Nothing beats a freshly baked Brownie Tray Bake coming out of the oven. It has a crisp top, deep chocolate flavor and just the right degree of fudginess in its center, threatening to disappear even faster than it cools. Whether it is for a birthday party, or dinner for the family, or to satisfy your chocolate cravings – this recipe will not disappoint!
Individual brownies are OK, but tray bakes just make life easy. All is mixed in one bowl, baked together as a single-layer cake and then cut into big squares for sharing. Easier than it sounds, good enough to be those of a bakery. If you’ve ever searched for brownie traybake UK, there are loads of different recipes out there, but this one strikes just the right balance between a chewy edge and a brittle centre with soft fudgy goodness.
Something I love about this recipe is that it can be so versatile. Mix in chocolate chips, drizzle with caramel sauce or top it off with another nutty layer to spruce it up for a festivity! If you loved our Easy Chocolate Traybake Recipe, you’re going to want to try this brownie version as it’s an even denser and richer all-chocolate treat.
The best part? While you read as far too much work, trust me, you only need simple pantry staples, and it takes around an hour from start to finish. So get your mixing bowl and ready yourself for the best homemade chocolate brownies that everyone loves.
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Brownie Tray Bake
Ingredients
- Wet Ingredients
- 250 g 1 cup unsalted butter
- 250 g 9 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 300 g 1½ cups caster sugar
- 150 g ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Dry Ingredients
- 150 g 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 50 g ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional Mix-Ins
- 150 g 1 cup chocolate chips
- 100 g ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Equipment
- 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium heatproof bowl
- Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen scale (recommended)
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking tray with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter and dark chocolate together until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
- Whisk the caster sugar and brown sugar into the chocolate mixture.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tray and spread evenly.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is still slightly soft.
- Cool completely in the tray before slicing into 16 squares.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use good-quality dark chocolate for the richest flavor.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the brownies soft and fudgy.
- Do not overbake; the brownies will continue to set as they cool.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, refrigerate for 1
- week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Delicious served with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, fresh berries, or warm chocolate sauce.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!What is Brownie Tray Bake?
That is, a Brownie Tray Bake: Dream of chocolate lovers around the globe—a big pan brownie made rich and fudgy that bakes in one go, then sliced from there into perfect squares. So why is it called a tray bake? How can that be when it all comes together in a baking dish? Skip the shaping and portioning.
There are those who claim brownies are just a denser variety of chocolate cake, and others who assert they (Brownies) occupy an entirely separate culinary universe. No matter what side of the debate you find yourself on, one thing is for sure: no man’s heart will be captured without first delighting in those brownies!
Whether you are preparing a simple brownie tray bake for the family, or decorating one for an occasion, this classic dessert is never going to be bad. This recipe has been a beloved favorite in kitchens everywhere; you will see why as soon as your taste buds take their first bite.
Why You’ll Love This Brownie Tray Bake
Rich, Fudgy Chocolate Flavor
Every bite delivers an intense chocolate taste with a moist, chewy texture and a beautiful crackly top.
Save Money by Baking at Home
Instead of buying a brownie traybake supermarket version from Tesco, Asda, or Morrisons, you can make a larger batch at home for less money using simple pantry ingredients.
Easy to Customize
Brownie tray bake birthday brown sugar chocolate icing topping on brownies with a pinch of salt or zöglab.
If you liked our Chocolate Traybake Recipe, this is a brownie version for when you’d rather have even more chocolate, and you’re eating it like a dessert nut.
Ready to bake? Let’s get started!
How to Make Brownie Tray Bake
Quick Overview
This recipe comes together in about 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking. Everything mixes in one bowl, making cleanup quick and easy. The result is a perfectly fudgy brownie with crispy edges and a soft, gooey center.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies
Key Ingredients for Brownie Tray Bake
Image Suggestion: A flat-lay photo showing all ingredients neatly arranged in bowls beside a baking tray.
Ingredients
- 250g (1 cup) unsalted butter
- 250g (9 oz) dark chocolate
- 300g (1½ cups) caster sugar
- 150g (¾ cup) brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 150g (1¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 50g (½ cup) cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 150g (1 cup) chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2
Melt the butter and dark chocolate together over low heat or in the microwave. Stir until smooth.
Step 3
Whisk both sugars into the chocolate mixture until fully combined.
Step 4
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently into the wet ingredients.
Step 6
Fold in chocolate chips if using.
Step 7
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and smooth the top evenly.
Step 8
Bake for 28–32 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft.
Step 9
Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into squares.
What to Serve Brownie Tray Bake With
Brownies taste amazing on their own, but they’re even better served with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh strawberries
- Raspberry sauce
- Whipped cream
- Salted caramel sauce
- Hot chocolate
- Fresh coffee
- Cold milk
Top Tips for Perfecting Brownie Tray Bake
Use Good Chocolate
The better the chocolate, the richer your brownies will taste.
Don’t Overmix
Mix just until the flour disappears to keep the brownies soft and fudgy.
Avoid Overbaking
Slightly underbaked brownies continue cooking as they cool, creating the perfect texture.
Ingredient Swaps
Make it Vegan
Replace butter with vegan butter and eggs with flax eggs to create a delicious vegan brownie tray bake.
Extra Chocolate
Fold in white chocolate chunks, peanut butter chips, or chopped hazelnuts for extra flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature
Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator
Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Wrap individual brownies tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Microwave each brownie for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Health Benefits of Brownie Tray Bake
| Ingredient | Health Benefit |
|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate | Rich in antioxidants |
| Eggs | Excellent source of protein |
| Cocoa Powder | Contains beneficial flavonoids |
| Butter | Provides healthy fats in moderation |
| Flour | Supplies energy through carbohydrates |
| Vanilla | Adds flavor naturally |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this brownie traybake recipe UK style?
Yes! This recipe follows the classic British-style brownie with a crackly top and fudgy center.
Can I decorate it for birthdays?
Absolutely! This makes a fantastic brownie tray bake birthday cake. Simply add buttercream, chocolate ganache, sprinkles, or personalized decorations.
Is this similar to Mary Berry’s brownie traybake?
Fans searching for a Mary Berry brownie traybake or Mary Berry chocolate brownie tray bake recipe will enjoy this version because it delivers the same rich chocolate flavor with a wonderfully fudgy texture.
Can I use supermarket brownies instead?
While options like brownie traybake Asda, brownie traybake Tesco, and brownie traybake Morrisons are convenient, homemade brownies offer fresher flavor, better texture, and customizable ingredients.
Conclusion
Rich, fudgy and chewy – this Brownie Tray Bake can in no way be a bad thing when it comes to a chocolate dessert. And the best part is how simple they are to create! Ideal for a birthday, just because it’s the weekend and you want added dessert to your life, or you want something chocolatey, this always works. And when you try your own homemade version, you’ll be able to see why it is a mainstay with chocolate lovers the world over!
Give This Recipe a Try
If you are looking for the best Brownie Tray Bake, then this recipe is going to be winning over your heart! Just like a good brownie should be, it’s rich with chocolate flavor and has the perfect fudgy center covered in that signature crackly top. Even better, it’s easy enough for novice bakers and ambitious enough to serve at birthdays or family gatherings, charity bake sales (or cozy weekends on the couch).
So do not hesitate to make it your own! Stir in chocolate chips, pair with a swirl of peanut butter or caramel, top it off with chopped nuts glazed in melted white and dark chocolate, or stripes decorated over the cake batter. And every batch is an experiment in delicious creativity.
Once you’ve baked this Brownie Tray Bake, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, and share your favorite variation. Your feedback helps other home bakers and inspires even more tasty creations.
Happy baking!
