Description
This Christmas Cake Tray Bake is a delightful festive treat perfect for sharing with family and friends. Featuring a moist and spiced batter loaded with mixed dried fruits and nuts, it’s a simple yet flavorful dessert that’s beautifully decorated with glacé cherries and powdered sugar for a seasonal touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
Add-ins
- 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas, etc.)
- ½ cup (75g) chopped mixed nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
Optional Garnishes
- Glacé cherries, for decoration
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking tray or cake tin with parchment paper or grease it with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the batter is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make the cake tough.
- Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit and chopped nuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set properly and makes it easier to decorate.
- Decorate and Serve: Once fully cooled, decorate optionally with glacé cherries and dust with powdered sugar for a festive look. Slice the cake into squares or rectangles and serve to your guests.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- For a richer flavor, you can soak the dried fruit in a little brandy or orange juice overnight before adding.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal of the cake from the tray.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.
- Optional decorations can be customized according to your festive theme.
