Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe: A Festive Treat for the Whole Family Recipe

If you’re looking to add a heartwarming, delicious centerpiece to your holiday celebrations, this Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe: A Festive Treat for the Whole Family Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderfully moist, spiced cake bursting with dried fruits and nuts, perfectly capturing the festive spirit and bringing everyone together around the table. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this tray bake is straightforward to make and promises to fill your home with cozy aromas and joyful anticipation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Christmas Cake Tray Bake just right is all about combining simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully. Each component adds its own magic—from the warm spices to the crunchy nuts—making the final dish a truly festive feast.

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake body and structure.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a light, tender texture.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that classic, warm Christmas spice flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings a slightly sweet, nutty spice that complements the cinnamon.
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a subtle zing that brightens the cake.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened: Contributes richness and moistness to the bake.
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve a tender crumb.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add to the moist texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and fragrant depth.
• 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas, etc.): Gives bursts of chewiness and natural sweetness.
• ½ cup (75g) chopped mixed nuts (such as walnuts or almonds): Adds crunch and a lovely nutty flavor.
• ¼ cup (60ml) milk: Helps achieve a smooth, mixable batter without drying out the cake.
• Optional garnish: Glacé cherries: For a pop of festive color and juicy sweetness.
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): Adds a delicate, snowy finish that makes presentation extra special.

How to Make Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe: A Festive Treat for the Whole Family Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfect baking temperature right from the get-go. Line a 9×13-inch baking tray or cake tin with parchment paper, or grease it with butter and flour so your cake lifts out easily after baking. This little prep step saves a lot of hassle later!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt into a medium bowl. Sifting not only combines these ingredients evenly but also helps keep the final texture light and airy. Setting this aside now means you’re one step closer to a smooth batter finish.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or whisk. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This step creates tiny air pockets that help your cake rise beautifully and results in a tender crumb texture that everyone loves.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time to your creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. This slow introduction helps your batter stay smooth and prevents curdling. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a warm, inviting aroma that feels just right for the season.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mix alternately with the milk. Pour a little dry mix, then some milk, then dry mix again, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so keep it light and quick. This balance produces a moist and tender final cake.

Step 6: Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Now for the fun part! Fold the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts into the batter evenly. These ingredients add texture, sweetness, and delightful festive character that’s impossible to resist. This step is what makes the Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe: A Festive Treat for the Whole Family Recipe so wonderfully special.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking tray, spreading it evenly for a consistent bake. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This baking time yields a soft yet sturdy cake perfect for slicing.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set before transferring it onto a wire rack. This helps the cake hold its shape when cutting. For a festive finishing touch, decorate with glacé cherries or dust with powdered sugar. These simple touches turn your tray bake into a holiday showstopper.

Step 9: Slice and Enjoy!

Once fully cooled and decorated, slice the cake into squares or rectangles and get ready to enjoy! This cake is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for sharing during any Christmas gathering, embodying the warmth and joy of the season.

How to Serve Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe: A Festive Treat for the Whole Family Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation, add some glacé cherries on top or dust the surface lightly with powdered sugar to mimic a snowy effect. You can also sprinkle some extra chopped nuts for an added crunch and rustic look. These garnishes create that irresistible festive vibe everyone loves.

Side Dishes

This tray bake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of warm custard. These sides add richness and balance the spices and sweetness, turning every bite into a cozy holiday experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your cake squares on a wooden board lined with parchment or a beautiful festive plate. You could also wrap individual slices in wax paper with a colorful ribbon for party favors or gifts. Layering tray bake squares between sheets of baking paper in a pretty box is another charming idea for sharing with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it moist and flavorful. It typically stays fresh for about 3-4 days, making it a convenient make-ahead treat during the busy holiday season.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked and cooled cake in portioned slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen properly, it maintains its taste and texture for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To warm up slices, gently microwave for 15-20 seconds or place them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Warming enhances the flavors and gives a cozy, fresh-from-the-oven feel that’s so satisfying during chilly holiday days.

FAQs

Can I use different dried fruits for this tray bake?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite dried fruits such as cranberries, chopped dates, or dried apricots. Just make sure to chop larger fruits into bite-sized pieces so they distribute evenly.

Is this recipe suitable for nut allergies?

If nuts are a concern, simply omit them or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a similar crunch. The cake will still be delicious and festive without nuts.

How long does this tray bake keep fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature. If you’d like it to last longer, freezing slices is a great option.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup similarly. Just check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

What’s the best way to ensure the cake is cooked perfectly?

Use a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center of the cake to test doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Christmas Cake Tray Bake Recipe: A Festive Treat for the Whole Family Recipe feels like passing on a little holiday magic wrapped in flour, spices, fruit, and nuts. It’s simple to make, delightful to eat, and sure to bring smiles and warmth to your festive gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved favorite in your family’s holiday tradition.

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