The scent of brandy-soaked fruits wafting through the kitchen instantly transports me to joyful holiday gatherings. This Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake is not only a feast for the senses but also a stunning centerpiece that encapsulates the spirit of the season. With its rich buttery cake and vibrant marzipan topping, it’s the perfect holiday dessert that promises to impress both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. One of the best parts? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for anyone eager to share a slice of homemade joy without the fuss. Plus, this delicious traybake is easily shareable, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a piece of the celebration. Are you ready to create a festive masterpiece that will have your loved ones asking for seconds? Let’s dive into the world of holiday baking together!
Why is this Fruitcake Traybake a Must-Try?
Unbelievably Simple: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is straightforward, ideal for bakers of any skill level.
Festive Celebration: Packed with brandy-soaked fruits and a rich buttery base, it perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season.
Easily Customizable: From varied dried fruits to alternative toppings, you can tailor this traybake to suit any flavor preference. Looking for more festive ideas? Check out our holiday dessert collection.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Its shareable size makes it perfect for gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a sweet bite of joy during the celebrations.
Mouthwatering Texture: The chewy marzipan and fondant topping beautifully complement the moist, dense cake beneath—the perfect balance!
Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake Ingredients
• Get ready to make your holiday baking easier with this beautifully simple recipe!
For the Batter
- Mixed Dried Fruit – A delightful mix of raisins, currants, and chopped dates adds sweetness and texture, making this Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake truly traditional.
- Brandy – This adds depth to the flavor; however, you can substitute with orange or apple cider for a non-alcoholic twist.
- Butter – Unsalted butter keeps the cake moist and rich, allowing you better control over salt levels.
- Self-Raising Flour – It provides essential lift—if you’re using regular flour, remember to add a bit of baking powder for just the right texture.
- Sugar – Brown sugar gives a richer flavor; feel free to use white sugar if you prefer something a little lighter.
- Eggs – Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for the best mixing results—they help with structure and moisture in the cake.
For the Decoration
- Marzipan – This sweet almond paste not only looks wonderful but enhances the cake’s festive spirit. Ready-made marzipan is quick, but homemade brings an extra touch of love!
- Fondant – It creates a beautiful, smooth layer on top; if you’re up for it, try making your own for a personalized finish.
Let’s gather these ingredients and get ready to celebrate baking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). While the oven warms up, grab a baking tray and grease it with butter. Then, line the base and sides with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the edges slightly; this will make it easier to lift out your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake after baking.
Step 2: Soak the Dried Fruits
In a mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit with brandy and allow it to soak for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the time. This step is crucial, as soaking plumps the fruits and infuses them with flavor, creating a deliciously moist cake that’s perfect for sharing during the holidays.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Once the fruit has soaked, it’s time to move on to the batter. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat the mixture for about 4–5 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy, indicating it’s ready to incorporate your eggs and achieve that rich flavor for the Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This might take around 3 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture becoming smoother, which is a good sign that your cake will have a lovely texture. Remember, room temperature eggs blend more easily and contribute to a better batter consistency.
Step 5: Incorporate Flour and Fruit Mixture
Gradually sift the self-raising flour into the bowl with your batter, mixing on low speed. Once combined, gently fold in the soaked dried fruits along with any remaining brandy. Do this carefully to avoid overmixing, ensuring your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake remains light and fluffy while also packed with vibrant fruit flavor.
Step 6: Pour and Smooth the Batter
Pour the batter into your prepared baking tray, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Smooth the top lightly to ensure it bakes uniformly, which is essential for a beautiful, even traybake. Remember, presentation is key to this festive treat, so take your time to make it look just right.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place your tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 40–45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a skewer into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is ready. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Once baking is complete, carefully remove the tray from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes. After that, gently lift the cake out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before decorating, as this will ensure your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake doesn’t get soggy.
Step 9: Decorate with Marzipan and Fondant
Once cooled, you can decorate your traybake! Roll out the marzipan to a thin layer and cover the top of the cake, smoothing as you go. Then, roll out the fondant and place it on top of the marzipan for a classic finish. Make sure your decorations are even, as this adds to the allure of your festive dessert, ready to impress at any holiday gathering.
Step 10: Serve and Share
Slice the Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake into squares or rectangles, ensuring everyone gets a generous piece. Serve it alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee, and watch your loved ones delight in the rich flavors and festive spirit your homemade treat brings to the table during this joyful season!
Expert Tips for Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
- Resting for Flavor: Allow your cake to rest for a day or two after baking. This deepens the flavors, making your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake even more delicious.
- Fruit Varieties: Experiment with different dried fruits like figs or cranberries for a unique twist. Just ensure the total amount matches the recipe to maintain balance.
- Storage Secrets: Store your cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Wrapping it tightly prevents moisture loss while enhancing flavors during storage.
- Egg Temperature: Using room temperature eggs is vital; it helps create a smooth batter, ensuring your traybake rises beautifully.
- Baking Checks: Always use a skewer to check doneness in the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready, but avoid opening the oven door too often to maintain even heat.
How to Store and Freeze Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
Airtight Container: Store your decorated Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep it fresh and moist.
