If you’re looking to add a cozy, festive treat to your holiday spread, the Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe is just the thing to brighten up your kitchen and delight your loved ones. This traybake combines luscious mixed dried fruits with warm spices and a delicate icing drizzle, bringing together all the comforting flavors of Christmas in one simple, quick-to-make cake. Perfectly moist and beautifully golden, it’s a fuss-free yet show-stopping centerpiece that’s sure to become a treasured tradition in your holiday baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each component plays a special role, from the fruit’s sweetness to the buttery richness and that warming cinnamon touch, creating the perfect blend that’s both nostalgic and inviting.
- 200 grams mixed dried fruits: Adds chewy bursts of sweetness and a festive texture throughout the cake.
- 100 grams unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture for a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- 150 grams brown sugar: Offers a deep caramel flavor and helps the cake develop that lovely golden color.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together while contributing to the cake’s lightness.
- 200 grams all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving it structure and body.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a gentle rise, keeping the cake fluffy without being heavy.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, festive spice that is essential for any Christmas bake.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet, fragrant aroma.
- 100 grams icing sugar: For the delicate icing drizzle that adds just the right amount of sweetness on top.
- 2 tablespoons water: To mix with the icing sugar into a smooth glaze.
How to Make Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the oven and fruit
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s perfectly hot for baking. Toss the mixed dried fruits with a little flour – this step keeps them from sinking to the bottom of the cake, ensuring even distribution throughout every bite.
Step 2: Melt the butter and sugar
Gently melt the butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan on low heat. Stir until everything is beautifully combined, creating a rich, caramel-like base that will infuse the cake with delicious depth.
Step 3: Incorporate the eggs
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the butter mixture to cool slightly before beating in the eggs one at a time. This not only avoids cooking the eggs but also helps to build a smooth, cohesive batter.
Step 4: Add dry ingredients and spices
Fold in the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon with care. This step brings structure and that quintessential Christmas spice, setting the stage for the flavors to sing together.
Step 5: Combine fruits and vanilla
Gently mix in the floured dried fruits along with the vanilla extract. The fruits add bursts of texture and sweetness while the vanilla rounds everything out with its sweet floral notes.
Step 6: Bake the traybake
Pour the luscious batter into a lined baking tray and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cake is golden, firm to the touch, and smells heavenly.
Step 7: Drizzle icing and cool
Once your cake has cooled, whisk together the icing sugar and water to create a silky glaze. Drizzle it over the top to add a pretty, festive finish that makes every slice feel extra special.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little flair to your traybake is a joy! Try sprinkling some extra chopped nuts, a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a handful of fresh cranberries to give your cake a vibrant, colorful holiday look.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of crème fraîche, a drizzle of warm custard, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These sides complement the fruity and spiced notes, elevating every mouthful and making dessert feel indulgent and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the traybake into small squares to create charming bite-size treats for parties, or garnish the top with edible gold sparkles or fresh holly leaves for a dazzling holiday centerpiece. Serving it warm with a festive tea or mulled wine can turn any gathering into a cozy celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe stays fresh for several days when wrapped tightly in cling film or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents it from drying out while allowing the flavors to mature delightfully.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, this traybake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it well in foil and freezer-safe bags to keep it fresh for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For a cozy, just-baked experience, warm your cake slices gently in the oven or microwave before serving. This revives the cake’s moist texture and brings the festive spices back to life, perfect for chilly winter days.
FAQs
Can I use other dried fruits for this traybake?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or cherries. Just make sure to coat them in flour to prevent sinking during baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just check that your blend includes a binding agent to mimic the texture of regular flour.
How long will the traybake keep fresh at room temperature?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this cake will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is best to maintain its yumminess.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds make fantastic additions, adding crunch and extra holiday cheer to the cake.
What’s the best way to make the icing drizzle smooth?
Use sifted icing sugar and add the water gradually while stirring continuously. This technique prevents lumps and creates a lovely glossy glaze that sets nicely on the cake.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe has become a heartwarming favorite in my kitchen because it’s simple, festive, and utterly delicious. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy the joyful moments it brings to your celebrations. Give it a try — I promise you’ll love the cozy, comforting flavors packed into every bite.
Print
Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is a delicious and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. Packed with mixed dried fruits and aromatic spices, it’s a moist and flavorful cake made with simple ingredients and topped with a sweet icing drizzle. Baked in a traybake style, it’s easy to prepare and serves a crowd, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 200 grams mixed dried fruits
- 200 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 100 grams unsalted butter
- 150 grams brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing
- 100 grams icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare it for baking the traybake.
- Prepare the dried fruits: Toss the mixed dried fruits with a small amount of flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.
- Melt butter and sugar: In a saucepan over low heat, gently melt the unsalted butter with brown sugar until completely combined and smooth.
- Cool and add eggs: Remove the butter and sugar mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure an even batter.
- Fold in dry ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon into the wet mixture, blending everything together without overmixing.
- Add fruits and vanilla: Carefully fold in the floured dried fruits along with the vanilla extract to evenly distribute flavor and texture.
- Prepare baking tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the batter in, smoothing the top evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden on top and firm to the touch.
- Cool and prepare icing: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Mix the icing sugar with water to make a smooth icing.
- Drizzle icing: Drizzle the prepared icing over the cooled cake and allow it to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure to toss dried fruits with flour to stop them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- Let the butter and sugar mixture cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Do not overmix batter once flour is added to keep cake tender.
- Use parchment paper to line the tray for easy removal and clean-up.
- Allow icing to set fully on cooled cake for best presentation and taste.
