introduction
This Festive Christmas Cake Traybake is an easy, tasty cake for the holidays. It has warm spices, fruit and nuts. You can bake it in one tray and decorate with marzipan and icing sugar.
why make this recipe
It is quick and simple. You need common ingredients. It makes a large cake to share with family and friends. It keeps well and tastes better after a day.
how to make Festive Christmas Cake Traybake
Ingredients :
- 200g unsalted butter
- 200g sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 200g mixed dried fruits
- 100g chopped nuts
- 100g marzipan (optional)
- 100g icing sugar, for decoration
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then fold into the mixture.
- Stir in the dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased traybake pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before decorating with marzipan and icing sugar.
how to serve Festive Christmas Cake Traybake
Slice the cake into squares. Dust with icing sugar or press thin marzipan on top. Serve with tea, coffee or a small glass of dessert wine.
how to store Festive Christmas Cake Traybake
Keep the cooled cake in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap well and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Festive Christmas Cake Traybake
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smooth batter.
- Toss dried fruit in a little flour before adding so it does not sink.
- Do not overmix once you add the flour.
- Check the cake at 25 minutes; oven times can vary.
- Cool fully before adding marzipan or icing sugar.
variation (if any)
- Replace mixed dried fruit with glace cherries or chopped dates.
- Use different nuts like almonds or pecans.
- Add a splash of orange juice or rum to the fruit for extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, reduce sugar by 25g and add a little apple sauce.
FAQs (minimum three FAQ)
Q: Can I use self-raising flour instead of all-purpose?
A: If you use self-raising flour, skip the baking powder. Measure the same weight.
Q: Can I make this gluten free?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free flour mix that is a 1:1 substitute.
Q: How do I stop the cake from drying out?
A: Do not overbake. Keep it in an airtight container and add a little syrup or jam before storing if you like extra moisture.
Q: Is marzipan required?
A: No. Marzipan is optional. The cake is nice with just icing sugar.
Conclusion
For more tips and another easy method, see Easy Christmas Cake Traybake – Easy Peasy Foodie.
Print
Festive Christmas Cake Traybake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An easy and delicious traybake cake filled with warm spices, fruit, and nuts, perfect for holiday sharing.
Ingredients
- 200g unsalted butter
- 200g sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 200g mixed dried fruits
- 100g chopped nuts
- 100g marzipan (optional)
- 100g icing sugar, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then fold into the mixture.
- Stir in the dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased traybake pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before decorating with marzipan and icing sugar.
Notes
Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smooth batter. Do not overmix once you add the flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Christmas cake, traybake, festive dessert, holiday baking