Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Discover a delicious Easy Christmas Cake Traybake recipe that’s perfect for festive gatherings and sure to delight every guest. This scrumptious treat combines rich, spiced flavors and a moist texture, making it an irresistible centerpiece at any holiday party. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a simple yet impressive Christmas dessert, this traybake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser everyone will rave about.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake requires minimal fuss and comes together quickly, saving you precious holiday time.
• Festive Flavors: A beautiful blend of warm spices and dried fruits captures the essence of Christmas in every bite.
• Perfect for Sharing: Baked in a traybake style, it’s easy to cut into generous portions ideal for guests of all ages.
• Versatile and Adaptable: The recipe lends itself well to tweaks and personal touches without sacrificing its charm.
• Lasts Well: This cake keeps beautifully for several days, developing deeper flavors as it rests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by holiday baking; this Easy Christmas Cake Traybake uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to build a perfect balance of taste, texture, and festive color.

• Dried Mixed Fruit: A combination of raisins, sultanas, and chopped apricots add natural sweetness and chewiness.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a rich caramel undertone and helps keep the cake moist.
• Butter: Adds buttery richness and a tender crumb to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and help the cake rise gently.
• Self-raising Flour: Creates a light, fluffy texture without extra leavening agents.
• Mixed Spices: A warm medley of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings that classic Christmas aroma.
• Orange Zest: Offers a fresh citrus brightness that lifts the flavors.
• Golden Syrup or Honey: Adds sticky sweetness and enhances the festive glaze-like finish.

Variations for Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable allowing you to make it uniquely yours. Whether you want to cater to dietary preferences or experiment with seasonal flavors, these variations will inspire creative twists on the classic Christmas traybake.

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty richness.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs without losing taste.
• Chocolate Infusion: Mix in dark chocolate chips for a holiday boost of decadence.
• Vegan Swap: Use plant-based butter and flax eggs to turn this into a vegan-friendly delight.
• Extra Zesty: Incorporate lemon zest or dried cranberries for a tangier, festive flavor profile.

How to Make Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Step 1: Prepare Your Fruit

Start by soaking your dried mixed fruit in warm tea or juice for at least an hour. This helps plump up the fruit and keeps the cake moist and flavorful throughout.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift the self-raising flour and mixed spices together along with the orange zest. This evenly distributes the spices and zest for balanced flavor.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Then add the soaked dried fruit and golden syrup or honey. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into a lined traybake tin and bake at 160°C (320°F) for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the tin before cutting into squares.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

• Use Fresh Spices: Using freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg boosts the aroma and flavor significantly.
• Don’t Skip Soaking the Fruit: Soaking dried fruit plumps it up and infuses the cake with natural sweetness and moisture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix smoothly for an even rise.
• Line Your Tray Properly: Use parchment paper with overhang for easy cake removal and cleaner edges.
• Check Early and Adjust: Oven temperatures vary; start checking your cake five minutes before the timer rings to prevent overbaking.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, dust the top with icing sugar, scatter some chopped nuts, or drizzle a little warm caramel sauce to make it sparkle on your dessert table.

Side Dishes

This traybake pairs beautifully with clotted cream, whipped mascarpone, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the spices and richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the traybake into bite-sized squares and serve on decorative platters lined with holly or festive napkins to add holiday cheer at your gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly in cling film or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and moistness.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, cut the traybake into squares and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a sealed freezer bag; this preserves flavor for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy warm bites, reheat slices gently in a low oven for 5 to 10 minutes or briefly microwave, but avoid overheating to keep the cake moist.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Christmas Cake Traybake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a leavening agent, and follow the recipe as usual for a tasty gluten-free version.

What can I use instead of golden syrup?

If you don’t have golden syrup, honey or maple syrup are excellent substitutes providing a similar sweetness and sticky texture.

How long does the cake keep fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cake stays fresh for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds works wonderfully and gives the traybake a delightful crunch and extra depth of flavor.

Is it suitable for freezing?

Definitely. This cake freezes well; just be sure to wrap it properly to prevent freezer burn and thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is truly a festive gem that combines simplicity with holiday magic. It’s perfect for sharing in cozy moments with loved ones and can easily become a seasonal favorite on your dessert table. I can’t wait for you to try it and bring the warmth of Christmas into your kitchen with every bite.

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