Freezer Friendly: If you want to enjoy it later, freeze the undecorated cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and it will last for several weeks.
Reheating Tips: To serve after freezing, thaw it overnight in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before decorating. If needed, warm it gently in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the flavors.
Flavor Boost: For enhanced flavor, consider brushing the cake with a little additional brandy or fruit juice before wrapping for freezing.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake ahead of time is a real game-changer for holiday festivities! You can soak the mixed dried fruits in brandy up to 24 hours in advance, which not only infuses them with flavor but also helps in creating a moist cake. Additionally, you can bake the cake up to 3 days ahead; just allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its delicious freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply decorate it with marzipan and fondant for a stunning finish. This method ensures you have more time to enjoy the celebrations while still impressing everyone with a beautiful homemade dessert!
What to Serve with Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
The magic of holiday entertaining truly comes alive when you pair your festive cake with delightful accompaniments that enhance every bite.
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Warm Mulled Wine: This spiced drink’s warmth complements the rich flavors of the traybake, wrapping you in cozy comfort. Its fragrant notes of cinnamon and clove draw in the festive spirit.
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Lightly Whipped Cream: The airy texture and subtle sweetness offset the dense fruitcake beautifully, providing a luscious contrast. A dollop of cream adds an elegant finishing touch for any holiday gathering.
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Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti: A crunchy accompaniment that adds a delightful texture. Dip a biscotti into your tea or coffee for a truly indulgent pairing experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy delight pairs exquisitely, providing a cooling counterpoint to the rich flavors of the fruitcake. It’s a classic combination that guests will savor.
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Spiced Orange Salad: Freshly sliced oranges dressed with a hint of maple and cinnamon brighten up the dessert table while balancing the sweetness with zesty notes—perfect for cleansing the palate.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of these brews enhances the overall experience, combining robust aromas with the soft sweetness of the traybake for a warm invitation to sweet indulgence.
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Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: A rich chocolate sauce adds an indulgent layer, elevating your traybake even further. Just a drizzle will accentuate the complex flavors and add a touch of decadence.
Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake Variations
Feel free to get creative with your baking and make this delightful traybake truly your own!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a plant-based margarine for a deliciously dairy-free version that’s just as moist and rich.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of self-raising flour to cater to gluten sensitivities; add a bit of baking powder to ensure lift.
- Nuts Added: Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch that complements the soft fruits in the cake.
- Spiced Up: Infuse your batter with cinnamon or nutmeg to deepen the flavors and bring an extra warmth reminiscent of holiday spice.
- Fruity Options: Swap out some dried fruit for tropical options like diced pineapple or mango for a sunny twist. A mix of flavors keeps each bite exciting!
- Alcohol-Free: Use sparkling grape juice for soaking the fruits instead of brandy, making it suitable for all ages. It retains sweetness with a festive flair!
- Icing Choice: Top your traybake with a simple lemon drizzle icing instead of fondant for a zingy contrast that brightens the overall taste.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent chocolate fruitcake that everyone will love—especially during the holidays!
Looking for more festive baking ideas? Consider checking out our delightful holiday dessert collection or think about pairing your traybake with a cup of steaming mulled wine for the perfect holiday treat!
Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right mixed dried fruit?
Absolutely! When selecting mixed dried fruit for your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake, aim for a combination of raisins, currants, and chopped dates. Look for fruits that are plump and moist, avoiding any with dark spots or excessive stickiness, as these can indicate overripeness. Always opt for high-quality fruits to ensure delicious flavor and texture in your cake.
What’s the best way to store my fruitcake traybake?
To maintain the fresh taste and moist texture of your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep it for longer, freeze it undecorated. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer, while still retaining its flavor.
Can I freeze my festive fruitcake?
Yes, I’m glad you asked! To freeze your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake, follow these steps: First, allow the cake to cool completely after baking. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no air pockets which could cause freezer burn. For extra protection, wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. This method will keep your cake fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring it to room temperature.
What should I do if my cake doesn’t rise properly?
If your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake doesn’t rise as expected, there might be a couple of reasons. Firstly, ensure that your self-raising flour is fresh since old flour can lose its leavening power. Additionally, the eggs should be mixed in at room temperature, which helps them incorporate better into the batter. If you suspect it’s become dense, make sure to fold in your ingredients gently and avoid overmixing, which could lead to a heavier texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for this fruitcake?
Very! If you’re baking for others with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt the Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake. For gluten-free guests, substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free baking blend. If any of your loved ones have allergies, consider omitting certain dried fruits but keeping the balance of total fruit weight, or using vegan substitutes like flaxseed eggs, coconut oil, or plant-based butter. Always check brandy alternatives, especially for non-alcoholic options like juice, to suit their needs.
Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake: A Must-Try Holiday Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F), grease a baking tray with butter, and line it with parchment paper.
- Combine mixed dried fruits with brandy in a bowl and soak for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Cream together butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Gradually sift in self-raising flour and fold in the soaked fruits and remaining brandy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tray and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, decorate with marzipan and fondant.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
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