Malteser Chocolate Tray Bake Recipe

Malteser Chocolate Tray Bake Recipe That Feeds a Crowd

Malteser chocolate tray bake promises pure decadence for serious chocolate enthusiasts.

Sweet tooths will absolutely fall in love with this crowd-pleasing dessert that screams comfort and indulgence.

Crumbly, rich, and utterly delightful, this treat captures the perfect balance between chocolate intensity and malty goodness.

Chocolate lovers understand the magic of combining smooth textures with crunchy surprises.

Dessert experts know these moments of pure satisfaction come from carefully crafted recipes that speak directly to the heart.

Baking something spectacular doesn't require professional skills – just genuine passion and simple ingredients.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will appreciate how straightforward yet impressive this malteser chocolate tray bake can be for any gathering or personal craving.

Grab your mixing bowl and prepare for a delectable journey into chocolate paradise.

Why Is Malteser Chocolate Tray Bake Worth Trying

  • Chocolate Lover’s Dream: This tray bake packs serious chocolate punch that’ll satisfy even the most intense cocoa cravings, with rich layers of chocolate cake and Maltesers creating an epic dessert.
  • Super Simple Chocolate Treat: Anyone can nail this recipe, from total newbies to seasoned bakers – the steps are straightforward and the ingredients are totally standard kitchen staples.
  • Party-Perfect Dessert: Perfect for sharing at gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations where people love a crowd-pleasing chocolate dessert that looks impressive but isn’t complicated to make.
  • Customizable Chocolate Delight: Feel free to adjust the Maltesers quantity or swap chocolate chips to match your personal sweet tooth, making this recipe wonderfully flexible for different tastes.

Ingredients For Malteser Chocolate Tray Bake

Base Cake Ingredients:
  • 1 Cup Unsalted Butter: Softened butter helps create a rich, smooth cake texture that melts perfectly in your mouth.
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in your chocolate cake.
  • 4 Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to your baked treat.
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the deep chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour: Forms the foundation of your cake’s structure.
  • 1 Cup Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor throughout your dessert.
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder: Helps your cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • ½ Teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • 2 Cups Maltesers, Roughly Chopped: Adds delightful crunch and malt flavor to your chocolate base.
  • 1 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Creates extra pockets of melted chocolate goodness.
Topping Ingredients:
  • 1 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Creates a smooth, glossy ganache for your tray bake.
  • ¼ Cup Heavy Cream: Helps melt the chocolate into a silky topping.
  • 1 Cup Maltesers, Whole: Provides a beautiful decorative finish and extra crunch.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Malteser Chocolate Tray Bake

  • 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for spreading your chocolatey batter and getting those perfect square servings.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Where the magic happens – cream your butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy dream.
  • Electric Mixer or Whisk: Beat those ingredients into smooth submission, making sure everything blends perfectly.
  • Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Essential for getting your dry ingredients super smooth and lump-free.
  • Small Saucepan: Needed for creating that rich chocolate ganache topping with heated cream.
  • Spatula: Help spread your batter evenly and scrape every delicious bit from the bowl.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters when baking, so measure those ingredients carefully.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Lets your tray bake cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.
  • Toothpick: Your trusty doneness tester to make sure the cake bakes perfectly.
  • Sharp Knife: For cutting clean, beautiful squares after everything has set.

Classic Way to Make Malteser Chocolate Tray Bake

Classic Way to Make Malteser Chocolate Tray Bake
1

Prep the Oven and Pan

Crank your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a quick spray or butter rub so nothing sticks.

2

Mix the Butter Base

Grab your mixer and whip 1 cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This takes about 3-4 minutes of steady mixing.

3

Add the Eggs

Crack 4 large eggs into the butter mixture one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each egg drops in. Pour in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and blend smoothly.

4

Create the Dry Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients carefully:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Sift these together so everything blends perfectly.

5

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything just comes together – don’t overmix.

6

Add the Chocolate Chunks

Fold in these delicious extras:

  • 2 cups chopped Maltesers
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
7

Bake the Base

Pour your batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the 350°F oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cake is done.

8

Cool Down

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

9

Create the Ganache Topping

Heat ¼ cup heavy cream in a small pan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth and glossy.

10

Finish and Decorate

Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled cake. Spread it evenly. Dot the top with 1 cup whole Maltesers, pressing them gently into the chocolate.

11

Set and Serve

Let the tray bake sit for at least 1 hour so the topping can set. Cut into squares and serve whenever you’re ready for a sweet treat.

