Introduction
Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones, and what better way to celebrate than with a delightful traybake that captures all the flavors of the season? This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is perfect for those who want to enjoy festive treats without the fuss. It's a straightforward recipe that blends traditional ingredients into a modern, shareable format.
Imagine a moist cake brimming with the warmth of spices, dried fruits, and a sweet glaze that reminisces on the classic Christmas cake. This traybake is not only accessible but also incredibly adaptable. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or gifting treats to neighbors, this cake is bound to impress.
Ingredients
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
The butter not only adds moisture to the cake but also creates a rich flavor that enhances the overall taste profile. - 250g dark brown sugar
Brown sugar brings depth and a hint of caramel sweetness, complementing the spices and dried fruits beautifully. - 4 large eggs
Eggs provide structure and richness to the cake, ensuring a light yet dense texture that holds up well. - 275g all-purpose flour
Flour gives the cake its body, while the gluten content helps in achieving the right crumb. - 1 tsp baking powder
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, ensuring the cake rises adequately and has a light texture. - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Cinnamon is a quintessential holiday spice, adding warmth and a nostalgic flavor that evokes the essence of Christmas. - 1 tsp ground ginger
This spice provides a subtle heat and aromatic quality, enhancing the cake's festive profile. - 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Nutmeg contributes a distinctive flavor that complements the other spices and adds a layer of complexity. - 200g mixed dried fruits (like raisins, cranberries, and sultanas)
Dried fruits add natural sweetness and chewy texture, making each bite more interesting. - 100g chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
Nuts introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enriching the overall taste and experience. - 200ml milk
Milk contributes moisture and aids in achieving a tender crumb, balancing the richness of the butter. - For the glaze: 150g icing sugar and 2-3 tbsp water or lemon juice
The glaze adds a sweet finish and a hint of tartness, elevating the visual appeal and flavor.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking tray.
Preheating the oven ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start, creating a consistent texture. Greasing the tray or lining it with parchment paper prevents sticking, making for a cleaner release after baking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Creaming the butter and sugar aerates the mixture, incorporating air that will help the cake rise. This step is crucial for a light cake, so take your time to ensure a thorough blend.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Adding the eggs gradually allows them to mix uniformly into the batter, creating an emulsion that adds richness and structure, essential for a moist cake.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and spices: cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
Sifting the dry ingredients helps aerate them, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and spices, which leads to a consistent flavor and texture throughout the cake.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Alternate adding the flour mix and milk to prevent overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake. The aim is to maintain a light texture while ensuring no dry flour remains.
Step 6: Fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts gently until evenly distributed.
Folding is a gentle mixing technique that avoids deflating the batter while ensuring a uniform distribution of fruits and nuts throughout the cake.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared tray and smooth the top for even baking.
A smooth layer on the surface contributes to even baking, allowing the cake to rise uniformly and prevent uneven texture or cracks.
Step 8: Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Baking time can vary, so checking with a toothpick towards the end ensures your cake isn't underbaked or overbaked. The toothpick should have a few moist crumbs, indicating doneness.
Step 9: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooling in the tray helps the cake set properly. Transferring to a wire rack lets air circulate around the cake, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Step 10: Prepare the glaze by mixing icing sugar with water or lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
The glaze not only adds sweetness but also creates visual appeal. The acidity of lemon juice brightens the flavor, creating a contrast to the sweetness.
Make It Your Own with Flavor Variations
One of the beauties of this Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different spices such as allspice or cardamom for a unique twist. Substituting some of the dried fruits with fresh fruits or adding a splash of orange juice can also introduce new flavors. Personalizing the recipe not only makes it your own but can also offer a delightful surprise to those tasting it.
Perfect Presentation Ideas
Presentation is key for a festive treat! Once the glaze has set, consider dusting the top with a sprinkle of edible glitter or placed decorative holiday-themed sprinkles for a festive touch. You might also cut the traybake into small squares and arrange them on a decorative platter, perhaps with a sprig of holly or a cinnamon stick to enhance the holiday feel.
Ideal Pairings for Your Traybake
While the traybake is delicious on its own, you can elevate the festive experience by pairing it with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot chocolate. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can also provide a delightful contrast to the cake's sweetness, making it perfect for entertaining guests.
FAQs
What can I do if the batter is too thick?
If your batter is too thick, consider adding a splash more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. This helps ensure a lighter crumb.
Can I substitute the dried fruits with something else?
Yes, you can interchange dried fruits based on your preference. Chopped dried apricots, figs, or cherries can be exciting alternatives.
What should I do if my cake turns out dry?
If your cake is dry, next time reduce the baking time or ensure accurate measurements. Overbaking can lead to loss of moisture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
What if my glaze is too runny?
If your glaze is too runny, simply add more icing sugar until you reach the desired thickness. You want it to drizzle nicely but not run off too quickly.
What's the best way to store any leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, ensuring the glaze stays intact.
Can I add a layer of frosting instead of a glaze?
Absolutely! You can top the traybake with cream cheese or buttercream frosting for a richer flavor and added decoration.
Conclusion
This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is not just an effortless way to celebrate, but it encapsulates the cozy, joyful spirit of the holidays. With its festive flavors and inviting aroma, it’s bound to impress family and friends alike.
Enjoy the process of baking, sharing, and creating memories around this traybake, making it a cherished tradition in your holiday celebrations.
Recipe Card
Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by mixing honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and vinegar.
- Place chicken thighs in the crock pot and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- If using cornstarch, remove chicken 30 minutes before cooking is done.
- Once done, shred or serve the chicken whole, alongside the sauce.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
