Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake 🍫✨ – A Nostalgic School Dinner Favorite

Thank you for being here, my sweet friends! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that makes me feel like I’m back in the school cafeteria, tray in hand, eagerly waiting for dessert: the Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake. 🍫✨ This soft chocolate sponge topped with rich icing and cheerful sprinkles is pure nostalgia. It’s the kind of cake that makes kids beam and adults smile with warm memories.

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Overview of Recipe Content

The Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake is a soft, moist sponge cake spread with creamy chocolate icing and topped with sprinkles. Perfect for birthdays, afternoon tea, potlucks, or even just because—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love It

• Brings back nostalgic school-dinner vibes.
• Simple ingredients, easy method.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Can be dressed up or kept simple.

What It Tastes Like
Moist, chocolatey sponge balanced with smooth, sweet cocoa icing. Every bite is soft, rich, and satisfying—with a sprinkle of crunch on top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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For the Cake:

• 200g self-raising flour
• 30g cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 200g unsalted butter, softened
• 200g caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tbsp milk

For the Icing:

• 150g icing sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
• Chocolate sprinkles for decoration 🎉

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer (or good whisking muscles!)
• Baking tray (approx. 9×13 inches)
• Cooling rack
• Sieve

Suggested Substitutions & Additions

• Swap butter for margarine if you want a lighter sponge.
• Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Try different toppings: mini marshmallows, coconut, or even crushed biscuits.

How to Make Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake

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1. Preheat the Oven – Set to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line your baking tray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar – Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs – Crack in eggs one at a time, mixing well.
5. Combine – Fold in dry ingredients and milk until smooth.
6. Bake – Spread batter evenly in the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until springy.
7. Cool & Ice – Mix icing sugar, cocoa, and milk to a spreadable consistency. Smooth over cooled cake.
8. Decorate – Top with sprinkles and let set before slicing.

💡 The smell of this cake baking is pure happiness—it will fill your kitchen with warm cocoa aromas that feel like a hug.

What to Serve with Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake

• A glass of cold milk 🥛 (classic combo!).
• Hot chocolate for the ultimate chocolate-on-chocolate indulgence.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream if serving as dessert.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Always sift cocoa and icing sugar to avoid lumps.
• Don’t overmix the sponge; it should stay light and fluffy.
• Bake in the center of the oven for even cooking.
• Let cake fully cool before icing (or you’ll have a melty mess!).

Storage Instructions

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
• Refrigerate if you want the icing firmer.
• Freeze (without icing) for up to 3 months—defrost, then ice.

General Information

This cake is a UK school-dinner legend, often served in squares with custard. It’s beloved for its simplicity and comfort, making it timeless for gatherings and bake sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the sponge the day before, store covered, and ice on the day of serving.

What if I don’t have self-raising flour?
Use plain flour + 2 tsp baking powder.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely, just use a larger tray or two smaller ones.

Why did my icing turn runny?
You likely added too much milk—add more icing sugar to thicken.

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Conclusion

This Old School Chocolate Traybake Cake is proof that the simplest recipes are often the best. Chocolatey, moist, and finished with fun sprinkles—it’s the cake that never goes out of style.

If you loved this, you’ll also adore these recipes:

• Easy Chocolate Mousse
• Classic Victoria Sponge Cake
• Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Moist Banana Bread
• Rich Fudgy Brownies

Happy baking, my friends—don’t forget the sprinkles! 🎉

Interactive Elements

I’d love to see your traybakes! ⭐ Please leave a comment below with your thoughts, and if you share on social media, tag me or pin it on Pinterest.

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Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar	Fiber
310	42g	4g	14g	28g	2g

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