Easter Chocolate Traybake Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delightful Easter Chocolate Traybake Cake with Chocolate Buttercream? This vibrant and festive cake not only looks stunning on a dessert table but also satisfies any chocolate craving you might have. The soft, rich sponge combines the depth of cocoa powder with a creamy chocolate buttercream that melts in your mouth, making every bite a true indulgence. And let’s not forget the colorful decoration of Cadbury mini eggs that add a playful touch—perfect for Easter festivities!

Easter Chocolate Traybake Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

I distinctly remember the joy of baking this cake for my family a few springs ago. The aroma of cocoa wafting through the house brought everyone into the kitchen, eagerly awaiting a slice. This Easter Chocolate Traybake Cake quickly became a cherished tradition, easily drawing smiles and compliments from both kids and adults alike. It’s a dependable sweet treat that’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for gathering friends and family. If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that will impress, this recipe is just what you need!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 25 minutes with minimal fuss.
  • Irresistible Flavor: The luscious chocolate flavor and creamy texture are hard to beat.
  • Eye-Catching Appeal: Decorated with colorful mini eggs and sprinkles for a festive look.
  • Flexible Serving: An excellent choice for dessert tables, birthday parties, or just a tasty treat at home.
  • Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free and dairy-free swaps are available, making it versatile for different diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 200 g self-raising flour (1 ⅔ cups or 7 oz): This flour helps the cake rise beautifully, giving it that airy texture we all love. Substitute with all-purpose flour and baking powder if needed.
  • 30 g cocoa powder (1 oz): Unsweetened cocoa powder adds that deep chocolate flavor essential for any decadent cake.
  • 225 g butter, soft (1 cup): Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming. You can also use margarine if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
  • 135 g granulated sugar (⅔ cup): White sugar sweetens the cake while helping it maintain a fine crumb.
  • 65 g light brown sugar (⅓ cup): This adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, enriching the cake further.
  • 4 large eggs: Bring these to room temperature for better mixing. You can use egg substitutes if you’re vegan.
  • 2 tablespoons milk: Full-fat milk enhances moisture but feel free to switch to plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Never underestimate the power of vanilla—it elevates the cake’s flavor beautifully.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: This gives the cake an extra boost to rise, keeping it light and fluffy.
  • 300 g icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar, 1 ½ cups): Used for the buttercream frosting, it creates that smooth, sweet topping.
  • 30 g cocoa powder (1 oz): This additional cocoa in the buttercream brings a delightful chocolate hit that complements the cake.
  • 160 g butter, soft (¾ cup or 5 oz): Softened butter ensures the frosting is creamy and spreadable. Replace with vegan butter if needed.
  • 1 tablespoon milk: To adjust the consistency of the frosting for a perfectly smooth application.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Continuity in flavor enhances the buttercream richness.
  • 1 packet Cadbury mini creme eggs (78 g, 2.5 oz): These fun candies add a delightful surprise under the beautiful decorations.
  • 1 packet Cadbury mini eggs (74 g, 2.5 oz): Perfect for decorating and adding that Easter touch on top of the cake.
  • A handful of Easter sprinkles: These make for a festive finish that adds both color and texture.

How to Make Easter Chocolate Traybake Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit) to ensure it’s ready when the batter is mixed.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine 225 g of softened butter and 135 g of granulated sugar, along with 65 g of light brown sugar. Beat them together with a hand mixer until creamy and light in color.
  3. Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into the mixture one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition for an even consistency.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift in 200 g of self-raising flour, 30 g of cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until well combined.
  5. Prepare the Baking Tray: Line a rectangle baking tray (about 30 x 22 x 5 cm or 12 x 9 x 2 inches) with non-stick paper, or grease it with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the tray and spread it evenly.
  6. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the sponge from the oven and let it cool completely in the tray on a wire rack.
  8. Make the Buttercream Frosting: In a blender or mixing bowl, add 160 g of softened butter with 300 g of icing sugar, 30 g of cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend or beat with a hand mixer until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
  9. Frost the Cake: Once the sponge has cooled completely, spread the chocolate buttercream evenly over the top to create a luscious layer of frosting.
  10. Decorate: Finally, adorn the top of the cake with an assortment of Cadbury mini crème eggs, chocolate eggs, and a sprinkle of colorful Easter sprinkles for an eye-catching finish.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Easter Chocolate Traybake Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for longer storage, up to about a week, ensuring it’s sealed tightly to maintain its moisture. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, and it should be good for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature for a few hours. You can refresh its frosting with a quick whip if needed for that creamy touch.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

