Christmas Traybake Cake is an old school vanilla sponge cake with a festive twist that will certainly add joy to your holiday celebrations. This delightful dessert is perfect for Christmas gatherings, and its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned bakers. The combination of rich flavors and eye-catching decorations will make it a hit at any holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Traybake Cake

This Holiday Traybake Cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

Quick to prepare, taking only 40 minutes from start to finish.
Yielding 12 generous slices, it’s perfect for large gatherings.
Can be easily decorated for a stunning presentation.
Perfect for holiday parties, serving as a festive traybake dessert.
Allows for unique flavor combinations, making it a seasonal traybake treat.
Fits various dietary preferences with simple modifications.

This cake embodies the essence of the holiday spirit, making it a must-try easy Christmas cake recipe.

Ingredients for Christmas Traybake Cake

Gather these items:

250 g Butter, softened
250 g Caster sugar
1 Teaspoon Vanilla extract
4 Medium Eggs
250 g Self-raising flour
3 Tablespoons Milk
200 g Icing sugar
2 Tablespoons Milk
Few Drops Red gel food colouring
Few Tablespoons Christmas sprinkles

These ingredients come together to create a delightful Christmas sheet cake that will impress your guests.

How to Make Christmas Traybake Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180℃ (160℃ for fan ovens) and line an 8×10-inch baking tin.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix in the eggs, flour, and milk, a little bit at a time, until you have a smooth, thick cake batter.
Step 4: Transfer the batter to your lined tin and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 5: Let the cake cool in the tin for around 15 minutes then flip it out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.
Step 6: Mix the icing sugar and milk together to make a smooth, thick icing. To make it thinner, add more milk, or more icing sugar to make it thicker.
Step 7: Stir in the food colouring, adding more as needed until you get your desired shade of red.
Step 8: Spread the icing onto the cake then top with Christmas sprinkles.
Step 9: Leave the icing to firm up then cut into slices and enjoy!

Now you know how to make a Christmas traybake that will surely dazzle everyone!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Christmas Traybake Cake

Keep these in mind:

Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Don’t overmix your batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Use a toothpick to check the doneness; it should come out clean.
Add zest from an orange or lemon for a unique flavor twist.

Remember, this is a Yuletide traybake recipe that can be adjusted to suit your taste!

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Traybake Cake

This cake is perfect for various occasions:

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Cut into fun shapes for a festive event or children’s party.

These simple holiday traybake ideas will make your gatherings even more special!

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Traybake Cake

To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will ensure that your Christmas cake for large gatherings remains soft and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Traybake Cake

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Traybake Cake?

The secret lies in using room temperature ingredients and not overmixing the batter. This ensures a light and fluffy cake, essential for a festive traybake dessert.

Can I make Christmas Traybake Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Just add the icing and decorations on the day you plan to serve it for the best presentation.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Traybake Cake?

Common mistakes include overmixing the batter and not ensuring your oven is preheated. Always check the cake for doneness with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.

Variations of Christmas Traybake Cake You Can Try

Here are some variations to explore:

Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Add dried fruits or nuts for a traditional Christmas cake twist.
Try a gluten-free version using almond flour instead of self-raising flour.

These unique Christmas traybake flavor combinations can enhance your cake experience!

Delicious Christmas Traybake Cake Recipe for Joyful Celebrations - Christmas Traybake Cake - main visual representation

For more festive baking ideas, check out our holiday dessert collection!

Delicious Christmas Traybake Cake Recipe for Joyful Celebrations - Christmas Traybake Cake - additional detail

To learn more about baking techniques, visit this helpful guide.

For tips on ingredient substitutions, see this article that covers various options!