Name: Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 225 g plain (all-purpose) flour (1 ¾ cups / 8oz); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 225 g unsalted butter, softened (1 cup / 2 sticks / 8oz); 250 g granulated sugar (1 ¼ cups / 8.8oz); 4 large eggs; ¼ cup milk; 3 teaspoons vanilla paste; 2 cups icing (powdered / confectioners) sugar (163g / 5.7oz); 8 teaspoons water; 2 tablespoons sprinkles

Jump to Recipe·4 from 12 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love a nostalgic, comforting dessert, this Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe is going to become one of your absolute favorites. It’s an irresistible combination of a light, spongy vanilla base topped with a smooth, glossy icing and colorful sprinkles that adds just the right touch of whimsy. Perfect for sharing with friends or family at any occasion, this tray bake is as simple as it is delicious, delivering classic flavors that everyone knows and loves. Once you try this recipe, I promise you’ll be reaching for it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a neat arrangement of baking ingredients on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a clear glass bowl filled with white flour, next to it on the right is a white plate holding two thick blocks of yellow butter. Below the flour are four brown eggs grouped closely together. To the right of the eggs is a small clear bowl containing white baking powder, and a large clear bowl filled with white granulated sugar. Below the sugar bowl is another clear bowl filled with white powdered sugar. Near the eggs at the bottom left is a small bowl full of colorful rainbow sprinkles. Between the sprinkles and powdered sugar is a small glass jar with white milk inside, and in front of it, a small bowl holding golden vanilla extract. All items are spaced evenly, showing different textures and shades of white, yellow, and brown with a touch of bright sprinkles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making your Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe shine. Each item plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance, so having them ready will set you up for success.

225 g plain flour: Provides the soft and tender structure for the sponge.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, giving it a light texture.
225 g unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the cake stays tender.
250 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a golden crust.
4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the sponge stability.
¼ cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist without weighing it down.
3 teaspoons vanilla paste: Infuses the cake with deep, pure vanilla flavor.
2 cups icing sugar: For the creamy topping that adds a sweet finish.
8 teaspoons water: Used to adjust the icing to the right consistency for drizzling.
2 tablespoons sprinkles: Adds a festive burst of color and fun to the top.

How to Make Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced) or 350°F. Line your 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking pan with baking paper to ensure your tray bake comes out cleanly without sticking. This simple prep step is essential for an easy release and perfect shape.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent. Whisking also aerates the flour slightly, helping your sponge become light and fluffy. Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns pale and creamy. This step is key because it incorporates air, which gives the sponge a nice rise and tender crumb. Remember to scrape down the sides occasionally for an even mix.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. This gradual process helps prevent the batter from curdling and ensures the eggs are evenly distributed. Don’t be alarmed if the batter looks a bit split at this stage; the next step will bring it back together.

Step 5: Add Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the milk and vanilla paste, gently mixing them through. These ingredients provide moisture and that indulgent vanilla aroma that defines this tray bake. The mixture should start to look smooth and luscious.

Step 6: Fold in the Flour

Switch to a spatula and fold in the flour mixture a third at a time, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the sponge tough, so folding just until combined keeps the texture light and tender.

Step 7: Bake the Sponge

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly into a thin layer. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The result should be a golden, springy sponge that’s cooked through but not dry.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Let the tray bake cool fully before glazing. To remove it from the pan, place a wire rack on top, flip the pan, peel off the baking paper, then flip it right side up again with another wire rack on top. This careful handling keeps your sponge intact and ready for icing.

Step 9: Prepare and Spread the Icing

Mix the icing sugar with half the water and slowly add more water until you achieve a smooth but pourable consistency. Pour this glaze evenly over the cooled cake, watching it gently drizzle down the sides. It creates a shiny, sweet coating that contrasts beautifully with the soft sponge below.

Step 10: Add Fun Sprinkles

While the icing is still wet, scatter sprinkles across the surface. This final touch brings a playful splash of color and texture, making the Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe perfect for celebrations or just brightening up your day.

How to Serve Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe

The image shows a stack of three yellow cake squares with smooth white frosting on top, decorated with colorful sprinkles in red, blue, green, and pink. The cake layers look soft and fluffy, with a light crumb texture. Around the stack, more pieces of the same cake are scattered on a white marbled surface, creating a bright and cheerful scene. The colors of the sprinkles add a festive touch to the simple cake squares. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can elevate your tray bake visually and flavor-wise. Consider a dusting of extra icing sugar, a light sprinkle of edible glitter, or a few fresh berries on top for a fresh contrast. Even a drizzle of melted chocolate can add a decadent twist while keeping the vanilla flavor front and center.

Side Dishes

This tray bake pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its sweet, vanilla flavor. Try serving it alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo. Fresh fruit salads, especially those with citrus or berries, provide a lovely balance of freshness against the cake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing this Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe to a party or gift-giving, slice it into neat squares and place them on a decorative tray lined with parchment paper. You can also layer pieces in a pretty box for an edible treat that friends and family will adore. For a more elegant touch, serve slices on fine china with a sprig of mint or a few edible flowers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover vanilla tray bake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the sponge moist and the icing soft, making it just as enjoyable if not more so the next day. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it can dry out the cake.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the uniced sponge tightly in cling film and then again in foil. It can be frozen for up to two months. When ready to use, thaw it completely before adding the icing and sprinkles to ensure a fresh, delicious finish.

Reheating

While this tray bake is best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, you can warm a slice gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer it slightly warm. Avoid overheating, as this can melt the icing and alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla paste?

Absolutely! Vanilla extract can be used if you don’t have vanilla paste on hand. Use the same quantity, but know that paste tends to have a richer flavor and flecks of vanilla bean that add a beautiful look to your batter.

What if I don’t have a 23×33 cm baking pan?

A 9×13 inch pan is ideal for this recipe, but if yours is slightly different in size, just adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller pan will need a bit longer, and a larger one a bit less. Keep an eye on the cake and use the toothpick test to check for doneness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the plain flour for a gluten-free baking mix, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder. Texture might vary slightly, but the delicious vanilla flavor will still shine through.

Why did my icing run off the cake?

If the icing is too thin, it will run off the edges. Mix the icing sugar and water more slowly and add water a teaspoon at a time until your desired consistency appears. It should be thick enough to coat the sponge without dripping away immediately.

How long does this Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the tray bake stays fresh for about three days. After that, it begins to dry out, so enjoy it promptly or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about a classic Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe, from the fragrant vanilla aroma baking in your kitchen to the joyful bite of the soft sponge and sweet icing. It’s a recipe that welcomes both beginners and seasoned bakers to create a perfect dessert that’s simple, beautiful, and irresistibly delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite for any occasion!