Chocolate Fudge Traybake Cake is a rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey dessert baked in a tray or sheet pan and topped with smooth, glossy fudge frosting. This cake is simple to prepare, easy to slice, and perfect for serving a crowd. The soft sponge base and thick chocolate topping create a dessert that is indulgent yet wonderfully easy to make.
Traybake cakes are popular because they require no complicated layering or decorating, yet they deliver bakery-quality flavor and texture. Whether served at family gatherings, school events, celebrations, or afternoon tea, this chocolate cake always disappears quickly.
Why This Cake Is So Popular
Chocolate traybake cakes are loved for their simplicity and rich taste.
Reasons people love this recipe:
• Deep chocolate flavor
• Moist and soft sponge texture
• Thick fudgy frosting
• Easy to slice and serve
• Perfect for parties and gatherings
This cake is the ultimate crowd-pleasing chocolate dessert.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12–16 slices
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee or hot water
For the Chocolate Fudge Frosting
½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup cocoa powder
â…“ cup milk
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chocolate chips (optional for extra richness)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls
Whisk or electric mixer
Rubber spatula
9×13 baking tray or sheet pan
Saucepan
Cooling rack
How to Make the Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl combine:
• flour
• cocoa powder
• sugar
• baking powder
• baking soda
• salt
Whisk until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the following to the dry mixture:
• eggs
• milk
• vegetable oil
• vanilla extract
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Add Hot Liquid
Slowly pour in hot coffee or hot water while mixing.
The batter will become thin, which helps create a moist and tender cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared tray.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool for about 20–30 minutes before frosting.
Making the Chocolate Fudge Frosting
Step 6: Melt Butter and Cocoa
In a saucepan over medium heat melt the butter.
Stir in the cocoa powder and milk.
Mix until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 7: Add Sugar and Vanilla
Remove from heat and whisk in:
• powdered sugar
• vanilla extract
Stir until smooth and glossy.
Add chocolate chips if you want a thicker, richer frosting.
Frosting the Cake
While the cake is still slightly warm, pour the fudge frosting over the top.
Use a spatula to spread evenly across the cake.
The frosting will settle into a smooth, shiny layer as it cools.
Optional Toppings
You can decorate the cake with:
• chocolate sprinkles
• chopped nuts
• chocolate chips
• shredded coconut
• crushed chocolate cookies
These toppings add extra texture and flavor.
Estimated Calories
Approximate nutrition per slice (based on 16 servings):
Calories: 320–360
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 4g
Values vary depending on toppings and frosting thickness.
Expert Baking Tips
Use Hot Coffee
Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
Do Not Overbake
Overbaking can make the cake dry. Remove it as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Frost While Warm
Adding frosting while the cake is slightly warm allows the fudge topping to spread smoothly.
Use Quality Cocoa Powder
High-quality cocoa powder improves both color and flavor.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Peanut Butter Traybake
Swirl peanut butter into the frosting before it sets.
Oreo Chocolate Traybake
Add crushed Oreo cookies to the frosting.
Chocolate Caramel Traybake
Drizzle caramel sauce over the fudge frosting.
Double Chocolate Traybake
Add chocolate chips to the cake batter.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 5 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Perfect Serving Ideas
Chocolate Fudge Traybake Cake pairs beautifully with:
• vanilla ice cream
• whipped cream
• hot coffee
• cold milk
It’s perfect for:
• birthdays
• bake sales
• potlucks
• school events
• casual desserts
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Fudge Traybake Cake is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dessert that delivers deep chocolate flavor with minimal effort. The soft chocolate sponge paired with smooth fudge frosting creates a rich treat that is both comforting and crowd-pleasing.
Because it’s baked in a tray and easily sliced, this cake is ideal for serving large groups or bringing to gatherings. Once you make it, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to chocolate desserts.