The holiday season calls for a treat that’s both festive and easy to make. Enter the Christmas Cake Traybake, your new go-to dessert! With its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and delightful texture, you can serve this delicious cake at any celebration. In just a few simple steps, you’ll create a festive centerpiece that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the exciting world of this traybake delight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor Combination: This traybake combines the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with the sweetness of dried fruits and candied orange peel, making every bite a celebration of holiday flavors.
- Easy to Prepare: The straightforward instructions and simple mixing method make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, allowing anyone to create a festive treat.
- Beautiful Presentation: With its creamy frosting and colorful toppings, this cake traybake not only tastes delicious but also looks stunning on any holiday table.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into generous squares, this traybake is ideal for gatherings, making it easy to serve and share with friends and family during the festive season.
Ingredients
List of Essential Ingredients
– 200g unsalted butter
– 200g brown sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 250g all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon mixed spice powder
– 150g mixed dried fruits
– 100g candied orange peel
– 50g sliced almonds
– 100g cream cheese
– 50g icing sugar
– Zest of 1 orange
– 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a great Christmas cake traybake. Start with 200g of unsalted butter. This should be soft, near room temperature. Next, you need 200g of brown sugar. This adds warmth and depth of flavor. You will then crack 4 large eggs into your bowl. Make sure they are also at room temperature.
Use 250g of all-purpose flour. This is the base of your cake. Add in 1 teaspoon of baking powder to help your cake rise and be fluffy. For a warm, festive taste, include 1 teaspoon of mixed spice powder, which is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Now for the fun part! Toss in 150g of mixed dried fruits like raisins, currants, and chopped apricots. They give your cake that holiday feel. You will also want to add 100g of candied orange peel, finely chopped. This adds a sweet citrus twist. Don’t forget 50g of sliced almonds for that nice crunch.
To make a lovely cream cheese frosting, grab 100g of softened cream cheese and 50g of sifted icing sugar. The zest of 1 orange and 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice will brighten your frosting. These ingredients bring everything together to create a festive and flavorful treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Baking Tray
First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is key for even baking. Next, take a 9×13 inch baking tray. Grease it well with butter or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift out the cake later.
Mixing the Batter
Start by creaming the butter and brown sugar together. Use an electric mixer or whisk. Mix until it is light and fluffy. This takes about three minutes. Then, crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. This keeps the batter smooth.
Now, in another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and mixed spice powder together. This helps to mix the dry ingredients evenly. Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet mix. Use a spatula and be gentle. You want to avoid overmixing, so a few lumps are okay.
Adding Festive Flavors
Now it’s time for the fun part! Fold in the mixed dried fruits, candied orange peel, and sliced almonds. Mix them in well, so every bite has a touch of festive flavor. Once everything is combined, pour the batter into the prepared tray. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the tray.
Baking the Traybake
Place the tray in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your traybake is ready. After baking, let it cool in the tray for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Frosting
While the cake cools, let’s make the cream cheese frosting. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix this until it is fluffy and well combined.
Final Assembly
Once the cake is cool, it’s time to frost it. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the traybake. For a decorative touch, add extra sliced almonds on top. You can also sprinkle some edible glitter or a light dusting of icing sugar. This adds a festive sparkle, making your Christmas Cake Traybake truly special!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring the Perfect Bake
To get a great bake, start with the right oven temperature. Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) before you mix your batter. This helps the cake rise evenly. Also, use room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs. When they are warm, they mix better and create a fluffier cake.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
Spices are key to a tasty Christmas cake traybake. You can adjust the mixed spice powder to suit your taste. If you love cinnamon, add a little more! You can also add zest from other citrus fruits. Lemon or lime zest adds a bright note. Extracts like vanilla or almond can deepen the flavor too.
Presentation Tips
Garnishing makes your traybake shine. Slice the cake into squares, then place them on a lovely platter. Top each piece with sliced almonds for a nice crunch. For a festive touch, sprinkle some edible glitter or dust with icing sugar. This adds a magical sparkle, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Pro Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter and improves the cake’s texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Customize Your Dried Fruits: Feel free to swap out the mixed dried fruits with your favorites. Dried cherries, cranberries, or even chocolate chips can add a unique twist!
- Frosting Variations: For a different flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese frosting, or even a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth.
Variations
Dietary Alternatives
Vegan Christmas Cake Traybake
You can make this traybake vegan. Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use a plant-based butter substitute and ensure your sugar is vegan. This keeps the festive taste while being plant-friendly.
Gluten-free options
To make a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. You can also add a bit of xanthan gum to help with texture. This way, everyone can enjoy the holiday treat!
Flavor Variations
Change up dried fruits
Feel free to mix and match dried fruits. You can use cranberries, figs, or even cherries. This adds different flavors and textures to your traybake.
Using different spices
Spices can make or break your cake. Try adding cardamom, allspice, or even a hint of cloves. This gives a unique twist to the traditional taste. Experiment to find your favorite blend!
Frosting Alternatives
Other frosting ideas
While cream cheese frosting is classic, you can try a simple buttercream. Just mix butter with icing sugar and a splash of vanilla. This gives a sweeter option that pairs well with the cake.
Glaze options
If you want something lighter, a glaze works too! Mix icing sugar with a bit of orange juice. Drizzle it over the cooled traybake for a sweet finish. It’s pretty and adds a burst of flavor!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Traybake
To keep your leftover traybake fresh, follow these tips:
– Refrigeration: Place the traybake in an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out.
– Freezing: Cut the traybake into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever you want.
Shelf Life
The traybake lasts about 5 days in the fridge. You’ll know it’s still good if it smells sweet and looks moist. If the cake feels hard or has an off smell, it’s time to toss it.
Reheating Tips
To warm up your leftovers, use these methods:
– Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Place the traybake on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes.
– Microwave: Put a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 15-20 seconds. This keeps it soft and tasty.
Avoid reheating too much, as it can dry out the cake. Enjoy your festive treat warm!
FAQs
What is a Christmas Cake Traybake?
A Christmas Cake Traybake is a festive dessert that brings joy to any holiday table. It combines rich flavors and textures into one easy-to-make treat. This cake has a soft, moist crumb and is filled with mixed dried fruits, candied orange peel, and sliced almonds. The warm spices create a lovely aroma, making it perfect for Christmas. Topped with creamy frosting, it looks as good as it tastes.
Can I prepare this traybake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this traybake ahead of time. You can bake it one to two days before serving. After it cools, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh and moist. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving. For serving, cut the traybake into squares and add the frosting right before guests arrive.
How do I know when the traybake is done?
To check if the traybake is done, look for a golden top. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If there is batter on the toothpick, bake it for a few more minutes. Always keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking. It should spring back lightly when touched.
What can I serve with the Christmas Cake Traybake?
Pair this traybake with a warm drink like spiced apple cider or hot chocolate. If you want something cold, serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For a fun twist, try it with a scoop of eggnog ice cream. You can also add a sprinkle of extra sliced almonds on top for added crunch.
This blog post gives you all the tools to make a festive Christmas Cake Traybake. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and plenty of tips and tricks. We also explored fun variations for dietary needs and flavor preferences. Remember, this treat can be stored well and enjoyed later. With your newfound skills, impress your friends and family this holiday season. Happy bakin
