14 Easy Traybake Desserts to Feed a Crowd

Looking for dessert recipes that can easily feed a crowd? This collection of 14 traybake desserts offers a range of delicious options perfect for gatherings, parties, or just sharing with family and friends.

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These recipes cover a variety of flavors and styles, from classic chocolate brownies and lemon drizzle cake to more modern combinations like salted caramel and pecan or chocolate peanut butter swirls. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward, using simple ingredients and one tray to keep preparation hassle-free.

What makes these traybakes especially appealing is their convenience—they require minimal cleanup and can be baked all at once in a single pan. This makes them ideal for busy cooks who want impressive, crowd-pleasing desserts without extra work.

1. Classic Chocolate Brownie Traybake14 – Double Chocolate Chunk Traybake

A bright, top-down food photography shot on marble showing a dark double chocolate traybake with large melting chocolate chunks across the top. A piece is slightly tilted out of the pan, revealing gooey texture inside. Cocoa powder dusts the counter, with a wooden spoon and broken chocolate bar nearby. Everything looks indulgent, rich, and perfectly imperfect.

This Classic Chocolate Brownie Traybake offers the rich, chocolatey flavor many of us crave, with a dense and fudgy texture that’s incredibly satisfying. The crackly top adds a delightful contrast that makes every bite feel special without extra effort.

It’s a straightforward recipe using pantry staples that come together quickly, which means baking brownies at home doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This traybake is great for sharing, cutting into generous squares for family or a crowd.

Why This Recipe Works

This traybake combines simplicity with bold flavor, resulting in a dessert that’s both decadent and easy to make.

• Convenience – Uses simple ingredients you probably already have, with a quick mix-and-bake method.
• Texture – Fudgy and moist inside with a crisp, crackly crust on top for a pleasant contrast.
• Flavor balance – Deep chocolate flavor that’s never overpowering, with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Appeal – Familiar and comforting, perfect for casual gatherings and friendly sharing.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Swapping ingredients allows you to customize these brownies to suit different dietary needs or preferences.

• Butter alternative – Use coconut oil or vegan margarine to make these dairy-free while maintaining richness.
• Flour option – Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free version.
• Sugar substitute – Replace white granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup, reducing liquids slightly for syrup.
• Add-ins – Stir in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor variety.

Ingredients

• 175 grams unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled.
• 200 grams caster sugar.
• 75 grams unsweetened cocoa powder.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature.
• 100 grams plain flour.
• Optional: 100 grams chocolate chunks or nuts.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 20cm square baking tin with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well.
4. Fold in flour and optional add-ins until just combined.
5. Pour into tray and bake for 20–25 minutes until a thin crust forms and a skewer comes out with moist crumbs.
6. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

2. Lemon Drizzle Traybake

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This lemon drizzle traybake is a bright and refreshing treat that balances tartness and sweetness beautifully. The sponge stays light and moist, with fresh lemon juice in the batter and a tangy, sugary drizzle on top.

Simple to prepare, this bake fits well into busy schedules and makes a great shareable dessert or snack. Slice it into generous or bite-sized pieces as you like.

Why This Recipe Works

This traybake offers a delightful citrus flavor with a tender crumb that keeps each slice satisfying yet light.

• Convenience – Made in one tray with simple mixing and no complex steps.
• Flavor balance – A lovely mix of zesty lemon tang and sweet icing.
• Texture – Soft, moist sponge with a crisp, sugary glaze.
• Appeal – Suitable for gatherings or afternoon tea.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Customize the recipe with swaps for different diets or tastes.

• Butter replacement – Use coconut oil or plant-based spread for dairy-free richness.
• Sugar swap – Coconut sugar or natural sweeteners can replace granulated sugar.
• Flour options – Whole wheat or gluten-free flours work well.
• Topping variation – Lemon juice blended with honey or agave syrup for a different drizzle.

