why make this recipe
Festive Christmas Cake Traybake is a delightful and easy way to celebrate the holiday season. This recipe is perfect for gatherings and parties because it combines traditional Christmas flavors with a simple baking method. The blend of spices, dried fruits, and nuts make this cake not only tasty but also visually appealing. All your friends and family will love this treat, and you can serve it in generous portions. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover dried fruits from your holiday preparations!
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
Serve the Festive Christmas Cake Traybake in squares for easy sharing. You can add a festive touch by placing it on a decorative plate or cake stand. A dusting of icing sugar creates a beautiful snowy effect, or you can add slices of marzipan on top for a more traditional look. This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful treat for holiday gatherings.
how to store Festive Christmas Cake Traybake
To store your Festive Christmas Cake Traybake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for about a week, making it a great option for keeping holiday sweets handy. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual pieces. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for a couple of months.
tips to make Festive Christmas Cake Traybake
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Feel free to customize the mixed dried fruits and nuts based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary; a toothpick test is the best way to check if it’s done.
- If you enjoy spices, feel free to enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of allspice or cloves.
variation
You can try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Additionally, you could add a splash of orange juice or zest to the batter for a fresh citrus flavor. For a chocolatey twist, consider adding some chocolate chips to the mix!
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a few days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
2. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
3. Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
Dried fruits work best for this recipe as they help retain moisture during baking. Fresh fruits may make the batter too wet and change the texture of the cake.
Festive Christmas Cake Traybake
A delightful and easy cake perfect for holiday celebrations, combining traditional flavors with simple baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Christmas cake, holiday baking, traybake