Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful festive treat that brings the warmth and charm of the holiday season right into your kitchen, look no further than this Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe. It combines the rich spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with the sweet chewiness of mixed dried fruit and the satisfying crunch of nuts, perfectly baked into a moist, tender tray bake. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or just craving a cozy slice with your afternoon tea, this recipe promises a comforting, flavorful bite that’s as joyful as the celebrations themselves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to create a Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly to make something truly special. Each component plays a vital role—from the warm spices adding depth to the luscious sweetness of the dried fruits and the buttery crumb of the cake base.

• All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups / 190g): The foundation that provides structure and a tender crumb.
• Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Ensures your tray bake rises beautifully, keeping it light.
• Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds that classic festive warmth and aroma.
• Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Offers subtle earthiness and depth to the spice blend.
• Ground ginger (¼ teaspoon): Introduces a gentle zing that lifts the flavors.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other ingredients.
• Unsalted butter (¾ cup / 170g), softened: Gives richness and moisture to every bite.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup / 150g): Sweetens and helps with the perfect tender texture.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and create a luxuriously smooth batter.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle sweetness and rounds out the spice notes.
• Mixed dried fruit (1 cup / 150g): A festive mix of raisins, currants, and sultanas for delightful bursts of sweetness.
• Chopped mixed nuts (½ cup / 75g): Add texture and a satisfying crunch, perfect for contrast.
• Milk (¼ cup / 60ml): Keeps the batter moist and helps everything blend harmoniously.
• Optional Glacé cherries for decoration: Classic festive flair when placed on top.
• Optional powdered sugar, for dusting: A snowy touch to make it look as delightful as it tastes.

How to Make Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line a 9×13-inch baking tray with parchment paper or give it a light grease and flour treatment. This ensures your Christmas Cake Tray Bake releases easily after baking and helps form a beautiful crust along the edges.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Spices and Flour

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This step is crucial because sifting helps break up any lumps and evenly distributes those delightful spices to every nook of your batter, promising consistent flavors throughout.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or a good old whisk, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until your mixture is light and fluffy. This lightness builds a lovely texture by incorporating air, which makes the final bake incredibly tender and moist—a key factor in this Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack the eggs in one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into your buttery mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract next, which acts as a sweet, fragrant enhancer, uplifting the whole flavor profile of the cake.

Step 5: Alternately Mix Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add your sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. This technique helps maintain the batter’s smooth consistency and prevents overmixing, which can make the cake dense. Your goal is a just combined, silky batter.

Step 6: Fold in the Dried Fruit and Nuts

Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts to distribute them evenly throughout the batter. This step adds lovely texture and bursts of flavor in every bite, reminding you of holiday traditions with those nostalgic festive ingredients.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared tray and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This baking time ensures the perfect balance of moist crumb and golden edges.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Once out of the oven, allow your Christmas Cake Tray Bake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating with glacé cherries or a light dusting of powdered sugar to add that extra festive sparkle.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

When perfectly cooled and decorated, slice the cake into squares or rectangles. Serve these festive squares with a warm beverage or share them as a wonderful holiday gift. This is the essence of the Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe—simple, fuss-free, and irresistibly delicious.

How to Serve Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, consider placing bright glacé cherries on top of each slice or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to create a snow-dusted effect. Toasted nuts or a drizzle of honey add beautiful texture and shine, turning this tray bake into a showstopper at any festive table.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with classic holiday accompaniments. Serve it alongside whipped cream, custard, or even a dollop of tangy crème fraîche to balance its sweet richness. A hot cup of spiced tea, mulled wine, or rich coffee is the perfect partner for this heartwarming dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering squares of this Christmas Cake Tray Bake in a festive tin or arrange them on a platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries for a rustic look. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper tied with seasonal ribbon makes an irresistible homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Christmas Cake Tray Bake in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy holiday weeks. Keep it somewhere cool and dry to maintain its delightful texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-friendly container or bag, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a festive treat, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake warmed, gently microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or warm it in a low oven to bring back that freshly baked coziness. Warm slices pair perfectly with cream or a splash of brandy butter for an indulgent holiday experience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dried fruit in this Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the raisins and currants for chopped dates, dried cranberries, or apricots for a unique twist, but keep the total quantity the same so the cake’s texture remains balanced.

Is it possible to make this tray bake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or add a binding agent to keep the texture just right.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

While it’s best to bake the batter fresh, you can prepare it up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight bowl. Bring it back to room temperature before baking for the best rise and texture.

What can I use instead of unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to avoid making the cake too salty.

How do I know when the tray bake is done?

Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), your Christmas Cake Tray Bake is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite holiday desserts because it’s straightforward yet packed with seasonal flavor and heartwarming textures. It’s a wonderful way to fill your home with festive aromas and create moments of joy with family and friends. I truly encourage you to give it a try this season—you might just find your new holiday tradition right here!

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