caster sugar
• 150g unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

For the chocolate icing

• 200g icing sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 3–4 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• 9×13 inch baking tray
• Baking parchment
• Whisk
• Cooling rack

Substitutions and Additions

A few fun variations if you’d like to make it your own:

• Swap cocoa powder for melted dark chocolate for a richer flavor
• Add chocolate chips to the batter
• Sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the icing
• Use gluten-free flour and cornflakes if needed

How to Make Old-School Chocolate Cornflake Traybake Cake

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Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a rectangular traybake tin with baking parchment.

Step 2: Crush the Cornflakes

Place the cornflakes in a bowl and gently crush them with your hands or a rolling pin. You want small crunchy flakes, not powder.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• melted butter
• caster sugar
• eggs
• vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sift together:

• self-raising flour
• cocoa powder

Fold them gently into the wet mixture until combined.

Step 5: Add Cornflakes

Stir the crushed cornflakes into the batter. The mixture will be thick, slightly textured, and wonderfully rustic.

Step 6: Add Milk

Stir in the milk to loosen the batter slightly.

Step 7: Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared tray and bake for 20–25 minutes.

The top should be set and slightly springy to the touch.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Let the traybake cool fully in the pan before icing.

Step 9: Make the Chocolate Icing

Mix together:

• icing sugar
• cocoa powder
• milk
• melted butter

Stir until smooth and glossy, then spread generously over the cooled cake.

Leave the icing to set before slicing into squares.

What to Serve with Old-School Chocolate Cornflake Traybake Cake

This cozy dessert pairs beautifully with:

• A mug of tea
• Cold milk
• Hot chocolate
• Coffee

If you love classic desserts like this, you might also enjoy these recipes from my kitchen:

• https://poulef.com/chocolate-chip-cookie-bars/
• https://poulef.com/easy-fudgy-brownies/
• https://poulef.com/classic-vanilla-sheet-cake/
• https://poulef.com/no-bake-chocolate-oat-bars/
• https://poulef.com/homemade-rice-krispie-treats/

And if you’re a Pinterest baker like me, come hang out here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Tips for Making It Perfect

A few tricks from my kitchen to yours:

Don’t over-crush the cornflakes
You want texture—not dust.

Let the cake cool fully before icing
Otherwise the icing will melt and slide right off.

Line the tray well
This makes lifting and slicing much easier.

Use good cocoa powder
It makes a huge difference in chocolate flavor.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store the traybake in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Refrigeration

You can refrigerate it for up to 1 week, though the texture is best at room temperature.

Freezing

Wrap individual squares tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

General Information

Traybake cakes like this became popular in the UK because they’re:

• easy to bake
• inexpensive
• perfect for feeding a crowd

Cornflakes were often added to recipes during the mid-20th century as a clever way to add texture and stretch ingredients—something our grandmothers knew a lot about!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?

Yes. Simply add 2 teaspoons baking powder to plain flour.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free cornflakes.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes—and I highly recommend it! About 100g chocolate chips works beautifully.

Why is my traybake dry?

Most likely it was overbaked. Start checking at 20 minutes.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just bake it in a larger tray or two pans.

Conclusion

There’s something so comforting about old-school recipes like this Old-School Chocolate Cornflake Traybake Cake. It’s simple, nostalgic, and absolutely packed with chocolatey goodness.

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy baking:

• chocolate chip cookie bars
• fudgy brownies

Both are perfect companions for a cozy dessert table.

Happy baking, my friend!

Interactive Elements

I’d love to hear from you!

Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment and rating below—it truly helps other bakers.

And if you bake it, snap a photo and share it on Pinterest or tag me here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Seeing your creations makes my day.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving (1 square)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	240
Carbohydrates	32g
Protein	3g
Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	6g
Sugar	20g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	90mg

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