Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tray bake combines rich chocolatey goodness with crunchy chocolate-covered spheres, creating a dessert that’s both satisfying and fun. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and makes a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.
ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate-covered spheres, roughly chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole chocolate-covered spheres
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in chopped chocolate-covered spheres and chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
For the Topping
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
- Pour ganache over cooled tray bake and spread evenly.
- Top with whole chocolate-covered spheres, pressing gently into the chocolate.
- Let set for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares.
Servings and timing
- Yield: 12 servings
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules to the batter for richer flavor.
- Substitute the chocolate-covered spheres with any other coated candy for a different twist.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.
storage/reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze. Thaw before serving.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, it will make the bake sweeter and creamier.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and increase baking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have a mixer?
You can mix by hand, but beat the butter and sugar thoroughly for best texture.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, chopped hazelnuts or walnuts pair well with the chocolate.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly treat.
Can I make it vegan?
Substitute butter and chocolate with vegan alternatives.
How thick should the ganache layer be?
About ¼ inch; spread evenly but don’t overdo it.
Can I use a different topping?
Yes, try frosting, caramel drizzle, or powdered sugar instead.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Tray Bake is a fun and delicious way to satisfy your chocolate cravings. It’s simple to prepare, wonderfully indulgent, and packed with crunchy chocolate spheres that make every bite special. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
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Malteser Chocolate Tray Bake: Indulge in This Easy Recipe!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and indulgent chocolate tray bake loaded with crunchy chocolate-covered spheres and topped with a silky chocolate ganache, perfect for chocolate lovers seeking an easy and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate-covered spheres, roughly chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- For the Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole chocolate-covered spheres
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream together softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in chopped chocolate-covered spheres and chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- For the Topping: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
- Pour ganache over cooled tray bake and spread evenly.
- Top with whole chocolate-covered spheres, pressing gently into the chocolate.
- Let set for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules to the batter for richer flavor.
- Substitute chocolate-covered spheres with any coated candy for a twist.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
