INTRODUCTION

Chocolate and salted caramel are a match made in dessert heaven. This Chocolate & Salted Caramel Traybake from Waitrose & Partners is an easy-to-make treat that combines the rich taste of chocolate with the delightful sweetness of caramel. It’s perfect for a family gathering, a party, or just a cozy night at home. This recipe gives you a simple way to enjoy the wonderful flavors of chocolate and salted caramel. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this traybake is a great choice.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This Chocolate & Salted Caramel Traybake is rich, soft, and incredibly delicious. The combination of smooth chocolate and the slight bite from the salted caramel creates a flavor that many people adore. It’s easy to make and does not require any complicated techniques. Perfect for sharing, this traybake allows you to serve a large group with just one bake. Plus, it looks stunning on a dessert table!

HOW TO MAKE Chocolate & Salted Caramel Traybake

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make this delightful traybake, you will need the following items:

A baking tray (approximately 9×12 inches)
A mixing bowl
A whisk or electric mixer
A spatula
A heatproof bowl for melting chocolate
Parchment paper for lining the tray
A saucepan for making the caramel

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make the Chocolate & Salted Caramel Traybake:

200g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
150g unsalted butter
250g golden syrup
250g caster sugar
150g plain flour
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
A pinch of salt
100g sea salt caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Extra salt flakes for topping, if desired

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure your traybake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly cooked.
Prepare the Baking Tray: Line the baking tray with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the traybake once it’s cooked and cooled.
Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl, break the dark chocolate into pieces and add the unsalted butter. Place this bowl over a saucepan of simmering water to create a double boiler. Stir until both the chocolate and butter have melted completely and mixed well. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix the Sugar and Eggs: In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the caster sugar and eggs until it is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes if you are using an electric mixer.
Combine the Ingredients: Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift the plain flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into the chocolate mixture. Use a spatula to fold these ingredients in gently. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Golden Syrup: Add the golden syrup to the batter. Fold until everything is just combined.
Pour the Batter into the Tray: Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The top should look set and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs when inserted into the center.
Add the Caramel Sauce: Once out of the oven, allow it to cool in the tray for a few minutes. Then, gently drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top. You can use a spatula to spread it out evenly if needed.
Cool Completely: Allow the traybake to cool completely in the tray. Once cool, you can sprinkle some extra sea salt flakes on top, if desired.
Slice and Serve: Once cooled, lift the traybake out of the tray using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

HOW TO SERVE Chocolate & Salted Caramel Traybake

Serve the Chocolate & Salted Caramel Traybake at room temperature. It’s great on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. You can also pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Chocolate & Salted Caramel Traybake

You can store your traybake in an airtight container for up to five days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the traybake. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Pair it with whipped cream or ice cream.
Serve with fresh berries for a fruity touch.
Drizzle extra chocolate or caramel sauce on top before serving.
Enjoy with a dollop of crème fraîche for a creamy contrast.

VARIATIONS

If you want to mix things up, consider these variations:

Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter for extra crunch.
Fruit Flavor: Incorporate some raspberry or orange zest for a fruity flavor.
Milk Chocolate: Substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter version.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder or cinnamon for a warm spiciness.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
- Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
How can I make the caramel sauce at home?
- To make caramel sauce, melt sugar over low heat until it turns brown and then carefully add cream and butter, stirring until smooth.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
- This recipe contains eggs and butter, but you can substitute them with vegan alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, use a gluten-free flour mix instead of plain flour for a gluten-free version.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Chocolate & Salted Caramel Traybake

You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh the next day for the best taste. Additionally, you can make the caramel sauce in advance and store it in a jar in the fridge. Just reheat it slightly before drizzling it on your traybake. This way, you will have less to do on the day you plan to serve it!

Enjoy baking, and have fun making this Chocolate & Salted Caramel Traybake!