Name: Easter Carrot Patch Traybake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 250 g White chocolate; Few drops Orange food colouring; 12 Strawberries, washed and patted dry; 250 g Butter, softened; 250 g Caster sugar; 1 Teaspoon Vanilla extract; 4 Medium Eggs; 220 g Self-raising flour; 30 g Cocoa powder; 2-3 Tablespoons Milk; 190 g Icing sugar; 1 Tablespoon Cocoa powder; 1-2 Tablespoons Milk; ½ Pack Oreos, crushed into crumbs (about 7 Oreos)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 90 reviews

The Easter Carrot Patch Traybake Recipe is an absolute delight that brings festive cheer and a burst of spring to your table. This irresistibly moist chocolate traybake, generously topped with creamy cocoa icing and Oreo crumbs, is crowned with adorable white chocolate-dipped strawberries transformed into cute little carrots with a splash of orange color. It’s a vibrant, playful dessert that’s perfect for celebrating Easter or any occasion where you want to impress with a treat that’s both tasty and fun. Once you try this Easter Carrot Patch Traybake Recipe, it’ll quickly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Several strawberries are shown on a flat surface with a white marbled texture. Some strawberries are fully covered in a smooth, light orange coating, while others are still being decorated with drizzles of the same orange layer from above. The top green leaves of each strawberry remain visible, adding contrast to the orange coating. The orange drizzle forms uneven lines over some of the strawberries, creating a textured effect on their surface. The image captures the moment of decoration and the mix of smooth and streaked layers on the strawberries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Easter Carrot Patch Traybake Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From luscious white chocolate for the carrot strawberries to the rich cocoa that makes the cake so moist and decadent, every item works harmoniously together.

250 g White chocolate: This is vital for creating the carrot coating on the strawberries and adds a smooth, sweet finish.
Few drops Orange food colouring: Used to tint the white chocolate so your strawberries resemble charming carrots – this little splash turns whimsy into reality.
12 Strawberries, washed and patted dry: Fresh, firm strawberries are the ‘carrots’ that top your traybake delight.
250 g Butter, softened: Gives the cake a tender crumb and rich buttery flavor.
250 g Caster sugar: Sweetness that balances the cocoa and chocolate flavors perfectly.
1 Teaspoon Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that lifts the entire traybake.
4 Medium Eggs: Bind everything together and help create that lovely sponge texture.
220 g Self-raising flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and lift.
30 g Cocoa powder: Brings depth and richness to the chocolate flavor.
2-3 Tablespoons Milk: Moistens the batter for a soft, velvety crumb.
190 g Icing sugar: Key for the sweet, smooth chocolate icing.
1 Tablespoon Cocoa powder: Adds chocolatey intensity to the icing.
1-2 Tablespoons Milk: To get the icing to the perfect spreading consistency.
½ Pack Oreos, crushed into crumbs (7 Oreos): Sprinkle these on top for a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.

How to Make Easter Carrot Patch Traybake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Chocolate Strawberries

Start by melting the white chocolate gently, either in a microwave or over a bain-marie. Once smooth, stir in a few drops of orange food coloring until you achieve a vibrant carrot-orange hue. This step is where your strawberries transform into adorable carrot toppers, adding both color and sweetness to the traybake.

Step 2: Dip the Strawberries

Take each strawberry, ensuring they are dry (this keeps the chocolate coating firm and smooth), and dip them fully into the colored white chocolate. Place them carefully on a lined baking tray. For extra flair, drizzle a little of the colored chocolate over the strawberries, adding dimension and charm.

Step 3: Chill the Strawberries

Pop the tray of dipped strawberries into the fridge and let them set for about one hour. This cooling step is crucial to help the chocolate harden properly, giving you those perfectly carrot-like, glossy strawberry treats to decorate the finished cake.

Step 4: Bake the Traybake Cake

Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (reduce to 160°C/320°F for fan ovens) and line an 8×10-inch baking tin with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract, then whisk in the eggs one at a time, pause to scrape down the sides to keep everything well mixed.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the self-raising flour and cocoa powder, then gently fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients. Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of milk as you fold to loosen the batter to a smooth consistency that’s easy to spread in your tin.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin, smoothing it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Icing and Assembly

While the cake cools, mix the icing sugar, cocoa powder, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth chocolate icing. Spread this evenly over the cooled cake surface. Before the icing sets, generously sprinkle crushed Oreo crumbs over the top. These crumbs add a delightful texture contrast and a little extra chocolate fun.

Step 8: Decorate with Carrot Strawberries

Use small dots of leftover chocolate icing as glue, and carefully stick your carrot strawberries on top of the cake. Leave your Easter Carrot Patch Traybake Recipe to set completely so your toppings are nicely secured and ready for slicing and sharing!

How to Serve Easter Carrot Patch Traybake Recipe

The image shows a single square slice of chocolate cake with three visible layers. The bottom and largest layer is a moist, medium-dark brown cake with a soft, slightly spongy texture. The middle layer is a thin, crumbly dark brown topping that looks like crushed cookie crumbs, covering the entire top surface of the cake. The top layer is a smooth, light orange carrot-shaped decoration made of frosting, placed vertically in the center of the cake slice, with several rounded ridges going around it and a few small black specks on its surface. The carrot also has tiny green leaves visible to one side near its base. The cake is placed on a white plate with a white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Complement the vibrant carrot strawberries by dusting a light sprinkle of icing sugar over the traybake just before serving. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of green and a refreshing aroma that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate layers.

Side Dishes

This traybake is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream brings a creamy softness that contrasts perfectly with the cake’s rich texture. Fresh fruit salad on the side offers a light, refreshing balance to the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Easter Carrot Patch Traybake Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a charming country feel, or arrange slices on a bright, pastel-colored platter to emphasize the Easter theme. For parties, consider cutting into bite-sized squares and presenting on a tiered stand alongside your seasonal favorites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover slices tightly with cling film or store in an airtight container to retain moisture and freshness. Keep the traybake refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days to enjoy it at its best.

Freezing

The cake freezes wonderfully. Slice it before freezing and place pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the perfect texture and flavor preservation.

Reheating

If you prefer your traybake warm, gently reheat slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for 10 minutes. Avoid overheating to keep the cake moist and the decorations intact.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for the carrot strawberries?

White chocolate is preferred here because it’s easier to color with orange food coloring, achieving the carrot effect. Dark chocolate won’t take color the same way but can be used if you skip the carrot design for a different look.

What if I don’t have orange food colouring?

You can try blending a small amount of natural colorings like carrot juice or paprika powder into melted white chocolate, but results may vary. Food coloring is easiest for vibrant orange tones.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it contains a raising agent. The texture might differ slightly, but it will still taste fantastic.

Is it necessary to chill the strawberries after dipping?

Absolutely. Chilling helps the chocolate set properly for a clean finish and prevents the coating from melting when added to the warm cake later.

How long does the traybake keep once iced and decorated?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it keeps its best quality for 3-4 days. Beyond that, the toppings may soften, but it remains delicious for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

The Easter Carrot Patch Traybake Recipe is such a magical blend of flavors, textures, and festive fun that it truly brightens up any celebration. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, this traybake will bring smiles and cravings for more. Give this recipe a go, and I guarantee it will become a joyful part of your Easter traditions for many years to come!