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
