Name: Traybake Red Velvet Cake with Christmas Sprinkles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 37 reviews

If you’re craving a fun, festive treat that brings plenty of cheer and color to your kitchen, look no further than this Traybake Red Velvet Cake with Christmas Sprinkles Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of soft, moist red velvet sponge topped with a luscious red icing that’s bursting with holiday spirit thanks to those joyful Christmas sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want to brighten up a chilly afternoon, this traybake delivers both simplicity and deliciousness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with smooth, thick light yellow batter being stirred with a wooden spoon. A woman's hand is holding the spoon, mixing the creamy texture gently. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some green and red blurry decorations visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward with classic baking essentials that come together to create unforgettable flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the rich butter that provides moisture to the vibrant red gel food colouring that gives the cake its iconic hue.

250 g butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture that make the cake tender and soft.
250 g caster sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping with its fine crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
4 medium eggs: Bind the ingredients and give the cake structure and lift.
250 g self-raising flour: Provides the perfect balance of lift and lightness for that fluffy crumb.
3 tablespoons milk: Keeps the batter smooth and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
200 g icing sugar: The base for the delicious, creamy topping.
2 tablespoons milk (for icing): Adjusts the icing consistency for smooth spreading.
Few drops red gel food colouring: Gives the icing its signature festive red glow.
Few tablespoons Christmas sprinkles: Adds a joyful, colorful crunch and festive flair on top.

How to Make Traybake Red Velvet Cake with Christmas Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 180℃ (160℃ for fan ovens) and lining an 8×10-inch baking tin with parchment paper. Setting up your baking environment right away ensures that everything is ready to go when your batter is mixed.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a light texture because it incorporates air into the batter, giving the cake a wonderful rise and soft crumb.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

Once creamy, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse your cake with a lovely hint of warmth and sweetness. Vanilla may be simple, but it always makes a significant difference in balancing the flavors of a baked treat.

Step 4: Mix in Eggs, Flour, and Milk

Now, add the eggs one at a time, blending each well into the batter. Then slowly incorporate the self-raising flour and milk, mixing gently to create a smooth, thick cake batter. This gradual process helps avoid lumps and keeps the texture perfect.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter evenly into the lined tin and smooth the surface with a spatula. Pop it into your oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—this step is always a satisfying moment.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully flip it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully ensures the icing won’t melt or slide off when applied later.

Step 7: Prepare the Icing

For the icing, mix together the icing sugar and milk until you have a smooth, thick consistency. Adjust the thickness by adding a little more milk or icing sugar as needed. Then stir in your red gel food colouring drop by drop until you reach that rich Christmas red color.

Step 8: Decorate and Add Sprinkles

Spread the vibrant red icing evenly over your cooled cake. While the icing is still soft, sprinkle over the Christmas sprinkles generously. These festive little bites give the traybake a fun, eye-catching twist and a delightful crunch!

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Let the icing set and firm up before cutting the cake into slices. Now, it’s time to enjoy your beautifully festive Traybake Red Velvet Cake with Christmas Sprinkles Recipe with friends and family!

How to Serve Traybake Red Velvet Cake with Christmas Sprinkles Recipe

The image shows a square slice of yellow cake with one layer of bright red frosting spread on top. The frosting is smooth but slightly textured, and it is decorated with small round sprinkles in white, red, and green, as well as gold star-shaped sprinkles scattered evenly. The cake looks soft and moist with small air holes visible in the crumb. The cake slice sits on a white marbled surface with other similar slices blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The Christmas sprinkles are already a showstopper, but you can enhance your serving with a dusting of edible glitter or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for extra festive sparkle and a minty kick. Even a few fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds make colorful, elegant toppings.

Side Dishes

Serve this traybake as a star dessert alongside warm spiced beverages like mulled wine or a creamy chai latte. For those who want a lighter contrast, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the rich cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares for a party platter or arranging the slices on a rustic wooden board surrounded by pine sprigs and holly for a festive table display. Wrapping individual pieces in parchment paper tied with twine also makes delightful gifts for neighbors or coworkers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Traybake Red Velvet Cake with Christmas Sprinkles Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps the cake stay soft and the icing fresh without drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge. This method preserves the flavor and texture beautifully.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy the cake warm, pop a slice into the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back a freshly-baked softness without melting the icing too much.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

You can, but gel food coloring tends to be more concentrated and won’t affect the icing consistency as much, giving you that vibrant red color without changing the texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the self-raising flour for a gluten-free baking mix of equivalent quantity, but ensure it has baking powder included for proper rising.

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?

Sure! Chocolate chips or chopped nuts can add delightful texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter during the mixing step before baking.

What’s the best way to spread the icing evenly?

Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for smooth, even coverage. Work quickly but gently to avoid tearing the soft cake surface.

Can I scale this recipe for a larger cake?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a bigger baking tray, adjusting the baking time as needed. Keep an eye on the cake as larger trays may take a bit longer to cook through.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about making a cake that’s not only delicious but full of festive charm, and this Traybake Red Velvet Cake with Christmas Sprinkles Recipe really hits all those notes. It’s straightforward enough for a last-minute bake but impressive enough to win everyone over with that classic red velvet flavor and cheerful sprinkles. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these joyful bites with your loved ones!