Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

If you’re looking to brighten up your holiday gatherings with something deliciously simple and irresistibly festive, this Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is exactly what you need. Bursting with warm spices, festive fruits, and a moist texture, this traybake combines the best flavors of the season without the fuss of elaborate decorations or time-consuming steps. Whether you’re hosting family, friends, or cozying up by the fire, this crowd-pleaser is bound to become a holiday classic you’ll reach for year after year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This recipe fits perfectly into busy holiday schedules thanks to its easy preparation and straightforward steps.
• Festive Flavors: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed dried fruits captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
• Perfect for Sharing: Baked in a traybake style, it’s easy to cut into generous squares for family, friends, and celebrations.
• Versatile Presentation: You can dress it up or down, making it great for anything from casual tea time to elegant Christmas dinners.
• Long-lasting Moistness: The cake stays soft and moorish for days, ideal for making ahead of holiday parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential to create the rich, festive taste and perfect texture of the Easy Christmas Cake Traybake. Each one adds a unique layer of color, flavor, or moisture that makes the final dish a standout holiday treat.

• Mixed Dried Fruits: Raisins, sultanas, currants, and cherries bring classic festive sweetness and chewiness.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice combine to give the cake a warm, inviting aroma.
• Butter: Provides richness and moisture, ensuring the cake stays tender.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that complement the dried fruits beautifully.
• Self-raising Flour: Gives the traybake a soft and fluffy structure without extra fuss.
• Eggs: Bind all ingredients together while contributing to a light texture.
• Orange Zest: Adds a bright citrus note that cuts through the sweetness for balance.
• Milk: Helps achieve the perfect batter consistency for even baking.

Variations for Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it a breeze to tailor the Easy Christmas Cake Traybake to your personal taste, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand in the pantry.

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free baking mix for an allergy-friendly option.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs or applesauce, and non-dairy milk for a compassionate twist.
• Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for satisfying crunch and extra holiday flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in some dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a richer, indulgent spin.
• Citrus Twist: Swap orange zest for lemon or lime to brighten the flavor profile even more.

How to Make Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Step 1: Prepare the Dried Fruits

Start by soaking your mixed dried fruits in warm tea or orange juice for at least 30 minutes to plump them up and infuse them with extra flavor, which ensures a moist, juicy bite in the finished cake.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, forming the base for a tender and flavorful cake crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Zest

Beat in the eggs one at a time to help incorporate air, then stir in the orange zest to give that fresh, citrusy aroma that sings of holiday cheer.

Step 4: Sift in Dry Ingredients and Spices

Sift the self-raising flour together with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, then gently fold into the wet mixture to keep the batter light while distributing the festive spices evenly.

Step 5: Mix in Soaked Fruits and Milk

Drain the soaked fruits (reserving some soaking liquid if desired) and fold them into the batter along with the milk, which adjusts consistency and ensures the cake doesn’t turn out dry.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into a greased or lined traybake tin and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean, signaling your Christmas traybake is perfectly cooked.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the traybake to cool slightly in the tin before transferring to a wire rack; this resting period helps firm up the texture and enhances flavors.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

• Fruit Soaking: Soaking dried fruits overnight intensifies flavor and brings extra moisture to the cake.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using butter and eggs at room temperature ensures better mixing and a lighter texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: Fold in flour gently to prevent a dense cake and keep it soft and tender.
• Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick or skewer before baking time ends to avoid overbaking your traybake.
• Use Quality Spices: Fresh spices make all the difference when capturing that authentic Christmas aroma.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Garnishes

Top with a dusting of powdered sugar, festive sprinkles, or even a drizzle of warm vanilla glaze to enhance both appearance and flavor for a show-stopping presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside warm mulled wine, a scoop of cinnamon-spiced ice cream, or creamy whipped mascarpone to complement the traybake’s cozy spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into bite-sized squares and arrange on a festive platter, wrap individual portions in parchment for gifting, or layer with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for an elegant holiday display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days — this retains moisture and flavor, making it just as delightful the next day.

Freezing

Wrap the cooled cake tightly in cling film and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months to enjoy your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake anytime during the festive season.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to restore warmth and softness, perfect for a cozy treat on chilly winter days.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the self-raising flour for a gluten-free alternative, and your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake will be just as tasty and festive.

How far in advance can I bake this traybake?

You can bake it up to three days before your event; it actually benefits from resting as the flavors deepen over time.

Can I substitute dried fruits with fresh ones?

Fresh fruits can add moisture but may change the texture — dried fruits are preferred for their concentrated flavor and chewy bite in this traybake.

Is it possible to make this cake vegan?

Definitely! Replace butter with plant-based margarine, eggs with flaxseed or chia seeds soaked in water, and use your favorite non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly version.

What’s the best way to store leftover cake?

An airtight container at room temperature is ideal for up to four days, or wrap tightly and freeze to enjoy later.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake brings together all the warm, festive flavors you crave without complicated steps or fancy decorations. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or a cozy family night, it’s sure to spread joy and deliciousness one square at a time. Get your ingredients ready, and make this simple yet spectacular cake a centerpiece of your holiday celebrations!

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