Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Christmas cake traybake that will impress your family and friends this holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, and chopped dried apricots)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup candied citrus peel (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruit, chopped nuts, and candied citrus peel if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake before slicing.
Notes
- For a festive touch, add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for extra flavor.
- Substitute the mixed dried fruit with chocolate chips or fresh berries for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Easy Christmas Cake Traybake, Christmas dessert, holiday baking