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

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 283 reviews

If you’re craving something delightfully simple yet utterly satisfying, this Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. With a tender, buttery sponge and a sweet, glossy vanilla glaze, it’s an irresistible treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just wanting a deliciously quick bake, this tray bake blends classic vanilla flavor with an easy preparation, making it the perfect go-to recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. From the top left, there is a clear bowl filled with white flour, and to the right is a white plate holding two blocks of pale yellow butter one stacked on the other. Below the flour, there are four brown eggs grouped together. To the right of the eggs, there is a small clear bowl filled with white baking powder and another larger clear bowl filled with white granulated sugar. Near the eggs is a small clear bowl filled with colorful round sprinkles showing red, blue, green, yellow, white, and orange. A small glass jar filled with white milk is placed near the center. Below the jar is a small bowl with amber-colored vanilla extract, and next to it on the right is a clear bowl filled with white powdered sugar. The lighting is soft and natural, and the setup looks clean and organized. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create this heavenly Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe, you’ll use everyday ingredients that are easy to find yet essential for creating its perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. Each element plays a special role—from the rich butter giving it moistness to the vanilla extract infusing that comforting aroma.

225 g plain (all-purpose) flour: The base of the sponge, providing structure and a tender crumb.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures your tray bake rises beautifully, making it light and fluffy.
225 g unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cake for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
250 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly and contributes to a light texture when creamed with butter.
4 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture and strength to the batter.
¼ cup milk: Helps loosen the batter slightly, keeping the sponge soft without drying out.
3 teaspoons vanilla extract: The star flavor that elevates this bake with its warm, aromatic sweetness.
2 cups icing (powdered) sugar: Creates the silky vanilla glaze that finishes the bake with a lovely sheen.
8 teaspoons water: Thins the icing to just the right pourable consistency.
2 tablespoons sprinkles: Add a fun, colorful touch on top, perfect for celebrations or brightening your teatime.

How to Make Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 180C (160C fan forced) or 350F. Line a 23x33cm (9×13 inch) baking pan with baking paper—this ensures your tray bake will release easily after baking and keep its perfect shape.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain flour and baking powder. This not only blends them but also aerates the flour, making your sponge lighter once baked. Set the mixture aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until pale and creamy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a fluffy and tender sponge. Remember to scrape the bowl sides once or twice to mix everything evenly.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid curdling. Your batter might look a bit separated at this stage, but don’t worry—that’s normal! The upcoming addition of flour will bring everything together beautifully.

Step 5: Mix in Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, gently stirring until just combined. This gives the batter extra moisture and infuses that irresistible vanilla essence throughout your bake.

Step 6: Incorporate the Flour

Using a spatula, fold in one-third of the flour mixture at a time, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your sponge light and fluffy—overworked batter can result in a dense bake.

Step 7: Bake the Sponge

Tip the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly to form a thin layer. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. This ensures the sponge is perfectly baked but still tender.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Allow the tray bake to cool fully before glazing. This step is key because you want the icing to set smoothly without melting into the sponge.

Step 9: Turn Out the Cake

Place a wire rack on top of the pan, flip it over to release the cake, and carefully remove the baking paper. Flip it once more to get the vanilla sponge right side up, ready for its beautiful glaze.

Step 10: Prepare and Pour the Icing

In a bowl, mix the icing sugar with half the water. Gradually add the remaining water until the icing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Pour this glossy vanilla glaze over the cooled tray bake evenly, then scatter sprinkles on top for that extra festive feel.

How to Serve Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe

A pile of small square yellow cake pieces with a soft texture sit stacked on a white rectangular board. Each cake piece has a thick white frosting layer on top, covered with colorful rainbow sprinkles in red, blue, green, orange, and yellow. Behind the stack, there is a white bowl filled with the same bright sprinkles. A soft pink cloth is draped in the background on a white marbled surface. The cake pieces show their fluffy inside clearly and the overall look is bright and cheerful photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the classic sprinkles add fun and color, you can also experiment with toasted coconut flakes, edible flowers, or a dusting of cinnamon for a warm twist. These simple touches can transform each slice into a little festive celebration.

Side Dishes

Serve slices of this vanilla tray bake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a comforting combo. Fresh berries or a drizzle of fruit compote can bring a lovely tart contrast that complements the sweet cake beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the tray bake into small squares for a charming tea party platter, or stack pieces with layers of jam and cream to turn it into a casual layered dessert. Wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon, it also makes a wonderful homemade gift that feels truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your vanilla tray bake will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, preserving the moistness of the sponge and the freshness of the glaze. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the cake.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It freezes beautifully for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best results.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm your slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or heat gently in the oven wrapped in foil. This brings back that soft, tender texture and makes each bite feel like it was just baked.

FAQs

Can I use self-raising flour instead of plain flour and baking powder?

Yes, you can substitute self-raising flour for the plain flour and baking powder combined. Just use the same amount of self-raising flour and skip the baking powder to keep the rise consistent.

What can I use if I don’t have vanilla extract?

If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can try vanilla paste or vanilla powder. Alternatively, a small amount of almond extract or a touch of maple syrup can add a lovely flavor twist.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the plain flour for a gluten-free baking blend suitable for cakes. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add a small amount for structure, and keep the ratios the same.

Can I make this Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The texture may vary slightly but the vanilla goodness will still shine through.

Why does my cake sometimes turn out dense?

Dense cake can be caused by overmixing the batter once the flour is added or by using cold ingredients. For the fluffiest results, mix just until combined and ensure ingredients are at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

This Vanilla Tray Bake Recipe is a wonderfully versatile and delightful treat that’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire. Its easy preparation, dependable results, and comforting flavor make it perfect for any moment you want to share something sweet with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how magical simple ingredients can taste when combined with a little love and vanilla!