A Ridiculously Easy Iced Chocolate Traybake

If you’re a fan of indulgent chocolate desserts, then you’re going to love this easy iced chocolate traybake recipe inspired by the one and only Mary Berry. With its rich chocolate flavour and creamy chocolate icing, this traybake is sure to become a new favourite in your dessert repertoire. This cake is great for Christmas or a quick celebration cake!

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp Cocoa Powder
• 4 tbsp Hot Water
• 225 g Soft Margarine
• 225 g Caster Sugar
• 275 g Self-Raising Flour
• 100 g White chocolate chips (optional)
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 4 Eggs
• 1 tbsp Milk

Chocolate Icing

• 3 tbsp Apricot Jam
• 200 g Dark Chocolate (broken into pieces)
• 6 tbsp Water
• 250 g Icing Sugar
• 2 tsp Vegetable Oil
• Decorations (optional)

How to make iced chocolate traybake

STEP 1: Preheat the oven at 180℃/160℃fan.350℉/gas 4. Grease and fully line a baking tray about 30 x 23cm with baking paper.

STEP 2: Blend the cocoa and water in a large bowl and allow to cool slightly.

STEP 3: Add the margarine, sugar, flour, baking powder, eggs, white chocolate chips and milk into the large bowl and beat well for 2 minutes. Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and level the top. Bake for 30 minutes. Leave to cool in the tin.

STEP 4: For the icing, warm the apricot jam in the microwave and brush all over the cake. Place the chocolate pieces and water in a bowl and heat in the microwave until melted. Allow to cool slightly and add the sieved icing sugar and oil. If it’s too thick add some more water.

STEP 5: Pour over the cake and smooth over with a palette knife. Add some decorations and allow to set. Cut into squares.

Why use apricot jam?

If time allows, do brush the cake with apricot jam. It gives the cake a lovely flavour and prevents crumbs from the cake getting into the icing.

Storage

Once you’ve made this scrumptious Iced Chocolate Traybake, you’ll want to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible. To store the traybake, simply cover it and place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

If you’re planning to keep it for longer, you can also freeze the traybake for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.