Easy Christmas Cake Traybake
An Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is the perfect solution when you want all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of a traditional holiday cake without the long prep time or complicated steps. This recipe brings together warm spices, dried fruit, citrus, and a soft, moist crumb that bakes beautifully in a simple rectangular pan. It’s ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, gifting, or making ahead for festive gatherings. Quick to prepare and effortlessly impressive, this traybake captures the magic of Christmas in every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This traybake delivers classic Christmas cake flavors without hours of soaking, multiple days of baking, or heavy decorations. The batter comes together quickly using pantry staples and dried fruit, making it easy enough for weeknight holiday baking. Since it’s baked in a tray, the cake cooks evenly, cools faster, and is easy to slice into neat squares. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly simple, perfect for busy December schedules.
Ingredients
This cake uses a mix of warming spices and dried fruits to create its signature holiday flavor. Butter gives the cake richness, while brown sugar adds moisture and caramel notes. Dried fruits like raisins, currants, cherries, or mixed peel provide bursts of sweetness. The citrus zest brightens the cake, and a touch of vanilla ties everything together.
You’ll Need:
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spice
- Mixed dried fruit
- Orange zest and lemon zest
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Powdered sugar for optional icing
How to Make This Christmas Traybake
Start by creaming together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, which creates a tender cake texture. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in the citrus zest and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and spices, then fold them gently into the wet mixture. Add the dried fruit, coating it well so it distributes evenly throughout the batter. Spread the mixture into a lined traybake tin and bake until golden, fragrant, and springy to the touch. Once cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple icing for a festive finish.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the cake into squares or bars and serve with tea, mulled cider, or holiday hot chocolate. For a more indulgent touch, add a thick vanilla glaze or spread a layer of brandy buttercream on top. This traybake also pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It’s easy to transport and perfect for sharing during school events, office parties, or family celebrations.
Variations
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Swap mixed dried fruit for cranberries, chopped apricots, or dates. Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for texture. A splash of orange juice or apple cider enhances moisture and flavor. If you enjoy spiced cakes, increase the cinnamon or add ground ginger. You can also decorate the top with candied cherries or sliced almonds before baking for a traditional appearance.
Make-Ahead Tips
This traybake keeps exceptionally well. Bake it 2–3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container to allow the flavors to deepen. The cake also freezes beautifully—wrap the cooled traybake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Defrost at room temperature, then dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving.
Conclusion
This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake gives you all the flavor and festive charm of a classic Christmas cake in a fuss-free, time-saving format. Moist, aromatic, and beautifully spiced, it’s a holiday staple you’ll come back to year after year. Simple to prepare, easy to store, and perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s the ultimate Christmas baking shortcut that still feels special.
FAQs
Can I use pre-soaked dried fruit?
Yes, pre-soaked fruit works wonderfully and adds extra moisture and richness. Just drain any excess liquid before adding it to the batter.
How long does the traybake stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays soft and flavorful for up to five days. The spices deepen over time, making it even better after the first day.
Can I frost the whole cake instead of dusting with sugar?
Absolutely. A simple vanilla icing, cream cheese frosting, or brandy buttercream all complement the flavors beautifully.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure the dried fruits are also gluten-free.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the brown sugar by about one-quarter without affecting texture. Keep in mind the dried fruits also contribute natural sweetness.