If you’re craving a festive treat that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, then this Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is your new best friend for the holiday season. Loaded with warm spices, juicy dried fruits, and a tender crumb, this cake traybake brings that cozy Christmas feeling with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying with your favorite cup of tea, it’s a simple recipe that fills your kitchen with the scent of festive joy and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: No complicated techniques here—just straightforward steps ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
Rich Festive Flavors: Packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried fruits, this traybake perfectly captures holiday spirit.
Perfect for Sharing: Baked in a tray, it’s easy to slice into generous portions for family and friends.
Great Texture: Moist and tender crumb balanced with fruity chewiness makes every bite irresistible.
Customizable: Easily adapted with your favorite nuts or chocolate pieces to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Christmas Cake Traybake plays a special role, from building flavor to creating the ideal texture and festive appearance. You don’t need a long list—just a handful of pantry staples combined with dried fruit magic.

Mixed dried fruit: A combination of raisins, sultanas, and chopped dried apricots to add natural sweetness and chewiness.
Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to the crumb.
Butter: Provides richness and helps keep the cake tender.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the cake structure.
Self-raising flour: Creates a light, fluffy texture without extra leavening hassle.
Cinnamon and mixed spice: The heart of the festive flavor, adding warmth and that classic Christmas aroma.
Orange zest: Brightens the dish with a citrusy lift that complements the spices.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the other flavors with subtle sweetness and depth.
Baking powder: Ensures a gentle rise for perfect crumb texture.

Variations for Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

One of the best parts about this Easy Christmas Cake Traybake recipe is how easily it can be tweaked to match your pantry supplies, taste preferences, or dietary requirements. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Nutty crunch: Toss in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra texture and nuttiness.
Chocolate twist: Add dark or milk chocolate chunks to make it delightfully indulgent.
Gluten-free option: Substitute self-raising flour with an all-purpose gluten-free blend to suit dietary needs.
Vegan version: Replace butter with plant-based margarine and eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes.
Citrus swaps: Use lemon or lime zest instead of orange for a different zesty aroma.

Easy Christmas Cake Traybake for Festive Joy

How to Make Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Step 1: Prepare your dried fruit

Start by soaking your dried fruit in warm water, juice, or even a splash of brandy for 15–20 minutes to plump it up and intensify the flavor—this will keep the cake nicely moist.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and mixed spice until evenly combined, ensuring your spices are well distributed for that classic festive taste.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until pale and fluffy—this process adds air to the mixture, leading to a lighter texture.

Step 4: Add eggs and flavorings

Beat in the eggs one at a time to prevent curdling, then stir in vanilla extract and orange zest to layer in those essential Christmas flavors.

Step 5: Combine with dry ingredients and fruit

Fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, then fold in your soaked and drained dried fruit for even distribution.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into a greased and lined traybake tin and bake at 160°C (320°F) for about 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before cutting.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Use room temperature ingredients: To ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture throughout the batter.
Don’t overmix: Folding until just combined helps keep the cake light and tender.
Line your traybake tin well: Prevent sticking and make it easier to remove your cake in one beautiful piece.
Check doneness with a skewer: Insert into the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
Let cool completely before slicing: This helps the cake set and reduces crumbling.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of icing sugar or finely chopped nuts on top for an elegant finish. A drizzle of warm caramel or a spread of cream cheese frosting can add decadent flair.

Side Dishes

Pair this traybake with classic accompaniments like clotted cream, whipped mascarpone, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange slices on a festive platter with holly sprigs or edible gold stars around the edges for a gorgeous holiday display that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness and moisture.

Freezing

Slice the cake and freeze in individual portions wrapped tightly in cling film and placed in a freezer bag—perfect for quick treats all season long. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the oven at a low temperature for 5–10 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds to bring back that soft, fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use other dried fruits in the Easy Christmas Cake Traybake?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add dried cranberries, cherries, or figs depending on your preference and what you have on hand.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is designed to be beginner-friendly with simple steps and minimal equipment needed.

How long does it keep fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to five days at room temperature.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free baking mix and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

What is the best way to serve this cake for holiday guests?

Serve slices slightly warmed with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of brandy butter for a truly festive touch.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is your go-to festive recipe when you want something deliciously comforting and wonderfully simple. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or quiet winter nights, it captures the heart of the holidays in every bite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the sweet spirit of Christmas joy!

Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
Yield: 12 generous slices 1x
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)

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Description

This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is a comforting, festive treat filled with warm spices, juicy dried fruits, and a tender crumb. Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying with tea, it combines rich flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest for a classic Christmas taste in a simple, fuss-free bake.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

200g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, chopped dried apricots)
150g brown sugar
150g unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
225g self-raising flour (or gluten-free baking mix for gluten-free)
1 tsp baking powder (ensure gluten-free if needed)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp mixed spice
Zest of 1 orange (or lemon/lime for variation)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare your dried fruit: Soak the mixed dried fruit in warm water, juice, or a splash of brandy for 15–20 minutes to plump up the fruit and intensify flavors, which will help keep the cake moist.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and mixed spice until evenly combined to distribute the festive spices throughout the cake.
Cream butter and sugar: Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until pale and fluffy, incorporating air for a lighter texture.
Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to avoid curdling, then stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest to build the layered Christmas flavors.
Combine with dry ingredients and fruit: Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients to avoid overmixing, then fold in the soaked and drained dried fruit ensuring even distribution.
Bake: Pour the batter into a greased and lined traybake tin and bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 45–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting into slices.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
Don’t overmix the batter; fold gently just until combined to keep the cake light.
Line your traybake tin well with baking paper to prevent sticking and ease cake removal.
Check doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Prep Time: 25 minutes (including soaking fruit)
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 70g)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 75 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: Christmas cake, traybake, festive dessert, dried fruit cake, holiday baking, gluten-free Christmas cake, spiced cake