Christmas is all about joy, family, and delicious treats. This Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe is perfect for the festive season.
It’s simple to make and tastes amazing. You don’t need fancy skills or hours of baking time. This traybake is moist, fruity, and full of Christmas flavors.
Whether you’re hosting a party or gifting treats, this Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe will impress everyone.
Let me show you how to make this wonderful dessert. It’s my go-to recipe every December.
The best part? You can make it ahead of time. Let’s get started with this delightful Christmas treat!
When I First Discovered This Christmas Cake Traybake
I first made this traybake five years ago. My oven broke right before Christmas Day. I needed something quick and easy to bake.
Traditional Christmas cakes take too much time. So I created this simple traybake version. My family loved it instantly.
Now it’s our Christmas tradition. The recipe is foolproof and beginner-friendly. Even kids can help make it. It brings everyone together in the kitchen.
Equipment List
You’ll need basic kitchen tools for this recipe. Here’s what to gather before starting:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or electric mixer
- 9×13 inch baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife for chopping fruits
Ingredients You Need for Christmas Cake Traybake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- Half teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits
- Half cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Zest of one orange
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Line your baking tray with parchment paper.
- This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- This takes about 3-4 minutes.
- The mixture should look pale and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time.
- Mix well after each addition.
- This keeps the batter smooth and prevents curdling.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and spices together.
- Fold this into your wet mixture gently.
- Don’t overmix or the cake becomes tough.
- Stir in dried fruits, nuts, and orange zest.
- Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- The batter will be thick and chunky.
- Pour batter into your prepared tray.
- Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- A toothpick should come out clean.
- Let the traybake cool completely in the tray.
- Cut into squares when ready to serve.
- You can dust with powdered sugar too.
Tips to Make the Best Christmas Cake Traybake
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Soak dried fruits in orange juice overnight.
- This makes them extra juicy and flavorful.
- Don’t open the oven door while baking.
- This causes the cake to sink in middle.
- Store in an airtight container for up to week.
- The flavor actually improves after a day or two.
- You can also add a splash of brandy.
- This gives an authentic Christmas cake taste.
FAQs about Christmas Cake Traybake
Q: Can I make this recipe without eggs?
A: Yes, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix one tablespoon ground flaxseed with three tablespoons water.
Q: How long does this traybake stay fresh?
A: It stays fresh for one week in airtight container. You can also freeze it for three months.
Q: Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried?
A: Dried fruits work best for this Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe. Fresh fruits add too much moisture and affect texture.
Q: What can I substitute for mixed spice?
A: Use equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger combined. This creates a similar warm spice flavor.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Add one cup of chocolate chips for variation. It creates a delicious chocolatey Christmas treat.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe is a game-changer. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for celebrations. You don’t need to be an expert baker.
Just follow these easy steps and enjoy. Your family will ask for this recipe yearly. It’s become my most requested Christmas dessert.
The ingredients for Christmas Cake Traybake are affordable too. Make it this holiday season and spread joy. Happy baking and Merry Christmas to you all!
More Amazing Recipes
- Martha Stewart French Toast Recipe
- Martha Stewart Blueberry Muffins Recipe
- Martha Stewart Egg Strata Recipe
- Martha Stewart Blueberry Muffins Recipe
Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13 inch baking tray
- Wooden spoon or electric mixer
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife for chopping fruits
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- Half teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits
- Half cup chopped nuts optional
- Zest of one orange
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Line your baking tray with parchment paper.
- This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- This takes about 3-4 minutes.
- The mixture should look pale and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time.
- Mix well after each addition.
- This keeps the batter smooth and prevents curdling.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and spices together.
- Fold this into your wet mixture gently.
- Don’t overmix or the cake becomes tough.
- Stir in dried fruits, nuts, and orange zest.
- Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- The batter will be thick and chunky.
- Pour batter into your prepared tray.
- Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- A toothpick should come out clean.
- Let the traybake cool completely in the tray.
- Cut into squares when ready to serve.
- You can dust with powdered sugar too.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Soak dried fruits in orange juice overnight.
- This makes them extra juicy and flavorful.
- Don’t open the oven door while baking.
- This causes the cake to sink in middle.
- Store in an airtight container for up to week.
- The flavor actually improves after a day or two.
- You can also add a splash of brandy.
- This gives an authentic Christmas cake taste.