Ingredients

• 225g unsalted butter, softened.
• 225g caster sugar.
• 4 large eggs, room temperature.
• 225g self-raising flour.
• 2 tablespoons milk.
• Zest of 2 lemons.
• Juice of 1 lemon.
• 85g icing sugar, sifted.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 20x30cm baking tray with parchment.
2. Cream butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
4. Fold in flour and lemon zest, then stir in milk.
5. Bake batter for 25–30 minutes until golden and skewer comes out clean.
6. Mix lemon juice and icing sugar, drizzle over warm cake, then cool before slicing.

3. Salted Caramel and Pecan Traybake

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This traybake combines a rich buttery base with toasted pecans and a generous drizzle of homemade salted caramel, blending sweet, salty, and nutty flavors perfectly.

It’s a rustic, straightforward bake that works well for casual gatherings or a treat alongside tea.

Why This Recipe Works

It balances sweet, salty, and nutty flavors with ease, providing a comforting indulgent dessert.

• Convenience – Simple one-pan bake, minimal cleanup.
• Flavor balance – Rich butteriness, crunchy pecans, and luscious salted caramel.
• Texture – Crisp edges, soft middle, crunchy nuts.
• Appeal – Perfect for everyday treats or special occasions.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Swaps help tailor this traybake to personal preferences.

• Pecans – Substitute walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
• Butter – Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
• Brown sugar – Coconut sugar or golden syrup for subtle flavor changes.
• Salted caramel – Swap for chocolate ganache or maple syrup.

Ingredients

• 120g unsalted butter, softened.
• 100g light brown sugar.
• 1 large egg.
• 140g plain flour.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
• 100g pecan halves (half mixed in batter, half for topping).

For the salted caramel:

• 150g granulated sugar.
• 60g unsalted butter.
• 120ml double cream.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F), line 20cm square tin with parchment.
2. Cream butter and sugar, add egg.
3. Fold in flour and baking powder, stir in half the pecans.
4. Spread batter in tin, scatter remaining pecans on top.
5. Bake 25–30 minutes until edges golden and skewer comes out clean.
6. Make caramel by melting sugar until amber, stir in butter.
7. Add cream carefully, simmer 2 minutes, then add salt.
8. Cool slightly, drizzle over cooled cake, cut after caramel sets.

4. Berry and Almond Traybake

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This berry and almond traybake offers moist cake bursting with fresh berries and topped with toasted almonds for a light crunch.

It’s a simple one-pan bake carrying fresh fruit flavors, perfect for casual snacks or dessert.

Why This Recipe Works

Balances bright berry flavor and nutty crunch with a moist crumb and easy prep.

• Convenience – Easy one-tray preparation and cleanup.
• Flavor balance – Juicy berries and nutty almonds.
• Texture – Moist cake with crunchy topping.
• Appeal – Great for everyday treats or small gatherings.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Adapt the recipe with these simple swaps.

• Berries – Use frozen fruit or substitute with other fresh berries.
• Almonds – Replace with hazelnuts or pecans.
• Butter – Use coconut oil for dairy-free option.
• Flour – Gluten-free blends for gluten sensitivities.

Ingredients

• 150g mixed berries, fresh or frozen.
• 150g unsalted butter, softened.
• 150g caster sugar.
• 3 large eggs.
• 150g self-raising flour.
• 50g ground almonds.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• 50g toasted flaked almonds.
• Pinch of salt.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line 20cm square tin.
2. Cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs one at a time, add vanilla.
3. Fold flour, almonds, and salt into batter.
4. Fold in half the berries, spread batter in tray.
5. Scatter remaining berries and almonds on top.
6. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and skewer comes out clean.
7. Cool before slicing, serve warm or room temperature.

5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Traybake

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Rich chocolate meets salty peanut butter in this dense fudgy traybake. Smooth peanut butter swirled through the chocolate base makes it a luscious, satisfying dessert.

It’s simple and quick to prepare, baked in one pan and perfect for sharing.

Why This Recipe Works

Minimal effort creates a delicious homemade treat with complementary flavors.

• Convenience – One-pan bake with easy swirl technique.
• Flavor balance – Saltiness of peanut butter and rich chocolate.
• Texture – Fudgy with creamy peanut butter pockets.
• Appeal – Great for casual family treats.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Make it your own with these ingredient switches.

