Old School Traybake
Old School Tray Bake Recipe – A Classic School Dinner Cake
Remember those golden sponge squares served with pink custard in the school canteen? The soft, fluffy vanilla cake topped with simple icing and hundreds and thousands? If you're craving a slice of nostalgia, this old school tray bake recipe is just what you need!
This retro school dinner cake is quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and brings back sweet memories with every bite. And the best part? Everything’s measured in grams – no cups or guesswork here!
Ingredients (in grams)
For the sponge:
- 250g unsalted butter (softened)
- 250g caster sugar
- 250g self-raising flour
- 4 medium eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100ml mill
For the icing:
- 300g icing sugar
- 1-2 tbsp water or milk
- Optional: a few drops of pink food colouring
- Sprinkles or hundreds and thousands (for the classic school cake look)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
Grease and line a 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking tray or roasting tin.
2. Make the Sponge
Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Sift in the self-raising flour, folding gently until combined.
If the batter feels a little thick, add 1–2 tbsp of milk to loosen.
3. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared tray and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch.
Let it cool in the tin before icing.
4. Ice It Up
Mix icing sugar with a little water or milk until smooth and pourable (not runny).
Add a drop of pink food colouring if you want the classic school vibe.
Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
Finish with sprinkles or hundreds and thousands before the icing sets.
Tips for the Perfect Retro Tray Bake
- Don’t overmix the batter – just enough to combine everything.
- For extra flavour, swap vanilla for a touch of almond extract or lemon extract.
- You can freeze slices (without icing) and reheat when the craving hits.
Why You'll Love This Classic School Tray Bake
This cake is soft, light, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s perfect for bake sales, lunchbox treats, or weekend indulgence. And since it’s baked in a tray, there’s no fussing with layers or decorations – just slice and serve!
So next time you’re feeling nostalgic, whip up this easy old school tray bake and relive those sweet school-day moments.
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