Christmas Cake Tray Bake (Printer-Friendly)

A moist, spiced cake packed with dried fruit and nuts, ideal for festive celebrations and holiday sharing.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (190g)
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (170g)
08 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1/4 cup milk (60ml)

→ Add-ins

12 - 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas) (150g)
13 - 1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (walnuts or almonds) (75g)

→ Optional Garnish

14 - Glacé cherries for decoration
15 - Powdered sugar for dusting

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking tray with parchment paper or grease it with butter and flour.
02 - Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Using a hand mixer or whisk, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
06 - Fold in the mixed dried fruit and chopped nuts evenly throughout the batter.
07 - Pour the batter into the prepared tray and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow the bake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, decorate with glacé cherries or dust with powdered sugar.
09 - Slice into portions and serve once fully cooled and decorated.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - For even baking, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.