Introduction
As the holiday season approaches, the scent of baking fills the air, bringing warmth and comfort to the home. One delightful way to celebrate this festive time is with an Easy Christmas Cake Traybake. This recipe offers all the beloved flavors of traditional Christmas cakes but in a simpler, more approachable format. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this traybake will surely become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.
With its rich blend of spices, fruits, and a moist crumb, this traybake captures the essence of Christmas in every bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed for ease and success. By embracing simple techniques and accessible ingredients, you can create a dessert that dazzles without causing stress.
Ingredients
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
Butter adds richness and moisture, helping to create a tender crumb in your cake. The softness of the butter at room temperature ensures it blends easily with the sugar, promoting a light texture. - 200g light brown sugar
Brown sugar contributes a deeper, more complex sweetness compared to white sugar. It also adds moisture, which enhances the overall texture and flavor of the cake. - 4 large eggs
Eggs serve as a binding agent, providing structure to the cake. They also add moisture and richness, contributing to a tender and fluffy final product. - 300g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)
Dried fruits not only introduce natural sweetness but also add flavor and texture. They evoke traditional Christmas flavors, making the cake festive and indulgent. - 250g plain flour
Flour is the foundation of any cake, providing structure. The use of plain flour ensures the cake is soft and less dense, perfect for a traybake. - 1 tsp baking powder
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise and achieve a light texture. It's essential for creating the perfect crumb. - 2 tsp mixed spice powder
Mixed spice powder, typically a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, adds warmth and depth of flavor, capturing the essence of Christmas in every bite. - 100ml milk
Milk adds moisture to the batter, ensuring a soft and tender cake. It also enhances the flavor and helps bring all the ingredients together. - 100g icing sugar for decoration
Icing sugar is used for a simple glaze or dusting on top of the traybake, adding a sweet finish that contrasts beautifully with the spiced cake.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13 inch baking tray.
Preheating the oven ensures that the cake bakes evenly from the moment it goes in. Greasing the tray prevents sticking, which is vital for achieving a clean finish when slicing.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cake. This step is crucial to create an inviting texture.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then incorporate the mixed spice powder.
Adding the eggs gradually allows them to properly emulsify with the butter and sugar mixture, maintaining a smooth batter. The spice adds a warm aroma, enhancing the festive spirit.
Step 4: Sift in the flour and baking powder, then gently fold to combine the dry ingredients with the wet mix.
Sifting helps to aerate the flour and removes any lumps, contributing to a smoother batter. Folding is key to keeping air within the mixture, which is vital for the cake's rise.
Step 5: Stir in the mixed dried fruit and the milk until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Adding dried fruit at this stage ensures even distribution throughout the batter, contributing bursts of flavor. Too much mixing can lead to a dense cake, so gentle care is necessary.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and smooth the top with a spatula.
Smoothing the top of the batter ensures even baking and a beautiful finish. This step minimizes surface bubbles for a more professional appearance.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
The baking time allows the cake to rise and set properly. Utilizing a skewer to check for doneness is an effective method; it should come out clean to indicate the cake is ready.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooling the cake in the tray helps it to firm up slightly and prevents breaking when transferring. Once on the rack, this allows air to circulate, preventing a soggy bottom.
Step 9: Once cooled, mix icing sugar with a little water to create a glaze and drizzle over the cake before slicing.
Creating a glaze adds a finishing touch, enhancing both flavor and presentation. This step can be tailored to your taste by adjusting the consistency of the glaze for desired coverage.
Bountiful Flavors in Every Bite
The combination of mixed dried fruits, warming spices, and creamy butter in this Easy Christmas Cake Traybake creates a symphony of flavors that transport you to a festive wonderland. Each bite is rich and satisfying, embodying the comfort of holiday traditions. The ease of preparation does not compromise the quality, allowing you to enjoy a taste of Christmas without the fuss.
A Canvas for Creativity
This traybake serves as a versatile base for creativity. While the traditional flavors shine, you can enhance it with add-ins like chopped nuts, citrus zest, or a splash of your favorite liqueur. This adaptability invites you to personalize the cake, making it a unique expression of your culinary style while maintaining that holiday spirit.
Perfect for Sharing and Celebrating
The convenience of a traybake makes it ideal for gatherings, from festive potlucks to family celebrations. It's easy to slice into portions for sharing, and its robust flavor is sure to please a crowd. Bringing this cake to a holiday event allows you to share a piece of homemade joy, enhancing the festive spirit of togetherness.
FAQs
What if my batter seems too thick?
If the batter appears too thick, adding a little extra milk, one tablespoon at a time, should help achieve the desired consistency. Mix gently until you reach a smooth but thick batter.
Can I replace the dried fruit with fresh fruit?
While fresh fruit can be used, it may lead to too much moisture in the cake, possibly affecting the texture. Stick with dried fruits for the best results in this recipe.
What if the cake is overcooked and dry?
If the cake is overcooked, it’s important to check your oven's accuracy next time and keep an eye on baking times. Overcooking can lead to dryness, so aim for just a clean skewer test.
Can I add nuts to the mix?
Absolutely! You can fold in up to 100g of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to add texture and enhance the rich flavors.
What should I do if my icing is too thick?
If your icing is too thick, gradually add more water, a drop at a time, and mix until you achieve a drizzle-able consistency without losing the sweetness.
How can I enhance the spices for more flavor?
If you love spice, you can double the amount of mixed spice powder to intensify the flavor profile. Just be careful not to overpower the other ingredients.
Conclusion
This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavor, tradition, and the joy of baking during the holiday season. Simple to prepare yet full of festive cheer, it allows you to bring a piece of homemade goodness to your celebrations. With its delightful flavors, it promises to leave sweet memories long after the season has ended.
So gather your ingredients and start baking – your holiday table will thank you for this comforting, delicious treat that embodies the spirit of Christmas.
Recipe Card
Simple and Flavorful Meatloaf Cups for Dinner
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients.
- Grease a muffin tin lightly with non-stick spray or oil.
- Scoop the meat mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Top each cup with a teaspoon of ketchup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Let the cups cool slightly before removing them from the tin.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
