Enjoy the festive spirit with this delightful Easy Christmas Cake Traybake! This recipe embodies all the warm flavors of Christmas, offering an easy and adaptable way to share joy with family and friends. With its soft texture and beautiful decorations, it makes a lovely centerpiece for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat for any occasion.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
Why Make This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake
This festive traybake is not only simple to prepare but also ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday festivities. It combines the classic flavors of Christmas cake—mixed fruits, glacé cherries, and spices—in a convenient traybake form, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Moreover, it’s an ideal way to make a crowd-pleasing dessert without the fuss of traditional cake baking.
How to Make Easy Christmas Cake Traybake
Ingredients:
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 250g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 250g self-raising flour
- 100g dried mixed fruits
- 100g glacé cherries, halved
- 1 tsp mixed spice powder
- 100g marzipan
- 200g icing sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) and grease a traybake tin. Make sure to line the bottom with baking paper for easier removal.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 3: Folding
Sift in the self-raising flour and mixed spice powder, and gently fold in with a spatula or wooden spoon. This method keeps the batter airy and fluffy. Add the dried mixed fruits and halved glacé cherries, mixing evenly to distribute them throughout the batter.
Step 4: Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the tin.
Step 5: Finishing
Once cooled, cover the top with a layer of marzipan. For icing, combine the icing sugar with lemon juice to form a smooth consistency, and spread it over the marzipan layer. Finally, cut the cake into squares, ready for serving.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Cake Traybake
This traybake is a delightful treat on its own or served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. It can also be garnished with festive decorations, such as edible glitter or sprigs of holly, to enhance the holiday spirit.
How to Store Easy Christmas Cake Traybake
Store the Easy Christmas Cake Traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it for a longer duration, you can refrigerate it, where it will remain fresh for about 1-2 weeks. For even longer storage, consider freezing it. Wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Christmas Cake Traybake
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh eggs and high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Check Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so check the cake a few minutes early to prevent overbaking.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have glacé cherries, feel free to use dried cranberries or apricots for a different twist.
- Decorations: Get creative with decorations using edible glitter, or even drizzle chocolate on top for an extra festive touch!
Delicious Variations
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Spiced Flavor: Incorporate additional spices like nutmeg or ginger to give it a unique flavor profile.
- Chocolate Version: Substitute some of the flour for cocoa powder to make a chocolatey Christmas cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors meld. Just cover it well to keep it fresh.
2. Can I freeze this traybake?
Yes, you can freeze the traybake after proofing. Ensure it’s fully cooled and wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn.
3. How do I know when the cake is done?
The best way to check for doneness is to insert a skewer or toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
4. Can I use different fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to mix and match dried fruits based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
5. What’s the difference between iced and uniced cake?
Iced versions have a layer of sweetness that compliments the spices in the cake, while uniced cakes are more rustic and can be enjoyed plain for those who prefer less sugar.
Conclusion
This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is the perfect recipe to bring cheer and sweetness to your holiday gatherings. Its simple preparation and delightful flavors make it an excellent choice for novices and experienced bakers alike. So gather your ingredients, pop on some festive music, and get baking—your taste buds will thank you, and your friends and family will love this delicious homemade treat!
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Easy Christmas Cake Traybake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and easy-to-make traybake that combines the classic flavors of Christmas cake, perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 250g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 250g self-raising flour
- 100g dried mixed fruits
- 100g glacé cherries, halved
- 1 tsp mixed spice powder
- 100g marzipan
- 200g icing sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) and grease a traybake tin, lining the bottom with baking paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Sift in the self-raising flour and mixed spice powder, then fold in gently. Add dried mixed fruits and halved glacé cherries and mix evenly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the tin.
- Once cooled, cover with a layer of marzipan. Mix icing sugar and lemon juice to form a smooth consistency, spreading it over the marzipan. Cut into squares for serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for 1-2 weeks. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
