Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Looking for a festive treat that’s simple to prepare but packed with holiday cheer? This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is your new go-to recipe for all your seasonal gatherings! Bursting with warm spices, dried fruits, and a rich, moist texture, this traybake is not only quick to whip up but also irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or cozy nights by the fire, this Easy Christmas Cake Traybake brings comfort and joy in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: Minimal steps make baking stress-free, even for beginners.
• Festive flavors: Classic Christmas spices and dried fruits create a warming holiday taste.
• Versatile serving: Perfect as a dessert, snack, or gift during the festive season.
• Great for sharing: Large traybake format feeds a crowd without the fuss.
• Make-ahead friendly: Improves in flavor when made a day or two in advance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting this delicious Easy Christmas Cake Traybake. Each item contributes essential flavors, moistness, or texture that bring the cake to life and make it perfectly festive.

• Dried mixed fruit: Provides natural sweetness and chewiness essential for holiday cakes.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Brown sugar: Enhances the deep caramel notes and moistness.
• Eggs: Bind all ingredients together and add moisture.
• Self-raising flour: Gives the traybake a light, fluffy texture without extra leavening agents.
• Mixed spice: The soul of festive baking, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Orange zest: Introduces a fresh, citrus twist to balance sweetness.
• Milk: Moisturizes the batter for the perfect consistency.
• Chopped nuts (optional): Adds pleasant crunch and depth of flavor.

Variations for Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is a fantastic base to customize according to your taste, pantry staples, or dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Gluten-free option: Substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Vegan alternative: Use dairy-free butter and flax eggs to keep it plant-based and just as tasty.
• Tropical twist: Swap dried mixed fruit for dried mango, pineapple, and coconut flakes for an exotic flavor.
• Nut-free version: Skip nuts for allergy considerations without losing texture.
• Spice adjustment: Add a hint of ginger or cardamom for a unique holiday spice profile.

How to Make Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F) and greasing your baking tray. Make sure your dried fruit is mixed well and set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, which ensures your traybake will have a tender texture and sweet, caramel undertones.

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Incorporate the eggs slowly into the butter and sugar mix, beating thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth batter.

Step 4: Fold in Flour and Spices

Carefully sift in the self-raising flour and mixed spice, folding gently to combine without over-mixing for a light cake base.

Step 5: Stir in Fruit, Zest, and Milk

Mix the dried fruit, orange zest, and milk into the batter evenly, ensuring every bite includes a burst of holiday flavor and moistness.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into your prepared tray and bake for 40-45 minutes until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the cake to cool completely in the tray before slicing into squares or rectangles for perfect portioning and ease of sharing.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

• Use room temperature ingredients: Helps everything blend smoothly and prevents lumps in the batter.
• Soak your fruit ahead: For an even more succulent traybake, soak dried fruits in warm tea or juice overnight.
• Don’t overmix: Keep mixing gentle after adding flour to maintain a tender crumb.
• Check baking time: Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness at 35 minutes.
• Store properly: Keep your traybake in an airtight container to preserve freshness and moisture.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Garnishes

Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm icing for an elegant and festive finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, clotted cream, or a dollop of whipped cream for a rich, indulgent treat that complements the spiced cake perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter for parties, or wrap individual slices in parchment and tie with festive ribbon for charming homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep it moist and flavorful.

Freezing

Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag; freeze for up to 3 months for convenient holiday treats anytime.

Reheating

Warm slices in the oven at low heat for a few minutes or microwave briefly to bring back softness and enhance the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?

Fresh fruit contains more moisture and might affect the texture of the traybake, but small amounts of chopped apples or berries can be added if adjusted carefully.

Is self-raising flour necessary for this recipe?

Yes, it helps the traybake rise and develop a light texture; if you only have plain flour, add baking powder accordingly.

How long does the Easy Christmas Cake Traybake keep fresh?

When stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for about 5 days at room temperature or up to two weeks in the fridge.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the nuts or replace with sunflower seeds or extra dried fruit to maintain texture.

What’s the best way to serve this traybake for a party?

Cut into small, bite-sized squares and arrange on a festive serving tray for easy grabbing and sharing.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is a cozy, flavorful, and straightforward recipe that makes holiday baking joyful and approachable. With its inviting spices and sweet fruit, it’s sure to become a festive favorite you’ll turn to year after year. Give it a try, and watch how it fills your kitchen with warmth and your gatherings with smiles!

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