Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

If you’re hunting for a delightful and fuss-free treat to bring festive joy to your home, this Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is the perfect answer. Packed with warming spices, dried fruits, and a moist crumb, this traybake offers all the cozy flavors of a classic holiday cake without hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing for a casual gathering or need a show-stopping centerpiece dessert, this recipe delivers big on taste and festive cheer with very little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple: This cake traybake comes together fast, saving you precious holiday prep time.
• Festive flavors: Bursting with spices and seasonal fruits that capture the warmth of Christmas.
• Perfect for sharing: Easy to slice and serve, ideal for family, friends, and office parties.
• Versatile dessert: Can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or festive breakfast treat.
• Easy to customize: Ingredients can be swapped to suit dietary needs or personal preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Christmas Cake Traybake lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role: from the tender flour base to the fruity bursts in every bite, and the spices that fill your kitchen with that unmistakable holiday aroma.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a moist, tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Ensures a light, fluffy texture without heaviness.
• Mixed dried fruit: Classic Christmas fruits like raisins, sultanas, and cherries add natural sweetness and chewiness.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Infuse the cake with warm, festive spice notes.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Butter: Brings richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s rise.
• Orange zest and juice: Brighten the flavor with zesty freshness.
• Milk: Ensures the batter is smooth and easy to mix.
• Chopped nuts (optional): Add crunch and enhance flavor complexity.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the taste with a sweet aroma.

Variations for Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

This recipe is beautifully flexible, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to your liking or dietary needs. Whether you’re avoiding certain ingredients or want to amplify a texture or flavor, these variations are easy to incorporate.

• Gluten-free option: Substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a safe alternative.
• Vegan version: Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and a flax or chia egg replacement.
• Add fresh or frozen berries: Incorporate seasonal berries for a pop of tartness and color.
• Nut-free version: Omit nuts or replace with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower for safe crunchiness.
• Chocolate twist: Stir dark chocolate chips into the batter for a richer dessert.

How to Make Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Step 1: Prepare your baking tray and preheat the oven

Line a rectangular baking tray (about 9×13 inches) with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This setup ensures even cooking and easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients together

In a large bowl, sift the flour and baking powder. Stir in the brown sugar, mixed dried fruit, spices, and nuts if using, ensuring everything is well distributed.

Step 3: Combine wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, orange zest and juice, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Bring wet and dry mixtures together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the traybake tender.

Step 5: Bake until golden and cooked through

Pour the batter into the prepared tray, spread evenly, and bake for 30-35 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to test doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and slice

Allow the traybake to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles for serving.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

• Soak the dried fruit: Soak fruits in warm tea or orange juice overnight to enhance juiciness and flavor.
• Don’t overmix: Stir batter gently to keep the crumb light and avoid a tough cake.
• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg deliver a brighter, more vibrant taste.
• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure the perfect baking environment.
• Cool completely: Let the traybake cool fully before cutting to maintain clean slices and prevent crumbling.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Garnishes

Sprinkle with a dusting of icing sugar or drizzle with a simple orange glaze for extra shine and sweetness. For a festive touch, scatter some edible gold stars or crushed candy canes on top.

Side Dishes

Pair slices with whipped cream, clotted cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the spices and add creamy richness. A cup of mulled wine or spiced tea makes a perfect warm companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cut squares in a festive tin lined with decorative parchment for gifting. You can also stack slices between sheets of parchment to create a layered cake tower centerpiece for your holiday table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, keeping it moist and fresh. Wrapping slices individually in parchment also helps retain softness.

Freezing

The Easy Christmas Cake Traybake freezes brilliantly. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag—freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for 5-7 minutes or briefly in the microwave to revive that freshly baked feel and soften the crumb.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?

While this recipe is designed for dried fruit to maintain texture and moisture balance, you can add fresh or frozen berries by lightly draining excess moisture and adjusting baking time slightly.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a certified gluten-free baking mix, ensuring it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.

How long does this cake last?

At room temperature, it stays fresh for up to 4 days; refrigerated storage can extend this to about a week, but it’s best enjoyed sooner for optimal taste.

Can I add alcohol to the recipe?

Definitely! Adding a splash of brandy, rum, or sherry to the soaking fruit or the batter itself boosts traditional Christmas flavors beautifully.

What’s the best way to make the cake more moist?

Soaking the dried fruits overnight and ensuring you don’t overbake are key to keeping the cake moist and tender throughout.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is a festive hero that delivers all the joy of holiday baking without the stress. It’s a crowd-pleaser filled with comforting flavors and perfect for sharing warmth and cheer. Give it a try this season—you’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it is to fill your home with the spirit of Christmas through baking.

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