By Woman and Home 2016-02-03T08:00:00Z

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!