• Peanut butter – Swap for almond or sunflower seed butter.
• Butter – Use coconut oil for dairy-free.
• Flour – Gluten-free blends work well.
• Sugar – Coconut sugar or maple syrup adjustment.

Ingredients

• 200g dark chocolate chips.
• 150g unsalted butter, melted.
• 200g granulated sugar.
• 3 large eggs.
• 150g plain flour.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
• 150g creamy peanut butter.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F), line 20x30cm tray with parchment.
2. Melt chocolate and butter together, stir in sugar.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Fold in flour, baking powder, salt.
5. Pour batter into tray, dollop peanut butter evenly.
6. Swirl peanut butter with a skewer for marbled effect.
7. Bake 25–30 minutes; cool completely before slicing.

6. Apple Cinnamon Crumble Traybake

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This warm, comforting traybake blends soft spiced apples with a crunchy cinnamon crumble topping for a classic homestyle dessert.

Simple to make in a single tray, it’s perfect for cozy days and easy sharing.

Why This Recipe Works

Classic flavors with soft apples and crisp crumble provide delightful texture and aroma.

• Convenience – One tray, minimal cleanup.
• Flavor balance – Sweet apples and warm cinnamon.
• Texture – Juicy fruit, tender base, crunchy topping.
• Appeal – Suitable for all ages and occasions.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Flexibility to suit diets or tastes.

• Butter – Use coconut oil or dairy-free spread.
• Flour – Gluten-free mixes.
• Sugar – Coconut sugar or maple syrup alternatives.
• Fruit – Pears or peaches instead of apples.

Ingredients

• 3 large apples, peeled and chopped.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• 200g plain flour.
• 100g caster sugar.
• 115g cold unsalted butter, diced.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder.
• 2 eggs.
• 100ml milk.
• 50g light brown sugar.
• Pinch of salt.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F), grease 20x30cm tray.
2. Toss apples with cinnamon and 1 tbsp sugar, spread in tray.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, remaining sugar, salt.
4. Add eggs and milk, mix smooth, pour over apples.
5. Rub butter into flour and brown sugar for crumble.
6. Sprinkle crumble on top, bake 35–40 mins until golden.
7. Cool slightly before slicing; serve warm or room temp.

7. White Chocolate and Raspberry Traybake

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Creamy white chocolate paired with tart raspberries in a tender sponge makes this traybake a crowd-pleaser with fresh, indulgent flavors.

Easy to assemble in one pan, it suits busy days or teatime treats.

Why This Recipe Works

Simple preparation delivers a tasty, balanced dessert with pleasing texture.

• Convenience – One bowl, one tray bake.
• Flavor balance – Sweet white chocolate and tart raspberries.
• Texture – Soft sponge with juicy fruit and melty chocolate.
• Appeal – Family-friendly and elegant.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Adapt to your preferences safely.

• Raspberries – Use blueberries or strawberries.
• White chocolate – Dark or milk chocolate chunks.
• Butter – Coconut oil for dairy-free.
• Flour – Gluten-free alternatives.

Ingredients

• 200g unsalted butter, softened.
• 200g caster sugar.
• 4 large eggs.
• 200g self-raising flour.
• 100g white chocolate chunks.
• 150g fresh raspberries.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Pinch of salt.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F), line 20cm square tray.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Beat eggs in one at a time, add vanilla.
4. Fold in flour, salt, white chocolate, and half raspberries.
5. Pour into tray, scatter remaining raspberries on top.
6. Bake 30–35 minutes until skewer clean.
7. Cool before cutting into squares.

8. Carrot Cake Traybake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Enjoy a moist spiced carrot cake in traybake form topped with tangy cream cheese frosting for a hassle-free dessert.

Baked in one pan, it’s perfect for busy days and sharing.

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced flavors and textures with minimal effort.

• Convenience – One pan bake with easy cleanup.
• Flavor balance – Sweet carrot and warm spices, tangy frosting.
• Texture – Moist crumb with creamy topping.
• Family-friendly – Widely appealing.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Customize your bake easily.