  • Ensure your butter is truly softened to room temperature—this prevents lumps in your mixture.
  • Use fresh ingredients, especially eggs, to enhance flavor and texture.
  • When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy; too much can result in a dense cake.
  • If you find your frosting too thick, simply mix in a tiny bit more milk to reach your desired spreadable consistency.
  • For an added flavor kick, consider incorporating a bit of espresso powder in the cake batter for a mocha flavor.

There it is, the beauty of the Easter Chocolate Traybake Cake with Chocolate Buttercream! The rich, chocolatey sweetness combined with the festive decorations makes for a delightful centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. Each bite is a reminder of joy, family, and the delicious moments spent together. So, don your apron, gather your loved ones, and make this cake to elevate your Easter festivities!

Easter Chocolate Traybake Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

You can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature. It’s best decorated right before serving to keep the buttercream fresh.

Can I use other types of eggs or dairy-free options?

Absolutely! You can substitute regular eggs with flaxseed or chia seed eggs for a vegan option. You can also opt for dairy-free butter and milk to make the recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.

How can I make the buttercream more chocolatey?

To intensify the chocolate flavor in your buttercream, simply add more cocoa powder. Just remember to adjust the amount of icing sugar accordingly to keep the texture balanced!

What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve it with fresh berries on the side to add a refreshing contrast!

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Easter-Chocolate-Traybake-Cake-with-Chocolate-Buttercream

Easter Chocolate Traybake Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

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  • Author: Gwynn
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 170 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 15 servings 1x
  • Category: Desserts & Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Description

This Easter Chocolate Traybake Cake with Chocolate Buttercream is an irresistible dessert that’s simple to make and perfect for any celebration. With rich cocoa and a creamy frosting, it’s sure to impress family and friends at your next gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 200 g self-raising flour (1 ⅔ cups or 7 oz)
  • 30 g cocoa powder (1 oz)
  • 225 g butter, soft (1 cup)
  • 135 g granulated sugar (⅔ cup)
  • 65 g light brown sugar (⅓ cup)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoon milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 300 g icing sugar (confectioners' sugar, 1 ½ cups)
  • 30 g cocoa powder (1 oz)
  • 160 g butter, soft (¾ cup or 5 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 packet cadbury mini creme eggs (78 g, 2.5 oz)
  • 1 packet cadbury mini eggs (74 g, 2.5 oz)
  • a handful of easter sprinkles


Instructions

  1. To prepare the sponge, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugars, then beat with a hand mixer until creamy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, then add the vanilla extract and milk, mixing until well combined.
  5. Line a rectangle baking tray with non-stick paper, butter, and flour, and spread the batter evenly (about 30 x 22 x 5 cm / 12 x 9 x 2 inches).
  6. Bake for 25 minutes until golden, and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Take the sponge out of the oven and allow it to cool completely.
  8. For the buttercream, combine all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth; alternatively, cream the butter and icing sugar together in a bowl with a hand mixer before adding cocoa, vanilla, and milk to create a creamy texture.
  9. Once the sponge is cool, spread the buttercream on top and decorate with mini creme eggs, chocolate eggs, and sprinkles.

Notes

Ensure the butter is soft for easy mixing.
Feel free to use your favorite chocolate eggs for decoration.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 415
  • Sugar: 36g
  • Sodium: 165mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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