traybakes

Traybake is a dish prepared in a flat, rectangular baking tray and served in portions. In British English the term is used for both sweet desserts and savory one-pan meals that bake in a single layer and are cut into squares or bars for serving. A typical traybake uses a shallow tray lined with parchment to promote even cooking and easy removal.

Sweet traybakes are usually single-layer cakes or batters that bake in a wide pan and are finished with icing, glaze, or dusting. Common ingredients include flour, sugar, fat, eggs, and a leavening agent, with flavorings such as lemon, chocolate, fruit, or spice. Savory traybakes combine ingredients such as meat or poultry, potatoes, and vegetables, seasoned and roasted in a sheet pan.

Preparation involves spreading an evenly mixed batter or ingredient mix in the tray, then baking at a moderate temperature until set and lightly browned. After cooling, the baked slab is cut into uniform portions. In many recipes, a glaze or dusting is applied to finish.

Traybakes offer efficiency and consistent texture, since the even thickness promotes uniform baking. They are convenient for portion control and batch cooking. The term is closely related to sheet cakes in American usage and sheet-pan meals in modern cooking, though regional usage varies.