• Walnuts – Pecan or almond substitution.
• Flour – Use whole wheat.
• Cream cheese – Mascarpone or vegan alternatives.
• Sugar – Coconut sugar or maple syrup.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated carrot.
• 1 cup chopped walnuts.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour.
• 1 tsp baking powder.
• 1 tsp baking soda.
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon.
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg.
• ½ tsp salt.
• 3 large eggs.
• 1 cup brown sugar.
• ½ cup vegetable oil.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract.
• For frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, 4 tbsp butter, 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F), prepare 9×13 inch tray.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt.
3. Beat eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla in another bowl.
4. Add dry to wet, fold in carrot and walnuts.
5. Bake 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Mix frosting ingredients until smooth, spread over cooled cake.

9. Banana and Walnut Traybake

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Make use of ripe bananas in this moist, spiced traybake dotted with crunchy walnuts for a comforting treat.

The recipe is straightforward and perfect for sharing or quick snacks.

Why This Recipe Works

Easy to mix with familiar flavors and textures.

• Convenience – One-bowl preparation.
• Flavor balance – Sweet bananas with cinnamon and nuts.
• Texture – Moist with crunchy walnut contrast.
• Appeal – Great for all occasions.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Adapt to your tastes.

• Walnuts – Alternate nuts.
• Flour – Whole wheat or spelt.
• Sweetener – Maple syrup or coconut sugar.
• Butter – Dairy-free alternatives.

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed.
• 100g walnuts, chopped.
• 225g plain flour.
• 1 tsp baking powder.
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
• 100g brown sugar.
• 100g unsalted butter, melted.
• 2 eggs.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract.
• ½ tsp salt.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F), line 20x30cm tray.
2. Mix bananas, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla.
3. Sift and mix flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, salt.
4. Fold dry into wet, then walnuts.
5. Bake 30–35 minutes until skewer clean.
6. Cool before cutting.

10. Oaty Date and Walnut Traybake

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This chewy traybake combines oats, dates, and walnuts for a wholesome and satisfying dessert or snack.

Simple to prepare, it’s perfect for lunchboxes or on-the-go energy.

Why This Recipe Works

Wholesome ingredients bring a filling yet indulgent treat.

• Convenience – One pan, easy mix.
• Flavor balance – Natural sweetness with nutty depth.
• Texture – Chewy with crunchy nuts.
• Appeal – Suitable for snack or dessert.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Flexible ingredients make this adaptable.

• Dates – Use figs or apricots.
• Walnuts – Almonds or pecans.
• Butter – Coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Sweetener – Maple syrup or honey.

Ingredients

• 200g rolled oats.
• 150g chopped dates.
• 100g chopped walnuts.
• 100g unsalted butter.
• 100g light brown sugar.
• 1 tsp baking powder.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract.
• ¼ tsp salt.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F), line 20x30cm tray.
2. Mix oats, dates, walnuts, baking powder, salt.
3. Melt butter and sugar, mix with vanilla.
4. Combine wet with dry, press into tray.
5. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden at edges.
6. Cool, then cut into bars.

11. Chocolate Chip Blondie Traybake

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Buttery blondies filled with gooey chocolate chips make for a sweet, chewy treat that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.

Convenient one-pan baking produces tender squares perfect for sharing or snacking.

Why This Recipe Works

Simple yet indulgent dessert with great texture and rich sweetness.

• Convenience – One pan and quick mixing.
• Flavor balance – Buttery sweetness and chocolate.
• Texture – Chewy center with crisp top.
• Appeal – Family favorite.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Customize your blondie easily.

• Butter – Use plant-based margarine.
• Flour – Gluten-free substitute.
• Chocolate chips – White chocolate or peanut butter chips.
• Brown sugar – Coconut sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.
• 1 ½ cups light brown sugar.
• 2 large eggs.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder.
• ½ teaspoon salt.
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F), line 9×13 inch pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs, mix well, then vanilla.
4. Whisk dry ingredients and fold in.
5. Stir in chocolate chips, spread in pan.
6. Bake 25–30 minutes until edges golden.
7. Cool completely before slicing.

