Get ready for a festive treat with my Easy Christmas Cake Traybake! This simple dessert combines your favorite holiday flavors into a delicious, shareable cake. It's perfect for family gatherings or as a sweet gift. In this post, I’ll guide you through easy steps, helpful tips, and fun variations. You'll impress everyone with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the magic of baking this delightful traybake together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavors: This traybake is infused with warm spices and zesty orange, capturing the essence of Christmas in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, it's an ideal treat for gatherings, making it easy to share with friends and family.
- Beautiful Presentation: The marzipan and icing give a stunning finish, making this cake a showstopper on any festive table.
Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 250g mixed dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, cranberries)
- 50g candied peel, chopped
- 150g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 100g marzipan, rolled out for topping
- 150g icing sugar, for decoration
- Edible glitter (optional)
Gathering these ingredients is the first step in making your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake. Each one plays a key role in creating that festive flavor.
You start with butter and sugar, which give the cake its rich base. The eggs add moisture and help with structure. Dried fruits bring sweetness and a chewy texture, while the candied peel adds a citrusy zing.
Self-raising flour helps the cake rise and stay fluffy. The spices, cinnamon and nutmeg, add warmth and holiday cheer. Orange zest brightens the cake with a fresh aroma.
Marzipan and icing sugar will give your traybake a beautiful finish. The optional edible glitter can make your cake sparkle, adding a festive touch.
Make sure to get fresh ingredients for the best taste. This cake is simple yet delightful, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing your baking tray
First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is key for even baking. While your oven heats, take a 12x8 inch baking tray and line it with parchment paper. This helps the cake come out easily and keeps it from sticking. Make sure the paper goes up the sides too.
Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together 200g of softened unsalted butter and 200g of brown sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy. This can take a few minutes, but it’s worth it for a nice texture.
Next, add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition. This ensures you get a smooth batter. Now, gently fold in 250g of mixed dried fruit, like sultanas and cranberries, along with 50g of chopped candied peel.
Then, add 150g of self-raising flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of orange zest. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Baking and cooling the traybake
Pour your batter into the prepared baking tray. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. Now, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check it by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your traybake is ready!
Once baked, let the traybake cool completely in the tin on a wire rack. This process is important so it doesn’t become soggy. After cooling, you can add your marzipan and icing for a festive touch!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the perfect texture
Getting the texture right is key to a great traybake.
- Ingredient temperature: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. Cold eggs can make mixing hard. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Proper mixing techniques: Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This adds air, making your cake light. Add the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each egg to mix fully. When adding dry ingredients, fold gently. This keeps the batter airy and fluffy.
Decorating your traybake
Decorating your traybake is fun and simple.
- Applying marzipan and icing effectively: Once your traybake is cool, spread a thin layer of marzipan over the top. Roll out the icing with a few drops of water to make it smooth. Cover the marzipan layer with icing. This gives a lovely finish.
- Extra tips: Use a spatula to smooth the icing. Ensure there are no air bubbles.
Adding festive touches
Festive touches make your traybake shine.
- Suggestions for sprinkles and garnishes: For a pop of color, use edible glitter. Just sprinkle it over the icing for sparkle. You can also add fresh cranberries or a dusting of icing sugar. This gives a snowy look. Get creative and enjoy decorating!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients.
- Soak Your Dried Fruits: For added moisture and flavor, soak the mixed dried fruits in a bit of orange juice or warm water for 30 minutes before adding them to the batter.
- Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary, so check your cake a few minutes before the suggested time. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Decorate Festively: Use a mix of edible glitter and fresh fruits to create an appealing presentation. Fresh cranberries and a dusting of icing sugar can mimic a snowy effect.
Variations
Alternative dried fruits
You can switch up the dried fruits in this recipe. If you want a twist, try using seasonal fruits like dried figs or apricots. These fruits add a unique flavor and texture to your cake. You can also add nuts for crunch. Walnuts or pecans work well. Just chop them up and mix them in with the dried fruit. This change keeps the cake interesting and festive.
Flavor enhancements
Adding different spices or citrus zests can make your cake even more special. You might try adding ginger or allspice for warmth. These spices pair great with the seasonal taste. You can also mix in lemon zest for a bright flavor boost. Citrus adds a fresh taste that balances the sweetness. Experiment with these options to find what you love best.
Icing options
When it comes to icing, there are many choices. You can use a simple glaze made from icing sugar and water. This gives a nice shine without being too heavy. If you want something richer, try cream cheese frosting. It adds a tangy flavor that complements the cake. For a fun twist, use colored icing for decoration. You can even create festive patterns or shapes. Let your creativity shine through!
Storage Info
Best storage practices
Store your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature. This helps keep it fresh and moist. If you live in a warm place, consider refrigerating it. Just remember to bring it back to room temp before serving.
Freezing instructions
You can freeze this traybake for later enjoyment. First, cut it into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. When ready to eat, take out a piece and let it thaw at room temperature.
Shelf life
When stored properly, the traybake stays good for about one week at room temperature. If frozen, it can last up to three months. Just remember, the sooner you eat it, the fresher it will taste!
FAQs
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. I recommend baking the traybake a day or two in advance. Once it cools, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps it moist and fresh. Store it in a cool place. When you are ready to serve, add the marzipan and icing. This way, the cake stays soft and tasty.
Can I use a different size tray?
Yes, you can use a different size tray. If your tray is larger, the cake will be thinner and bake faster. Check it after 20 minutes. If your tray is smaller, the cake will be thicker. You may need to bake it a bit longer. Always use a toothpick to check if it's done.
What can I substitute for marzipan?
For a marzipan substitute, you can use fondant or almond paste. If you have nut allergies, try using a layer of icing alone. You can also make a sweet cream cheese frosting as an alternative. This will add a nice flavor, too. Each option gives a different look and taste, so choose what you like best!
You now know the key steps to bake a delicious traybake. We discussed the essential ingredients, how to mix and bake, and tips for the best results. Remember, using the right ingredient temperatures and mixing well will enhance your texture. Don't forget to add your favorite decorations for that festive touch. Finally, proper storage will help keep your traybake fresh for longer. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
