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- 200g unsalted butter - 200g brown sugar - 4 large eggs - 250g all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon mixed spice powder - 150g mixed dried fruits - 100g candied orange peel - 50g sliced almonds - 100g cream cheese - 50g icing sugar - Zest of 1 orange - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a great Christmas cake traybake. Start with 200g of unsalted butter. This should be soft, near room temperature. Next, you need 200g of brown sugar. This adds warmth and depth of flavor. You will then crack 4 large eggs into your bowl. Make sure they are also at room temperature. Use 250g of all-purpose flour. This is the base of your cake. Add in 1 teaspoon of baking powder to help your cake rise and be fluffy. For a warm, festive taste, include 1 teaspoon of mixed spice powder, which is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Now for the fun part! Toss in 150g of mixed dried fruits like raisins, currants, and chopped apricots. They give your cake that holiday feel. You will also want to add 100g of candied orange peel, finely chopped. This adds a sweet citrus twist. Don't forget 50g of sliced almonds for that nice crunch. To make a lovely cream cheese frosting, grab 100g of softened cream cheese and 50g of sifted icing sugar. The zest of 1 orange and 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice will brighten your frosting. These ingredients bring everything together to create a festive and flavorful treat. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is key for even baking. Next, take a 9x13 inch baking tray. Grease it well with butter or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift out the cake later. Start by creaming the butter and brown sugar together. Use an electric mixer or whisk. Mix until it is light and fluffy. This takes about three minutes. Then, crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. This keeps the batter smooth. Now, in another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and mixed spice powder together. This helps to mix the dry ingredients evenly. Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet mix. Use a spatula and be gentle. You want to avoid overmixing, so a few lumps are okay. Now it's time for the fun part! Fold in the mixed dried fruits, candied orange peel, and sliced almonds. Mix them in well, so every bite has a touch of festive flavor. Once everything is combined, pour the batter into the prepared tray. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the tray. Place the tray in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your traybake is ready. After baking, let it cool in the tray for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake cools, let’s make the cream cheese frosting. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix this until it is fluffy and well combined. Once the cake is cool, it’s time to frost it. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the traybake. For a decorative touch, add extra sliced almonds on top. You can also sprinkle some edible glitter or a light dusting of icing sugar. This adds a festive sparkle, making your Christmas Cake Traybake truly special! To get a great bake, start with the right oven temperature. Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) before you mix your batter. This helps the cake rise evenly. Also, use room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs. When they are warm, they mix better and create a fluffier cake. Spices are key to a tasty Christmas cake traybake. You can adjust the mixed spice powder to suit your taste. If you love cinnamon, add a little more! You can also add zest from other citrus fruits. Lemon or lime zest adds a bright note. Extracts like vanilla or almond can deepen the flavor too. Garnishing makes your traybake shine. Slice the cake into squares, then place them on a lovely platter. Top each piece with sliced almonds for a nice crunch. For a festive touch, sprinkle some edible glitter or dust with icing sugar. This adds a magical sparkle, perfect for holiday gatherings. Pro Tips Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter and improves the cake's texture. Don't Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Customize Your Dried Fruits: Feel free to swap out the mixed dried fruits with your favorites. Dried cherries, cranberries, or even chocolate chips can add a unique twist! Frosting Variations: For a different flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese frosting, or even a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth. {{image_4}} Vegan Christmas Cake Traybake You can make this traybake vegan. Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use a plant-based butter substitute and ensure your sugar is vegan. This keeps the festive taste while being plant-friendly. Gluten-free options To make a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. You can also add a bit of xanthan gum to help with texture. This way, everyone can enjoy the holiday treat! Change up dried fruits Feel free to mix and match dried fruits. You can use cranberries, figs, or even cherries. This adds different flavors and textures to your traybake. Using different spices Spices can make or break your cake. Try adding cardamom, allspice, or even a hint of cloves. This gives a unique twist to the traditional taste. Experiment to find your favorite blend! Other frosting ideas While cream cheese frosting is classic, you can try a simple buttercream. Just mix butter with icing sugar and a splash of vanilla. This gives a sweeter option that pairs well with the cake. Glaze options If you want something lighter, a glaze works too! Mix icing sugar with a bit of orange juice. Drizzle it over the cooled traybake for a sweet finish. It's pretty and adds a burst of flavor! To keep your leftover traybake fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place the traybake in an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. - Freezing: Cut the traybake into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever you want. The traybake lasts about 5 days in the fridge. You’ll know it's still good if it smells sweet and looks moist. If the cake feels hard or has an off smell, it’s time to toss it. To warm up your leftovers, use these methods: - Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Place the traybake on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. - Microwave: Put a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 15-20 seconds. This keeps it soft and tasty. Avoid reheating too much, as it can dry out the cake. Enjoy your festive treat warm! A Christmas Cake Traybake is a festive dessert that brings joy to any holiday table. It combines rich flavors and textures into one easy-to-make treat. This cake has a soft, moist crumb and is filled with mixed dried fruits, candied orange peel, and sliced almonds. The warm spices create a lovely aroma, making it perfect for Christmas. Topped with creamy frosting, it looks as good as it tastes. Yes, you can prepare this traybake ahead of time. You can bake it one to two days before serving. After it cools, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh and moist. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving. For serving, cut the traybake into squares and add the frosting right before guests arrive. To check if the traybake is done, look for a golden top. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If there is batter on the toothpick, bake it for a few more minutes. Always keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking. It should spring back lightly when touched. Pair this traybake with a warm drink like spiced apple cider or hot chocolate. If you want something cold, serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For a fun twist, try it with a scoop of eggnog ice cream. You can also add a sprinkle of extra sliced almonds on top for added crunch. This blog post gives you all the tools to make a festive Christmas Cake Traybake. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and plenty of tips and tricks. We also explored fun variations for dietary needs and flavor preferences. Remember, this treat can be stored well and enjoyed later. With your newfound skills, impress your friends and family this holiday season. Happy baking!

Festive Christmas Cake Traybake

A delightful traybake perfect for the holiday season, filled with dried fruits and topped with a creamy frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine British
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 200 g brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 250 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon mixed spice powder
  • 150 g mixed dried fruits
  • 100 g candied orange peel, finely chopped
  • 50 g sliced almonds, plus extra for garnish
  • 100 g cream cheese, softened
  • 50 g icing sugar, sifted
  • 1 zest of 1 orange
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking tray with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer or whisk, cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
  • Crack and add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and mixed spice powder.
  • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, incorporating them gently until just combined.
  • Carefully fold in the mixed dried fruits, chopped candied orange peel, and sliced almonds.
  • Pour the delicious batter into the prepared baking tray, using a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top.
  • Place the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Perform the toothpick test to check if the cake is done.
  • Once baked, allow the traybake to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes, then gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing until well combined and fluffy.
  • Once the traybake has completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.

Notes

For a festive display, cut the traybake into generous squares and garnish with sliced almonds and edible glitter.
Keyword cake, Christmas, dessert, traybake