12. Gingerbread Traybake

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Warm spices and molasses combine in this cozy gingerbread traybake, perfect for colder months or festive seasons.

Simple to make, it delivers comforting flavors and a tender crumb.

Why This Recipe Works

Classic warming spices and moist texture make it an inviting treat.

• Convenience – One bowl and tray baking.
• Flavor balance – Spicy ginger with molasses depth.
• Texture – Soft crumb with crisp top.
• Appeal – Great for sharing and holidays.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Taste tweaks are easy.

• Molasses – Swap dark treacle or honey.
• Butter – Use coconut oil or margarine.
• Flour – Gluten-free blend.
• Spices – Customize ginger, cinnamon, cloves, or add nutmeg.

Ingredients

• 225g plain flour.
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder.
• 1 tsp ground ginger.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
• ½ tsp ground cloves.
• 115g unsalted butter, softened.
• 175g light brown sugar.
• 150g golden syrup.
• 150g black treacle or molasses.
• 2 eggs.
• 125ml whole milk.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 170°C (325°F), line 20cm square tin.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, spices.
3. Cream butter and sugar until pale.
4. Beat in golden syrup and molasses.
5. Add eggs one at a time.
6. Fold dry ingredients alternating with milk.
7. Bake 30-35 minutes until skewer clean.
8. Cool and slice.

13. Strawberry and Cream Cheese Swirl Traybake

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This traybake combines fresh strawberry compote and creamy swirls of cream cheese in a tender, light cake for a delightful treat.

It’s quick to make and perfect for casual sharing.

Why This Recipe Works

Fresh fruit and creamy tang combine with easy preparation for a crowd-pleaser.

• Convenience – One pan, simple compote.
• Flavor balance – Sweet strawberries and tangy cream cheese.
• Texture – Light cake with creamy ribbons.
• Appeal – Ideal for desserts and afternoon treats.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Personalize with these swaps.

• Cream cheese – Mascarpone or ricotta.
• Strawberries – Raspberries or blueberries.
• Flour – Gluten-free blends.
• Sweetener – Honey or maple syrup.

Ingredients

• 150g fresh strawberries, chopped.
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar.
• 200g cream cheese, softened.
• 1 egg.
• 150g plain flour.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder.
• 100g unsalted butter, melted.
• 100ml milk.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F), line 20cm square tray.
2. Cook strawberries with 2 tbsp sugar until thickened for compote; cool.
3. Whisk cream cheese, egg, 1 tbsp sugar.
4. Mix flour and baking powder, add butter, milk, vanilla.
5. Pour half batter, dollop cream cheese and compote.
6. Add remaining batter, swirl with knife.
7. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden and skewer clean.
8. Cool before slicing.

14. Double Chocolate Chunk Traybake

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Rich cocoa and chunky dark chocolate combine in this fudgy traybake with a crisp top, perfect for chocoholics.

Easy to prepare and ideal for sharing or casual snacking.

Why This Recipe Works

Intense chocolate flavor with straightforward prep offers a satisfying dessert.

• Convenience – Simple ingredients and one pan.
• Flavor balance – Cocoa powder and melting chocolate chunks.
• Texture – Soft center with crisp top.
• Appeal – Perfect for sharing.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Customize easily with these changes.

• Dark chocolate chunks – Swap milk chocolate.
• Butter – Coconut oil for dairy-free.
• Flour – Gluten-free blends.
• Sugar – Coconut sugar or maple syrup.

Ingredients

• 200g plain flour.
• 50g cocoa powder.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• 175g unsalted butter, melted.
• 150g caster sugar.
• 3 large eggs.
• 200g dark chocolate chunks.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Instructions

1. Preheat to 180°C (350°F), line 20cm square tin.
2. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt.
3. Whisk melted butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time, stir in vanilla.
4. Fold in dry ingredients, then chocolate chunks.
5. Pour batter into tin, smooth.
6. Bake 25-30 minutes until edges set but center soft.
7. Cool completely before slicing.