Introduction
Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and of course, delectable desserts. This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake captures the essence of the holidays with its spices, fruits, and a delightful texture that appeals to all ages. No intricate layers or complicated techniques here—just simple baking that coaxes rich flavors in every bite.
Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply to share with loved ones, this traybake is not only easy to prepare but also beautifully festive. It combines the comforting tastes of Christmas like cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed dried fruits, ensuring that every piece is a heartfelt reminder of the season’s cheer.
Ingredients
- 250g mixed dried fruits
The star of this traybake, mixed dried fruits add natural sweetness and moisture. Their varied textures provide a delightful chewiness, making every bite interesting and flavorful. - 200g unsalted butter, softened
Butter brings richness to the cake, contributing to its tender crumb. Softening the butter beforehand helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a fluffier cake. - 150g light brown sugar
Light brown sugar introduces a subtle caramel flavor and enhances moisture in the cake. Its molasses content adds depth, making the cake taste more complex. - 3 large eggs
Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to unify all the ingredients. They add moisture and richness, contributing to the overall structure and texture of the cake. - 300g self-raising flour
Self-raising flour contains baking powder, allowing the cake to rise beautifully. This simplifies the process by removing the need for a separate leavening agent. - 2 tsp mixed spice (or pumpkin spice)
This blend of spices, often including cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, evokes the flavors of Christmas. It infuses the cake with warmth and aromatic sweetness. - 1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake. It acts as a supporting note, rounding out the sweetness from the dried fruits and spices. - 50ml milk
Milk adds moisture to the batter, ensuring a soft and tender crumb. It helps to balance the density of the mixture, especially with the dried fruits. - Icing sugar for dusting
A light dusting of icing sugar gives the traybake a festive appearance. It adds sweetness without overwhelming the other flavors, making it visually appealing.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a traybake tin
Preheating the oven ensures even baking, while lining the tin makes for easy removal of the cake once baked. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and help maintain the cake's shape.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy
Creaming butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which is crucial for creating a light texture. This process is key to a successful cake, leading to a delightful rise when baked.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition
Incorporating eggs gradually helps to maintain the emulsion, ensuring a smooth batter. This step is vital to prevent curdling and guarantees that the final cake has a uniform texture.
Step 4: Sift in the self-raising flour and mixed spice, then fold in gently
Sifting adds air to the flour, helping to keep the cake light. Folding combines the ingredients without deflating the air bubbles, which contributes to a tender crumb.
Step 5: Stir in the milk and mixed dried fruits until just combined
Adding milk at this stage introduces moisture, balancing the density. Carefully mixing in the dried fruits ensures even distribution throughout the batter, providing bursts of flavor.
Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared traybake tin and level the surface
Leveling the surface of the batter promotes even baking. Any unevenness can lead to areas that bake differently, affecting the uniformity of texture in the cake.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean
Baking at the right temperature is crucial for achieving a perfectly risen cake. Testing with a skewer helps to ensure the center is fully cooked without overbaking, which can dry it out.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack before dusting with icing sugar
Cooling the cake prevents it from becoming soggy. A wire rack allows air to circulate, helping to maintain the cake's integrity. The icing sugar dusting adds a festive touch just before serving.
Festive Flavors in Every Bite
This traybake encapsulates the joyous flavors of Christmas through the use of warm spices and sweet dried fruits. Each slice tells a story of the holiday season, inviting memories of cozy family gatherings and festive cheer. The diverse textures from the fruits enhance the experience, providing layers of flavor that celebrate this special time of year.
Perfect for Sharing and Gifting
One of the joys of this Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is its perfect size for sharing. Ideal for potlucks or holiday parties, its easy-to-cut nature means everyone can enjoy a piece. Additionally, consider wrapping some slices in festive packaging for an edible gift that brings the spirit of the holidays into the homes of friends and family.
Customizable for Your Taste
This recipe serves as a delightful base that can be customized to suit your preferences. For those who love nuts, feel free to incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans. Alternatively, add citrus zest for a fresh twist, or even a splash of brandy or rum to enhance the holiday spirit further. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
What if my batter seems too thick after mixing?
If your batter is overly thick, consider adding a bit more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The thickness can vary based on the absorption of dried fruits and flour.
Can I substitute other dried fruits?
Absolutely! The recipe is versatile. Feel free to swap in your favorites like apricots, cranberries, or raisins, ensuring you maintain about 250g in total for balance.
What if my cake comes out overcooked?
If your cake is overcooked, it may dry out. To salvage the cake, consider serving it with a generous layer of frosting or a drizzle of glaze to add moisture back.
Is it possible to scale this recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! To scale up, simply multiply each ingredient by the number of servings desired, ensuring to adjust the baking time and pan size accordingly.
How can I enhance the flavors further?
You can amp up the flavor by adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest, which will add a refreshing citrus note that complements the spicy undertones beautifully.
What can I do if my dried fruits are too chewy?
If your dried fruits seem exceedingly tough, soak them in warm water or orange juice for about 20 minutes before adding them to the batter. This will plump them up, enhancing their flavor and texture.
Conclusion
In essence, this Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is a delightful way to celebrate the season without the stress of intricate baking techniques. Its simple preparation and festive flavors ensure that you can easily share the joy of holiday treats with everyone around you.
So gather your ingredients, get your loved ones involved, and make this dessert a new holiday tradition. Each slice will not only be a treat but also a sweet reminder of the togetherness and warmth that Christmas fosters.
Recipe Card
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies for Cozy Celebrations
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy and light in color.
- Add molasses and eggs to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Remove and cool on wire racks.
- While cooling, prepare the filling by beating together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Once the cookies are cool, pair them up by size and spread filling on one half of each pair before sandwiching them together.
- Dust the assembled whoopie pies with additional powdered sugar if desired and serve.
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.