Looking for the best cake for the upcoming birthday party? With so many options out there, it can be a bit confusing. However, a tray bake birthday cake could be exactly what you need! It’s delicious, simple to make and serves lots of guests. Plus, it looks great on any dessert table.
What is a Tray Bake Birthday Cake
A tray bake is a type of cake that’s baked in a large, flat pan, usually rectangular or square. This is different from the typical round cakes we often see at parties. Because of its shape, a tray bake is ideal for gatherings where you want to feed many people. Therefore, this cake is a smart choice if you have a big group of friends or family.
Why You Should Choose a Tray Bake Birthday Cake
There are some really good reasons for choosing a tray bake birthday cake. Here are some of the following:
- Easy to Make: A tray bake birthday cake is very easy to make. You don’t need to worry about layering or making everything look perfect. You simply mix the ingredients, pour them into a tray, and bake. This makes it a great choice for new bakers or anyone who needs to save time.
- More Slices for Everyone: Since a tray bake is larger than most round cakes, it can provide more slices. Therefore, if you’re having a big party, everyone can enjoy a piece, and there might even be some left for later.
- Fun to Decorate: Decorating a tray bake is a fun activity. The flat surface makes it easy to spread icing, add sprinkles, or use fun toppings without worrying about messing it up. Moreover, you can be creative and try different designs on different sections of the cake.
- Simple to Transport: A tray bake birthday cake is much easier to carry than a layered cake. Since it sits flat and doesn’t have layers that can shift, it won’t tip over or get damaged while you’re moving it, which is perfect for parties or deliveries.
How to Make a Tray Bake Birthday Cake
Now that you know why a tray bake birthday cake is a fantastic choice, let’s dive into how to make one. Here’s a simple recipe to follow:
Ingredients:
- 250g unsalted butter
- 250g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 250g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milkÂ
Instructions:Â
- Preheat the Oven: First, preheat your oven to 180°C (or 160°C for a fan oven). Line your baking tray with baking paper to keep the cake from sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, mix the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This will make your cake soft and airy.
- Add the Eggs: Next, crack in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. This will help ensure that everything is blended smoothly.
- Fold in the Flour: Gently fold in the self-raising flour. Be careful not to over-mix, or the cake might turn out dense instead of light.
- Stir in the Vanilla and Milk: Pour in the vanilla extract and milk, then mix until the batter is smooth and ready for baking.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your baking tray and spread it evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when you poke a toothpick into the centre, and it comes out clean.
- Cool and Decorate: Once baked, let the cake cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. When it’s completely cool, you can start decorating it however you like.
Fun Decorating Ideas
Decorating your tray bake birthday cake can be very fun. So, here are some ideas to make your cake stand out:
- Buttercream Frosting: Spread a layer of buttercream icing over the top. Plus, you can use different colours to make it eye-catching.
- Sprinkles: Everyone loves sprinkles. Therefore, sprinkle colourful bits all over the icing for a festive look.
- Fruit Toppings: Add slices of fresh fruit or berries. As a result, this will give the cake a fresh and tasty twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cake for an extra special treat. It also adds a rich, glossy finish.
In addition, if you want to learn more about baking and decorating techniques, check out the Baking & Cake Decorating Course from Unified Course. This course can help you master new skills and create stunning cakes for any occasion!
Ideas for Different Party Themes
One of the coolest things about a tray bake birthday cake is how easy it is to match it to your party’s theme. So, here are some fun ideas:
- Superhero Party: Use icing in the colours of your favourite superhero and add small plastic toppers to make it exciting. Furthermore, you can even match the cake to the hero’s costume for extra fun.
- Princess Party: Use pink icing, edible glitter, and small candy pearls to make it magical and pretty. Additionally, you could add a princess crown on top to complete the look.
- Animal Party: Add animal-shaped decorations or create a jungle theme with green icing and chocolate animals. Moreover, you can use fondant to create a zoo scene on the cake.
Conclusion
A tray bake birthday cake is a wonderful choice for any birthday party. It’s easy to make, simple to decorate, and provides plenty of slices for all your guests. Plus, you can customise it to fit any theme you want. Therefore, the next time you’re planning a birthday celebration, consider baking a tray bake. It’s an easy way to impress everyone and make the day even more special.
