Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake Recipe

Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake is a soft, rich, and beautifully moist chocolate sponge topped with a silky chocolate icing that makes every bite indulgent yet incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a fantastic family-style cake made in a rectangular tin, perfect for parties, celebrations, school events, bake sales, or simple afternoon treats. With its deep chocolate flavour and tender texture, this traybake is a reliable favourite that slices neatly into squares, making it ideal for sharing.

What Is Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake?

Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake is a classic chocolate sponge baked in a tray and topped with chocolate glacé icing. It has a light, airy crumb, balanced cocoa flavour, and a smooth chocolate topping that sets beautifully, allowing clean, even slices.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Marmalade
• Mary Berry Lemon Drizzle Traybake
• Mary Berry Marmalade Cake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Quick all-in-one method – Saves time and gives consistent results.
• Soft, moist chocolate sponge – Perfect texture for any occasion.
• Great for sharing – Cuts into generous squares for parties and kids’ events.
• Customisable icing – Works with buttercream, ganache, sprinkles, or nuts.
• Beginner-friendly – Simple enough for new bakers, yet impressive for gatherings.
• Stays fresh – Keeps its moisture for several days, making it ideal for make-ahead bakes.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake

For the Chocolate Sponge

• 225g self-raising flour
• 225g caster sugar
• 225g softened butter
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Icing

• 200g icing sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2–3 tbsp warm water
• 50g butter (melted)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• 30x23cm traybake tin
• Mixing bowl
• Electric whisk or hand whisk
• Sieve
• Baking parchment
• Cooling rack
• Small saucepan (for melting butter)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake

Step 1: Prepare the baking tin

Line your traybake tin with baking parchment and lightly grease the sides to help the sponge release cleanly.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 160°C (fan) or 180°C (conventional) for even baking and consistent rising.

Step 3: Combine the sponge ingredients

Place flour, sugar, butter, eggs, cocoa powder, baking powder, vanilla, and milk into a large bowl. Beat until smooth, fluffy, and well combined.

Step 4: Fill the tray

Spread the batter evenly into the lined tin and level the top using a spatula.

Step 5: Bake the chocolate sponge

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the centre springs back when gently pressed and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool completely

Cool the sponge in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool fully before icing.

Step 7: Prepare the chocolate icing

Mix icing sugar, cocoa powder, melted butter, and warm water until smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Spread the icing

Pour the icing over the cooled sponge and spread evenly. Allow it to set before slicing into squares.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Sponge cracked on top – Reduced oven temperature slightly for a smoother rise.
• Icing too thin – Added extra icing sugar to thicken it.
• Cake turned dry – Checked earlier to prevent overbaking.
• Uneven bake – Ensured batter was level before placing in the oven.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake

• Replace half the butter with Greek yoghurt for reduced fat.
• Use half sugar + erythritol for lighter sweetness.
• Choose cocoa with no added sugar.
• Swap icing with a light dusting of cocoa and powdered sugar.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake

• Use margarine instead of butter for a softer crumb.
• Swap caster sugar with light brown sugar for a deeper flavour.
• Replace vanilla with almond extract for a twist.
• Use chocolate buttercream instead of glacé icing.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake

• A glass of cold milk – Balances the rich chocolate flavour.
• Fresh berries – Adds a refreshing fruity contrast.
• Whipped cream – Creates a luxurious dessert feel.
• Coffee or tea – Complements the sweetness nicely.
• Ice cream scoop – Vanilla or caramel works perfectly.

Expert Tips to Make a Perfect Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake

• Sift the cocoa powder – Prevents lumps and ensures a smooth batter.
• Use room-temperature butter and eggs – Helps the mixture blend evenly.
• Avoid overmixing – Keeps the sponge light and airy.
• Cool fully before icing – Prevents icing from melting.
• Level the batter well – Ensures even slices.
• Check doneness early – Helps avoid dryness.
• Add toppings quickly – Sprinkles and nuts stick best while the icing is wet.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake

• Add chocolate chips – Creates pockets of melted chocolate inside the sponge.
• Swirl caramel into the batter – Adds richness and flavour contrast.
• Top with crushed nuts – Almonds or hazelnuts give crunch.
• Turn into a celebration cake – Add colourful sprinkles or themed decorations.
• Drizzle white chocolate – Adds a striking visual contrast.

How to Store Leftover Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake

• Use an airtight container – Keeps the sponge soft for 3–4 days.
• Refrigerate in warm weather – Helps maintain icing texture.
• Freeze un-iced sponge – Freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Thaw fully – Ensures the sponge remains moist.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake

• Microwave a slice for 6–7 seconds – Softens the crumb gently.
• Warm in the oven at 140°C for 4 minutes – Brings back a fresh-baked feel.
• Avoid reheating iced slices – Warm gently if needed to prevent melting.

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: ~310
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 14g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 160mg

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FAQs

How do I make my chocolate traybake extra moist like Mary Berry’s?

A moist chocolate traybake comes from using softened butter, the correct amount of milk, and avoiding overbaking. Remove the cake from the oven as soon as a skewer comes out clean. Overmixing also leads to dryness, so mix only until the batter is smooth.

Why is my chocolate traybake not rising evenly?

Uneven rising usually happens when the batter isn’t level in the tin or the oven temperature is slightly off. Spread the mixture evenly before baking and make sure your oven is fully preheated. Placing the tin on the middle rack also helps the sponge bake evenly.

How do I get smooth chocolate icing that doesn’t crack?

Use warm water and melted butter to create a glossy icing that spreads easily. Pour it over a fully cooled sponge to prevent cracking. If the icing feels too thick, add a teaspoon of warm water until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

Why does my chocolate icing soak into the cake instead of sitting on top?

This happens when the sponge is still warm. Always allow the traybake to cool completely before adding icing, so it sits neatly on the surface and sets into a firm, even layer.

Final Words

Mary Berry Chocolate Traybake is a dependable, delicious bake that suits any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavour, soft crumb, and smooth icing, it’s a treat that appeals to all ages. Easy to make, easy to customize, and even easier to serve — this traybake is a wonderful addition to any baking collection.