Introduction
The holiday season is a time for gathering, memories, and of course, delectable treats. One of the most cherished desserts during Christmas is the classic cake. However, if you find traditional baking techniques daunting, fear not! This easy Christmas cake traybake combines festive flavors with simplicity, making it a wonderful addition to your holiday table.
With rich spices, dried fruits, and a touch of indulgence, this traybake will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or serving as an everyday treat during the holidays, this recipe is designed to bring the warmth of Christmas right into your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
Butter not only adds richness to the cake but also contributes to a tender crumb. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness, enhancing the overall flavor. - 250g brown sugar
Brown sugar brings a deeper flavor profile to the cake, introducing notes of caramel and molasses, which complement the traditional Christmas spices. - 4 large eggs
Eggs provide structure and moisture to the cake. They are crucial for binding the ingredients and help achieve a light texture when whipped. - 300g all-purpose flour
Flour is the backbone of the cake, giving it structure. Using all-purpose flour creates a balanced texture that's neither too dense nor too light. - 2 tsp baking powder
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise and become fluffy. It’s important to ensure an even distribution throughout the batter. - 1 tsp mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger)
These spices are essential for creating that classic Christmas flavor, filling your kitchen with a warm aroma as they bake. - 200g mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants)
Dried fruits infuse the cake with natural sweetness and moisture while providing delightful bursts of flavor in each bite. - 100g chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Nuts add a satisfying crunch and richness, providing texture contrast to the soft cake. They also carry a lovely floral note that enhances the overall flavor. - 50g glacé cherries, halved
Glacé cherries offer a splash of color and sweetness, reinforcing the festive appeal of the cake. They also introduce a lovely chewy texture. - 100ml orange juice
Orange juice contributes a bright, citrusy flavor that balances the richness of the cake. It also helps to keep the batter moist. - Zest of 1 orange
The zest adds aromatic oils and a refreshing burst of flavor, enhancing the overall festive character of the cake. - Icing sugar for dusting
A light dusting of icing sugar not only adds visual appeal but also a hint of sweetness that complements the cake without overwhelming it.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a traybake pan (approximately 30x20cm).
Preheating the oven ensures an even baking temperature from the start, crucial for achieving the desired texture. Lining the tray with parchment paper also helps prevent the cake from sticking, making for easier removal and clean-up.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air, which is essential for a light cake. This process also dissolves the sugar, allowing it to blend nicely into the batter and create an even distribution of sweetness.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Adding eggs individually allows for better incorporation and emulsification, resulting in a smoother batter. Scraping down the sides ensures that all ingredients are evenly mixed, preventing any unblended lumps.
Step 4: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and mixed spices, then gradually add to the creamed mixture, alternating with the orange juice.
Sifting the dry ingredients aerates them, which helps keep the cake light. Alternating the dry ingredients with the wet prevents the batter from becoming too dense and ensures everything is well combined.
Step 5: Fold in the mixed dried fruits, nuts, glacé cherries, orange zest, and any remaining orange juice.
Folding in the fruits and nuts gently ensures they are evenly distributed without overmixing the batter, which would toughen the cake. This step adds texture and flavor that makes this traybake distinctly festive.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared traybake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Smoothing the top allows for even baking and eliminates any air pockets that could create an uneven surface. This step is vital for achieving a uniform rise.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Monitoring the bake time is important to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the cake. The skewer test is key—if it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked.
Step 8: Allow the traybake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooling the traybake in the pan initially helps it set and reduces the risk of breaking when transferring. Once on the rack, proper cooling will ensure that the texture remains just right.
Step 9: Once cooled, dust with icing sugar before slicing and serving.
Dusting the traybake with icing sugar not only adds a festive touch but also brings a bit of sweetness to each slice without overwhelming the flavors. It’s the perfect finishing touch.
The Festive Spice Blend
Utilizing a mix of aromatic spices is crucial for defining the flavors of your Christmas cake traybake. Each spice contributes unique characteristics; cinnamon warms the palate, nutmeg adds depth, and ginger provides a slight zing. The combination creates a comforting scent that evokes cherished holiday memories and sets the perfect mood for festive gatherings.
Customizing Your Traybake
Feel free to tailor the mix-ins to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Consider swapping in cranberries, apricots, or even chocolate chips for a twist. This versatility allows you to craft a unique version every time while still keeping the spirit of holiday flavors at the forefront.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Presentation can elevate this simple traybake to a show-stopping dessert. Consider serving slices on a beautiful platter adorned with winter greens or holly for a touch of elegance. Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence that complements the spices.
FAQs
What can I do if my batter is too thick?
If your batter seems too thick, you can add a little extra orange juice, a tablespoon at a time, to loosen it up. Make sure to mix gently to avoid overworking the batter.
How can I make the cake more festive?
Incorporating additional flavors like almond extract or citrus liqueur can enhance the festive feel. You could also sprinkle some edible glitter or festive sprinkles on top after dusting with icing sugar.
What if I find my cake is too dry after baking?
If your cake turns out dry, it may have been overbaked. In the future, try checking for doneness a few minutes early. You can also brush the cooled cake with a little orange juice or simple syrup to add moisture.
Can I scale this recipe for a larger tray?
Yes, you can easily scale the recipe by multiplying the ingredients proportionally. Just remember to adjust the baking time as a larger quantity may require longer in the oven.
What if my traybake doesn't rise properly?
If you find that your traybake hasn't risen well, check that your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents won't provide the necessary lift. Make sure to mix the batter just until combined to maintain air pockets.
Can I incorporate fresh fruits instead of dried?
Using fresh fruits may alter the moisture balance, potentially leading to a soggier cake. If you want to experiment, consider lightly coating fresh fruit with flour to absorb excess moisture before folding them in.
Conclusion
This easy Christmas cake traybake brings joy and festive flavor without the fuss of traditional baking methods. With its delightful balance of spices, fruits, and nuts, it’s bound to become a new holiday staple.
Share it with loved ones, enjoy it with your favorite hot beverage, and let the flavors of the season warm your heart. Happy baking and happy holidays!
Recipe Card
Celebrate the Holidays with Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mixed nuts chopped
- 1 cup dried fruits like cranberries or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and dried fruits until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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.