Christmas Cake Traybake

$- 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 orange juice When making a Christmas Cake Traybake, the ingredients are key to great flavor. I start with unsalted butter for a rich base. The brown sugar adds warmth and depth. I use four large eggs to bind everything together. Next, I mix in all-purpose flour, baking powder, and mixed spice powder. The spice blend usually has cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It gives a warm, festive taste. For texture and flavor, I add mixed dried fruits like raisins and chopped apricots. They bring a sweet chewiness. Candied orange peel adds a bright, zesty note. I also toss in sliced almonds for a crunchy bite. Finally, I make a simple frosting. I whip cream cheese with icing sugar for sweetness. Adding orange zest and orange juice gives the frosting a fresh twist. This combination makes each bite a delightful treat during the holidays! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). - Grease a 9x13 inch baking tray. Start by heating your oven. This helps the cake bake evenly. Greasing the tray keeps the cake from sticking. Use butter or cooking spray for best results. - Cream butter and brown sugar. - Incorporate eggs one at a time. In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and brown sugar. Beat them until light and fluffy. This adds air and makes your cake soft. Next, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. This step helps blend the flavors nicely. - Sift flour, baking powder, and mixed spice powder. - Fold dry ingredients into wet mix. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and mixed spice powder. Sifting helps remove lumps and adds air. Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet mix. Be gentle to avoid overmixing. This keeps your cake light and fluffy. - Add dried fruits, candied peel, and almonds. - Pour batter into the baking tray and smooth top. Now, gently fold in the mixed dried fruits, candied peel, and sliced almonds. These add great flavor and texture. Once mixed, pour the batter into your greased tray. Use a spatula to smooth the top. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. - Check doneness with a toothpick. Place the tray in your preheated oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. - Allow to cool before transferring to a wire rack. - Prepare the cream cheese frosting. After baking, let the cake cool in the tray for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until creamy. Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting evenly on top. - Avoid overmixing the batter: Mix just until smooth. Overmixing can make the cake tough. - Ensure even distribution of fruits and nuts: Fold in the mix gently. This helps every bite taste great. - Beat cream cheese until smooth: Start with softened cream cheese. This makes it easier to blend. - Gradually mix in other frosting ingredients: Add icing sugar, zest, and juice slowly. This gives a creamy texture. - Cut into squares for serving: Use a sharp knife for clean edges. This makes it look neat. - Garnish with sliced almonds and edible glitter: Add these for a festive touch. It makes your traybake pop! Pro Tips Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar, resulting in a lighter texture. Mixing Dried Fruits: Toss the dried fruits and nuts in a little flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom while baking. Cooling Time: Allow the traybake to cool completely before frosting; this prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish. Flavor Enhancer: For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of brandy or rum to the batter or the frosting for a festive touch. {{image_2}} You can make this traybake even more fun by swapping dried fruits for chocolate chips. This change adds a rich and sweet twist. Imagine biting into a soft cake with gooey, melted chocolate. You can also play with spices. Try adding a bit of cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor. Different spices bring new tastes and smells to your kitchen. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. This helps everyone enjoy the cake without worry. For those avoiding dairy, try using a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. You can also use coconut cream for a rich, creamy texture. These simple swaps keep the cake tasty while meeting dietary needs. For a festive look, decorate the cake with seasonal fruits. Think about oranges, cranberries, or pomegranate seeds. These colors make the cake pop and feel special for the holidays. You can also add edible glitter or a sprinkle of icing sugar on top. This adds a touch of magic and makes your traybake shine on the table. To keep your Christmas cake traybake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. Place the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can dry out your treat. If you want to freeze the traybake, first let it cool completely. Wrap it well in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. This will protect it from freezer burn. For thawing, take it out and leave it in the fridge overnight. You can also thaw it at room temperature for a few hours. The traybake stays fresh for about five days at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge, it may last up to seven days. Check for signs of spoilage, like mold or an off smell. If it looks or smells strange, it's best to toss it. Enjoy your delicious Christmas cake traybake while it's fresh! To make this Christmas cake traybake vegan, you can replace eggs and butter. Use flaxseed meal as an egg substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. For butter, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. These swaps keep the texture rich and moist. Yes, you can use fresh fruits! Choose fruits like berries, apples, or pears. Chop them into small pieces. Reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly. Fresh fruits add a juicy, bright flavor to your traybake. To reheat leftovers, use the oven or microwave. In the oven, set it to 160°C (320°F) and warm for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to keep moisture in. In the microwave, heat in short bursts. Check every 15 seconds to avoid drying it out. You now have a complete guide to create a delicious traybake. We covered the key ingredients, wet and dry mixing, and baking steps. I included tips for perfecting the treat and ways to customize it. Remember to store it properly to keep it fresh. Explore variations and dietary adaptations to make it your own. With these tips, you can bake with confidence. Enjoy sharing your tasty creation with friends and family.$

A festive traybake filled with dried fruits and topped with cream cheese frosting, perfect for the holiday season.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Dessert

Cuisine British

Servings 12

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

200 g unsalted butter, softened
200 g brown sugar
4 large eggs
250 g all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon mixed spice powder (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger)
150 g mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped apricots)
100 g candied orange peel, chopped
50 g sliced almonds
100 g cream cheese
50 g icing sugar
1 zest of 1 orange
2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9x13 inch baking tray.
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and mixed spice powder.
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture, ensuring everything is well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits, candied orange peel, and sliced almonds.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the traybake to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the cream cheese frosting, in a small bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually mix in the icing sugar, orange zest, and orange juice until creamy.
Once the traybake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Notes

Cut the traybake into squares and serve on a festive platter, garnishing with additional sliced almonds and a sprinkle of edible glitter or icing sugar for a holiday touch.

Keyword cake, Christmas, dessert, traybake