Chocolate Tray Cake

🌟 Difficulty	⏱️ Time	🍽️ Serves	🔪 Skill level
★ Easy	45 min	10–12	Beginner

A rich, soft chocolate tray cake with a slightly fudgy texture, topped with a smooth cocoa frosting. In France, this style is often called pavé au chocolat. A simple, comforting cake that kids and adults love alike.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 250 g sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 300 ml milk
• 300 g all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 200 g butter, melted and cooled
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

For the frosting:

• 50 g butter, melted
• 200 g powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 4–5 tbsp strong black coffee (or milk)

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 180°C (fan). Grease a rectangular baking dish (about 20×30 cm).

2. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, mix all cake ingredients for about 5 minutes until smooth and well combined.

3. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Bake for about 25 minutes, until set but still slightly soft in the center.

4. Cool Completely
Remove from the oven and let the cake cool fully before adding the frosting.

5. Prepare the Frosting
Mix melted butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and coffee (or milk) until smooth and thick.

6. Frost the Cake
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Let it set until slightly firm.

7. Serve
Cut into squares and enjoy!

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Tips & Variations

• Slightly reduce baking time for a more fudgy texture.
• Add walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
• Decorate with coconut, nuts, or sprinkles if desired.
• Coffee enhances chocolate flavor, but milk gives a milder taste.