Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe
Looking for an easy Christmas dessert? This Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe is perfect for you! It's simple, delicious, and feeds a crowd.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or electric mixer
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sieve for flour
- Sharp knife for cutting
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts walnuts or almonds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper.
- This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Grease the paper lightly with butter.
- Beat softened butter and brown sugar together.
- Mix until light and fluffy.
- This takes about 3-4 minutes.
- The mixture should look pale and creamy.
- Crack eggs into the mixture one at a time.
- Beat well after each egg addition.
- This creates a smooth, well-combined batter.
- Don't rush this step.
- Sift flour, baking powder, and spices together.
- Add a pinch of salt.
- Mix these dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
- This ensures even distribution of spices.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually.
- Fold gently with a wooden spoon.
- Don't overmix or the cake becomes dense.
- Add orange juice and zest now.
- Stir in dried fruits and chopped nuts.
- Make sure they're evenly distributed.
- The batter will be thick and chunky.
- This is perfectly normal.
- Pour batter into your prepared pan.
- Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Check with a toothpick inserted in center.
- It should come out clean when done.
- Let the traybake cool in the pan.
- Wait at least 20 minutes before cutting.
- Cut into neat squares or rectangles.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
Notes
- Soak your dried fruits in orange juice overnight.
- This makes them plumper and more flavorful.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Don't open the oven door while baking.
- This prevents the cake from sinking in middle.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- You can also freeze portions for later.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for presentation.
- Add a splash of brandy for adult gatherings.