If you are looking for a delightful way to bring festive cheer to your kitchen, this Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines the warmth of traditional holiday spices with the juicy sweetness of dried fruits and the satisfying crunch of nuts, all baked into an easy-to-make tray cake. Perfectly moist and delicious, this recipe not only fills your home with the most comforting aromas but also makes a gorgeous centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Whether you are baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe is bound to become a beloved seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each item plays a key role in the flavor, texture, and festive spirit of the bake, ensuring every bite is a celebration.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups / 190g): The base that gives the cake structure and a soft crumb.
- Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Helps the cake rise beautifully for a light texture.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds cozy warmth that’s classic for Christmas treats.
- Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Offers a subtle, aromatic spice depth.
- Ground ginger (¼ teaspoon): Provides a gentle zing to brighten the flavors.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances other spices.
- Unsalted butter, softened (¾ cup / 170g): Adds richness and tenderness to the cake.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup / 150g): Sweetens the cake while contributing to its moist texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives a mild, sweet aroma that complements the spices.
- Mixed dried fruit (1 cup / 150g): Raisins, currants, sultanas, providing bursts of natural sweetness and a chewy contrast.
- Chopped mixed nuts (½ cup / 75g): Walnuts or almonds for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
- Milk (¼ cup / 60ml): Keeps the batter moist and helps combine the ingredients smoothly.
- Optional garnishes: Glacé cherries for that festive pop of color and powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
How to Make Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get your baking tray ready by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with butter and dusting some flour so your cake doesn’t stick later on. This simple prep sets the stage for an easy bake and clean-up.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Sifting not only ensures no lumps but also helps airate the flour, contributing to a lighter cake texture. Keep this bowl aside for the next step.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial because it traps air into the batter which makes the cake light and tender. Don’t rush it—3 to 4 minutes is worth the effort.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps the batter emulsify properly. Stir in the vanilla extract for that inviting aroma that signals something special is on the way.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mix from step 2 to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. This keeps the batter from becoming too dense. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cake tough.
Step 6: Fold in Fruits and Nuts
Now comes the best part: folding in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts. They bring in texture, flavor, and festive character. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every slice has just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared tray and spread it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—this is that perfect moist yet cooked-through texture we all love.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid sogginess. If you like, decorate with glacé cherries or a light dusting of powdered sugar to add that classic holiday flair.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Once fully cooled and decorated, cut the cake into squares or rectangles. This Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed, perfect for sharing around the table or gifting to loved ones.
How to Serve Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like glacé cherries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar instantly elevates the look of this tray bake. The cherries provide a festive burst of color, while powdered sugar looks like winter snow, making each piece picture-perfect for holiday photos or parties.
Side Dishes
This tray bake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add creaminess that complements the spice and fruit. For a warm touch, a side of mulled wine or spiced tea is a cozy match that enhances the festive mood.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the cake squares on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a rustic look, or use a decorative plate with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries for extra holiday charm. Wrapping individual pieces in cellophane with a ribbon makes charming homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe stays moist and tender when stored properly. Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The spices and fruit flavors often deepen with a little rest, so it can taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this festive treat in advance, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, it can keep its quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
For a fresh-baked feel, gently warm reheated slices in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 10 minutes or pop them in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This brings back softness and enhances the cozy aromas that make this Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use different dried fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the dried fruit blend with your favorites such as dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots. Each change gives a unique touch, and mixing fruits keeps the cake exciting every time you bake it.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend should work well. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help the texture hold together like the traditional version.
Can I make this a nut-free Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe?
Definitely. Simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for some crunch without nuts. This way, everyone can enjoy the festive treat regardless of allergies.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based margarine, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. The flavors stay just as joyful!
What is the best way to slice the tray bake for serving?
Use a sharp, serrated knife to slice the cooled cake into even squares or rectangles. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps maintain neat edges and keeps your slices looking as festive as they taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about sharing a homemade Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe with the people you love. It fills your kitchen with joy, your heart with warmth, and your table with smiles. I hope you give this recipe a try, and that it becomes your go-to festive treat for years to come. Happy baking and merry holidays!
Print
Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Christmas Cake Tray Bake is a festive, moist, and flavorful treat perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. Packed with warming spices, mixed dried fruits, and crunchy nuts, it offers a delightful combination of textures and classic Christmas flavors. Easy to make and baked in a simple tray bake style, it’s an ideal celebratory dessert or afternoon tea accompaniment.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking tray: 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.
- Sift the 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 unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This incorporates air, helping achieve a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat the eggs into the creamed mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk to keep the batter smooth. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake dense.
- Fold in dried fruit and nuts: Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit and chopped nuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter for bursts of flavor and texture.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking tray, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool and decorate: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes; then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, optionally decorate with glacé cherries or dust with powdered sugar to add a festive touch.
- Serve: Slice the cooled and decorated cake into squares or rectangles and serve to your family and guests as a delightful holiday treat.
Notes
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- Feel free to customize the mix-ins by adding finely chopped dried apricots or cranberries for additional texture and flavor.
- To keep the cake moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be doubled and baked in a larger pan if you want to feed a bigger crowd.
