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–+ servings
Easy Christmas Cake Traybake

Easy Christmas Cake Traybake: Joyful Holiday Baking Made Simple

This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake combines traditional flavors with a simple baking approach, making it a festive, crowd-pleasing dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Holiday
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 300 g Plain Flour Can use a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
  • 250 g Butter Use unsalted to control salt levels.
  • 200 g Brown Sugar Coconut sugar can be used for a healthier twist.
  • 4 pieces Eggs Consider a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan option.
  • 400 g Mixed Dried Fruit Feel free to swap in figs, dates, or cranberries.
  • 50 ml Brandy Use orange juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version.
For the Decoration
  • 200 g Marzipan Can substitute with icing glaze for simplicity.
  • 100 g Fondant Powdered sugar can be used for a minimalist approach.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • electric mixer
  • baking tray
  • spatula
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and prepare a baking tray by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 250g of unsalted butter and 200g of brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition for about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Gently fold in 300g of plain flour until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
  5. Mix in 400g of soaked mixed dried fruits and 50ml of brandy, stirring gently for distribution.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tray, smoothing the top evenly.
  7. Bake for approximately 1 hour, checking for doneness with a skewer.
  8. Once baked, let it cool in the tray for about 30-40 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack.
  9. Decorate the cooled cake with marzipan and fondant as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For the best flavor, soak the fruit well in brandy and let the cake rest for a day or two before serving. Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

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