A tray bake cake is so easy to make and share, whether you're baking for a bake sale, want to slice one into small squares as a sweet party bites or as a simple bake to share over a cup of tea with friends. They work particularly well when you know you'll have a crowd to feed, as you can pass around squares that are as big or as little as you need.
One of the best things about a tray bake is that they're usually really quick to make, which makes them perfect for whenyou just don't have the time to spend an afternoon baking. Our chocolate tray bake birthday cake is an example of how you can quickly and easily whip up a cake that's both beautiful, delicious and will feed a large group - all in under an hour.
Most tray bakes also make fantastic dinner party desserts, especially served with homemade custard or some freshly whipped cream. Our pear and ginger tray bake is the perfect example of an elegant and sophisticated cake that can be brought out with afternoon tea or when entertaining dinner guests.
Inspied to get baking? Take a look at all our cake recipes.
1. Chocolate Tray Bake Birthday Cake
This chocolate tray bake birthday cake serves up to 16 people, which makes it great for a kids' birthday party or as an easy bake shared with friends. It could just as easily be baked for a cake sale because you can get a LOT of slices out of it. The frosting is really creamy and smooth and it goes perfectly with the chocolatey sponge. Delicious!
2. Mary Berry's Lemon Drizzle Tray Bake
Lemon drizzle cake is always a massive hit. Who doesn't love it? Mary Berry's lemon drizzle tray bake makes 16 slices, which makes it perfect for sharing. It's perfectly moist and deliciously sweet, with a zesty edge - just as a lemon drizzle cake should be!
3. Pear and Ginger Tray Bake
This pear and ginger tray bake is a more sophisticated choice that would make a smart finishing course to a dinner party. It's full of warming, comforting flavours and ingredients like ginger and cinnamon, and is perfectly paired with pears and walnuts. It's somewhat of a cross between a cake and a crumble and is delicious served with cream or custard. You'll love it.
Happy baking!
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Chocolate and hazelnut rouladeThis chocolate and hazelnut roulade comes with an optional Baileys Irish cream liqueur filling for an extra, festive twist
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Baileys CheesecakeThis no-bake Baileys cheesecake is so easy to make and perfect for cream liqueur lovers, plus it takes just 40 minutes to prepare
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Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted pralineServe this rich Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted praline for a festive dessert that makes a popular alternative to Christmas pudding
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Chocolate and hazelnut roulade
This chocolate and hazelnut roulade comes with an optional Baileys Irish cream liqueur filling for an extra, festive twist
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Baileys Cheesecake
This no-bake Baileys cheesecake is so easy to make and perfect for cream liqueur lovers, plus it takes just 40 minutes to prepare
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Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted praline
Serve this rich Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted praline for a festive dessert that makes a popular alternative to Christmas pudding
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Sienna Miller's tailored navy jumpsuit is the chicest alternative to sequins - and it has a hidden meaningI never would have thought to add festive red accessories to a navy outfit, but Sienna proved me wrong
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Clodagh McKenna just wore the ME+EM velvet suit that's top of my Christmas wishlistThe TV chef shares the same stylist as Holly Willoughby and Christine Lampard
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Kate Middleton’s cranberry red jumper dress is the most elegant low-key alternative to festive dresses and knitsThe Princess of Wales once wore a splendid festive red jumper dress and it's got us excited to wear this colour more this Christmas