Helpful Notes For Malteser Chocolate Tray Bake

  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure a smooth, fluffy base for your tray bake.
  • Combine dry ingredients separately, then gradually fold them into the wet mixture to prevent overmixing and keep your cake tender.
  • Chop some Maltesers and fold gently into the batter, reserving whole ones for topping to create a delightful texture contrast.
  • Check your tray bake a few minutes before the recommended baking time, as ovens vary and you want a moist, not dry, result.
  • Pour warm chocolate ganache while slightly cool to get a smooth, glossy finish that sets beautifully on top of your tray bake.

Flavorful Options for Malteser Chocolate Tray Bake

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, keeping the same measurement to ensure a similar texture for those avoiding gluten.
  • Vegan Chocolate Treat: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version that keeps the rich chocolate flavor.
  • Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Substitute Maltesers with chopped roasted almonds or pecans, adding a different textural element and nutty depth to your chocolate tray bake.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing the overall sugar content while maintaining the delicious chocolate experience.

Best Serving Options for Malteser Chocolate Tray Bake

  • Serve Chilled: Refrigerate the tray bake for an hour before serving to enhance the chocolate’s richness and help the ganache set perfectly.
  • Pair with Coffee: Brew a strong espresso or cappuccino to complement the sweet chocolate and malty crunch of the Maltesers.
  • Cut into Perfect Squares: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry to create clean, precise cuts that showcase the layers.
  • Store Smartly: Keep the tray bake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a firmer texture that maintains its delicious flavor.
  • Store the tray bake in an airtight container at room temperature, where the chocolatey goodness will keep perfectly for 3-4 days.
  • Refrigerate the dessert if your kitchen gets warm, but let the squares sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to bring back that soft, rich texture.
  • Freeze individual squares wrapped separately in plastic wrap, then tucked into a freezer bag, which keeps them fresh for up to 2 months.
  • When freezing, place parchment between layers so the Maltesers don’t stick together, making it super easy to grab just one square when chocolate cravings hit.
FAQ

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Choose your favorite chocolate chip variety to match your taste preferences.

FAQ

Are Maltesers necessary for this recipe?

Maltesers create the signature crunch and flavor, but you could substitute similar malt ball candies if needed.

FAQ

How many Maltesers should I use in the batter?

About 1 cup of chopped Maltesers works perfectly to distribute flavor and texture throughout the tray bake.

FAQ

Can this dessert be frozen?

Yes, wrap the cooled tray bake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch pan?

A similar sized rectangular baking pan will work fine – just adjust baking time slightly and check for doneness with a toothpick.

FAQ

Do I need any special baking equipment?

Just standard mixing bowls, a whisk or electric mixer, and a rectangular baking pan are all you’ll need for this recipe.

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Malteser Chocolate Tray Bake Recipe

Malteser Chocolate Tray Bake Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hours 55-0 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Malteser Chocolate Tray Bake fills your kitchen with rich chocolate comfort and crunchy malt goodness. Each slice delivers an indulgent treat that vanishes quickly.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 cups Maltesers
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Maltesers

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened butter with 1 cup sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Crack 4 large eggs into the butter mixture, adding them one at a time and mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  4. Pour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the batter and blend completely.
  5. Sift 1 cup flour, 1 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt into a separate bowl.
  6. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  7. Gently fold 2 cups roughly chopped Maltesers and 1 cup chocolate chips into the batter.
  8. Transfer batter to prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  9. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes.
  11. Transfer tray bake to a wire rack and cool completely.
  12. Heat ¼ cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it simmers.
  13. Remove cream from heat and add 1 cup chocolate chips, stirring until smooth and glossy.
  14. Pour ganache over cooled tray bake, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  15. Arrange 1 cup whole Maltesers on top, gently pressing them into the chocolate.
  16. Allow tray bake to set for 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • Chop Maltesers roughly to distribute malt ball pieces and chocolate more evenly throughout the batter.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend to keep the same consistency.
  • Ensure ganache is slightly cooled before pouring to prevent melting the Maltesers on top and maintain their crisp texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Baked
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Isabella Romero

Isabella Romero

Hospitality & Beverage Editor

Expertise

Cocktail Culture, Tequila and Mezcal Knowledge, Guest Experience Writing, Restaurant Trends, Event Dining Guides

Education

National Louis University, Kendall College
  • Program: B.A. in Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Studied hospitality through a program built around theory and application, with practical preparation for restaurant and guest-experience careers in Chicago’s hospitality industry.
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
  • Program: Level 2 Award in Spirits
  • Focus: Studied core spirits categories, tasting methodology, service principles, and the use of spirits in cocktails, making it a strong fit for beverage content tied to tequila, mezcal, and cocktail culture.

Isabella brings together cocktails, food culture, social dining, and the thoughtful details that make a meal feel memorable. Her content blends atmosphere, flavor, and hospitality in a warm, polished style that helps readers connect with the full dining experience, from the first sip to the last bite.

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