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chocolate tray bake with shiny icing on a large baking tray seen from above
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5 from 1 vote

Chocolate Tray Bake

Easy chocolate tray bake, covered with a luscious, glossy chocolate frosting. This amazing chocolate cake keeps well for at least two weeks.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Cakes
Cuisine: English
Servings: 18
Calories: 474kcal
Author: Adina

Ingredients

Chocolate tray bake (Note 1):

  • 250 g good quality dark chocolate 9 oz, 70% cocoa
  • 6 eggs medium Germany, large US
  • 250 g unsalted butter room temperature, 9 oz/ 1 cup
  • 250 g granulated sugar 9 oz/ 1 ¼ cups
  • 100 g all-purpose flour 3.5 oz/ ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon
  • 250 g ground hazelnuts 9 oz/ 2 cups
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom optional, Note 2
  • a pinch of salt

Frosting:

  • 175 g semi-sweet chocolate chopped, 6 oz/ 1 cup
  • 125 ml heavy cream 4.2 fl.oz/ ½ cup
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 75 g unsalted butter 2.5 oz/ ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon

Decoration:

  • chocolate decoration of choice

Instructions

Chocolate traybake:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F/ 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  • Chocolate: Chop and place the pieces into a food processor and grind finely. Don't overdo it, or the chocolate will start to melt. Alternatively, you can grate the chocolate on a regular grater.
  • Wet ingredients: Place the eggs, soft butter, and sugar into a bowl. Mix until fluffy.
  • Dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the flour, hazelnuts, grated dark chocolate, ground cardamom (if using), and a pinch of salt. Add the mixture to the egg and butter mixture and incorporate.
  • Bake cake: Pour the batter onto the prepared baking tray and level the surface. Bake for 25 minutes.
  • Cool cake: Rest for about 15 minutes, then cut it into pieces. Leave to cool completely on the baking tray.

Chocolate glaze:

  • Chop the semi-sweet chocolate finely. Set aside.
  • Combine glaze: Pour the cream into a small saucepan. Bring to a light simmer. Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate, sugar, and cubed butter. Stir well until the chocolate is completely melted.
  • Slowly pour the frosting over the cake. Leave to set, but keep in mind that it will not become solid, it remains slightly soft and glossy.
  • Decorate with the chocolate decoration of your choice.

Notes

  1. Always use a kitchen scale in baking; it guarantees the best results. This recipe is not tested using cup measurements (the Amazon affiliate link opens in a new tab).
  2. The cardamom can be left out or replaced with cinnamon.

Nutrition

Serving: 1square | Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 39mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 24g