Description

This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is a quick, fuss-free festive treat bursting with warming spices, mixed dried fruits, and a moist, tender crumb. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it combines classic holiday flavors with simple preparation for a delicious centerpiece or snack during the season.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, cherries)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup (200g) brown sugar
1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts (optional; substitute seeds for nut-free)

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted (use dairy-free butter for vegan)
3 large eggs (or flax/chia egg replacement for vegan)
Zest of 1 orange
1/4 cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
1/2 cup (120ml) milk (or plant-based milk for vegan)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare your baking tray and preheat the oven: Line a 9×13 inch rectangular baking tray with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking and easy removal.
Mix dry ingredients together: In a large bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Stir in the brown sugar, mixed dried fruit, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped nuts if using, distributing everything evenly.
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.
Bring wet and dry mixtures together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the traybake tender and moist.
Bake until golden and cooked through: Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray, spreading evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and slice: Allow the traybake to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or rectangles for serving.

Notes

Soak dried fruit overnight in warm tea or orange juice for enhanced juiciness and flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough crumb.
Use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg for brighter, more vibrant spice flavors.
Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer for accurate baking.
Allow the traybake to cool fully before slicing to maintain clean cuts and prevent crumbling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of traybake)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 120 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: Christmas cake, traybake, holiday dessert, festive cake, easy baking, dried fruit cake, gluten-free option, vegan option