Look no further: if you want the very best traybake recipes, you’re in the right place. Be it a chocolate brownie, lemon drizzle cake or chicken tray bake for dinner, the classic of all cuisines – one of the simplest and most flexible meals you can prepare.
Whether for an easy weeknight meal or a dessert to please the crowds, traybakes take little prep work and dirty fewer dishes whilst ensuring consistently excellent results. This pillar guide combines the most popular traybake ideas, baking tips and recipe categories to help you narrow down exactly what you’re after.
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Traybake Recipes
Ingredients
- For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking tray
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Beat together the frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake soft and fluffy.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freeze unfrosted slices for up to 3 months.
- Add chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra flavor and decoration.
Private Notes
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Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
- What Are Traybake Recipes?
- Why You’ll Love Traybakes
- Essential Baking Equipment
- Sweet Traybake Recipes
- Chocolate Traybakes
- Brownie Tray Bakes
- School Cake Tray Bakes
- Lemon Drizzle Tray Bakes
- Ginger Traybakes
- Condensed Milk Tray Bakes
- Savory Traybake Recipes
- Chicken Tray Bakes
- Vegetarian Tray Bakes
- No Cook Tray Bakes
- Choosing the Right Baking Tray
- Baking Tips for Perfect Traybakes
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Traybake Recipes?
Traybake recipes are dishes prepared and baked in a single tray or baking pan. They can be sweet desserts like brownies, sponge cakes, and cookie bars, or savory meals such as roasted chicken with vegetables.
Their popularity comes from being:
- Easy to prepare
- Budget-friendly
- Perfect for beginners
- Great for feeding families
- Excellent for meal prep
- Easy to transport for parties and bake sales
Why Traybakes Are So Popular
Traybakes save time without sacrificing flavor. Since everything cooks in one pan, cleanup is minimal, making them ideal for busy families and home bakers.
Benefits include:
- One-pan cooking
- Less washing up
- Easy portioning
- Freezer-friendly
- Endless flavor combinations
Essential Equipment
Every home baker should have:
- Baking tray
- Non-stick baking paper
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Digital kitchen scale
- Cooling rack
- Silicone spatula
- Wire whisk
Sweet Traybake Recipes
Sweet traybakes are perfect for birthdays, afternoon tea, bake sales, holidays, and family gatherings.
Explore our collection of classic desserts below.
Chocolate Traybake
Chocolate traybakes are among the most searched recipes because they’re rich, moist, and incredibly easy to make.
Popular variations include:
- Chocolate Fudge Traybake
- Chocolate School Cake
- Chocolate Sponge Traybake
- Frosted Chocolate Traybake
- Double Chocolate Cake
Read More → Chocolate Traybake Recipe
Brownie Tray Bake
Brownie tray bakes combine a crisp top with a gooey chocolate center.
Popular versions include:
- Fudgy Brownies
- Triple Chocolate Brownies
- Walnut Brownies
- Salted Caramel Brownies
- Oreo Brownies
Read More → Brownie Tray Bake Recipe
Chocolate School Cake
This nostalgic British favorite features a soft chocolate sponge topped with glossy icing and colorful sprinkles.
Perfect for:
- Birthday parties
- School lunches
- Bake sales
Read More → Chocolate School Cake Recipe
Lemon Drizzle Tray Bake
Lemon drizzle tray bake is fresh, light, and bursting with citrus flavor.
Popular additions include:
- Fresh lemon zest
- Lemon glaze
- Poppy seeds
- Blueberries
Perfect with afternoon tea.
Read More → Lemon Drizzle Tray Bake
Ginger Traybake
Warm spices make ginger traybakes perfect during fall and winter.
Common ingredients include:
- Ground ginger
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Golden syrup
- Molasses
They pair wonderfully with tea or coffee.
Read More → Ginger Traybake Recipe
Condensed Milk Tray Bakes
Condensed milk creates soft, chewy, and rich desserts.
Popular recipes include:
- Millionaire’s Shortbread
- Coconut Bars
- Caramel Slice
- Chocolate Caramel Squares
Read More → Condensed Milk Tray Bakes
Savory Traybake Recipes
Not all traybakes are desserts. Savory traybakes are complete one-pan meals packed with vegetables, herbs, and protein.
They’re perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Meal prep
- Family meals
Chicken Tray Bakes
Chicken tray bakes combine juicy chicken with roasted vegetables for a simple, flavorful dinner.
Popular combinations include:
- Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Honey Mustard Chicken
- Mediterranean Chicken
- Herb Chicken and Potatoes
- BBQ Chicken Tray Bake
Read More → Chicken Tray Bake Recipe
Vegetarian Tray Bakes
Vegetarian traybakes are colorful, healthy, and satisfying.
Popular ingredients include:
- Sweet potatoes
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Chickpeas
- Halloumi
- Feta cheese
Read More → Vegetarian Tray Bake
No Cook Tray Bakes
No-bake tray desserts are perfect when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Popular ideas include:
- No Bake Cheesecake Bars
- Chocolate Biscuit Cake
- Peanut Butter Bars
- Oreo Bars
- Refrigerator Cake
Read More → No Cook Tray Bakes
Choosing the Right Baking Tray
The right baking tray makes a big difference.
Consider:
- Material (aluminum, steel, glass)
- Depth
- Non-stick coating
- Size
- Heat distribution
Most recipes use a 9×13-inch tray, making it a great all-purpose choice.
Baking Tips for Perfect Traybakes
Follow these tips for consistent results:
- Always preheat your oven.
- Measure ingredients accurately.
- Line the tray with baking paper.
- Avoid overmixing the batter.
- Check doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool completely before slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a traybake?
A traybake is any sweet or savory dish cooked in a single baking tray.
Can traybakes be frozen?
Yes. Most cakes, brownies, and savory traybakes freeze well for up to three months.
What size tray is best?
A 9×13-inch baking tray works for most recipes.
Are traybakes beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. They require simple ingredients, minimal equipment, and are easy to prepare.
Can I make traybakes ahead of time?
Yes. Many traybakes taste even better the next day, making them ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
Explore More Traybake Recipes
Continue your traybake journey with these popular recipes:
- Chocolate Traybake
- Brownie Tray Bake
- Lemon Drizzle Tray Bake
- Chocolate School Cake
- Ginger Traybake
- Condensed Milk Tray Bakes
- Chicken Tray Bake
- Vegetarian Tray Bake
- No Cook Tray Bakes
Conclusion
From a dark chocolate dessert to lemon drizzle cake and speedy one-pan family meals, there are traybake dishes for every occasion. Welcome to your complete traybake bible – the hub for all things sweet & savoury, with tips on baking & links through to recipes! Save this page and check back regularly as we build up our collection so you can find your new favourite traybake.
