As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of brandy-soaked fruits filled the air, instantly transporting me to a cozy holiday gathering. This Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake transforms the classic fruitcake into a delightful, shareable dessert that’s perfect for this joyous season. With its buttery cake base, enriched with chunks of vibrant dried fruits and adorned with festive marzipan and fondant, this treat is not only a feast for the eyes but also surprisingly easy to make. You’ll impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s the perfect dessert for holiday gatherings and makes for a fantastic make-ahead option, ensuring you have a slice of nostalgia ready to go. Are you ready to create some new holiday memories with this delicious traybake?
Why is this fruitcake so special?
Ease of Preparation: This Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake simplifies the traditional fruitcake, making it accessible for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
Flavor Explosion: With brandy-soaked fruits and a buttery base, each bite is a delightful adventure of rich flavors and textures.
Flexible Options: You can easily tailor the ingredients by substituting dried fruits or adding your favorite nuts, making it your own festive creation.
Beautiful Presentation: Adorned with marzipan and fondant, this dessert not only tastes amazing but looks stunning at your holiday gatherings.
Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for sharing, it slices beautifully, making it ideal for potlucks or festive celebrations.
This traybake is not just a dessert; it’s a lovely tradition in the making! Want to explore more delightful holiday treats? Check out our easy dessert ideas for inspiration!
Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake Ingredients
Note: Gather these ingredients to create your delightful holiday masterpiece!
For the Cake
• Mixed Dried Fruit – Provides sweetness and texture; feel free to substitute with figs or cranberries for a unique twist.
• Brandy – Enhances flavor; orange juice or apple cider work well for non-alcoholic options.
• Butter – Adds richness; opt for unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.
• Sugar – Sweetens the batter and contributes to browning; using brown sugar gives a deeper flavor.
• Flour – The base that holds it together; ensure you sift it for a lighter texture.
• Eggs – Binds ingredients and keeps it moist; replace with applesauce for a vegan alternative.
• Baking Powder – A key leavening agent; check its freshness for best results.
For Decoration
• Marzipan – Adds a festive touch; can be skipped or replaced with simple icing for a quicker finish.
• Fondant – Enhances visual appeal; it’s easy to work with and creates a smooth exterior.
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get baking! Your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake awaits to bring joy to your holiday celebrations!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). This crucial step ensures that your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake bakes evenly. While the oven heats, gather your baking pan, ideally a rectangular one about 9×13 inches, and prepare it with baking parchment or a light greasing to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Soak the Dried Fruits
In a medium bowl, combine your mixed dried fruits with the brandy, giving them a good stir. Allow this mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes, letting the fruits absorb the liquid and swell. This step enhances the flavor and texture of your cake, adding a rich, moist component that’s irresistible.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 200g of unsalted butter and 200g of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. The goal is to incorporate air for a tender cake texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing, fostering a warm connection with your baking career.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Fruits
Add 4 large eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Follow this by gently folding in the soaked dried fruits along with any leftover brandy. This step makes sure the festive flavors are evenly distributed throughout your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake, resulting in a rich, fruit-filled batter.
Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Sift in 250g of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder into the batter. Use a spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the mixture gently until just combined. Take care not to over-mix; you want a light and airy batter without lumps. This careful folding keeps the texture of your cake enchanting.
Step 6: Transfer the Batter to the Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, leveling it out with a spatula for even baking. Take a moment to admire the vibrant colors of the batter before it goes into the oven. This visual cue of the mixture’s life is a reminder of the Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake you are creating, full of rich flavors and tradition.
Step 7: Bake the Traybake
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45–50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges start to pull away slightly from the pan. Check your creation around the 45-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t over-bake.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove your festive traybake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial step prevents sogginess and prepares it for beautiful decorating, as the cooled surface ensures that the marzipan and fondant adhere properly.
Step 9: Decorate Your Traybake
Once completely cooled, it’s time to decorate your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake! Roll out the marzipan and fondant to cover the surface smoothly, using a sharp knife to trim excess. This not only adds a festive flair but offers a stunning centerpiece for your holiday gatherings, making every slice a delight.
Step 10: Let the Cake Rest
For the best flavor, wrap your decorated cake in cling film and let it rest for a day or two at room temperature. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake even more scrumptious when it’s time to serve.
How to Store and Freeze Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
Room Temperature: Store your cooled traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate the cut pieces wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 1 week. This keeps the moisture intact and enhances the taste.
Freezer: The undecorated Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
Reheating: To enjoy a slice warm, microwave it for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes to release the delightful aromas and flavors.
What to Serve with Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
As you gather around your holiday table, imagine the delightful harmony of flavors that elevate this enchanting dessert to a festive feast.
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Spiced Mulled Wine: The warm spices in mulled wine beautifully complement the rich flavors of the fruitcake, making for a cozy pairing.
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Classic English Breakfast Tea: A cup of this robust tea balances the sweetness of the traybake and enhances its fruity notes.
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Creamy Brandy Butter: This luscious topping offers a rich, decadent addition that resonates with the cake’s brandy-soaked essence.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts nicely with the warmth of the cake, creating a delightful texture combination.
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Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce adds a refreshing contrast, cutting through the sweetness and enriching every bite. The pops of flavor will elevate your dessert experience.
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Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: Dark chocolate-dipped figs or apricots can bring a touch of elegance and decadence alongside your festive spread.
Embrace these pairings to make your holiday table a true celebration of flavors, ensuring that every bite of the Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake is cherished and enjoyed!
Variations & Substitutions for Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
Feel free to get creative with your festive masterpiece, adding personal touches that resonate with your taste buds!
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Dried Fruit Swap: Replace the mixed dried fruits with any of your favorites, such as figs or cranberries, for a distinctive flavor twist! Each combination weaves a new tale, making every bite a surprise.
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Alcohol-Free Option: Instead of brandy, use orange juice or apple cider to soak the fruits. This way, you’ll still capture that festive essence without the alcohol, perfect for family gatherings.
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Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. The textural contrast elevates the cake, turning each slice into a delightful experience.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for an aromatic holiday twist. Imagine the warm, comforting scents wafting through your kitchen!
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Chocolate Treat: Add dark chocolate shavings for a rich, decadent layer that pairs wonderfully with the fruit. Who doesn’t love chocolate during the holidays?
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Icing Alternatives: Skip the marzipan and fondant in favor of a simple glaze for a quicker finish. A light drizzle of icing makes for an elegant, less fussy presentation.
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Vegan-Friendly: Substitute eggs with applesauce to create a vegan-friendly version. This change keeps the cake moist while ensuring everyone can partake in the holiday joy.
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Extra Juiciness: Mix in dried cherries or apricots, as they add a burst of tartness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the cake. Each piece becomes a burst of fruity delight.
Remember, embracing these variations allows your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake to become uniquely yours! Looking for more festive baking inspiration? Check out our collection of delicious holiday desserts to sweeten your celebrations!
Expert Tips for Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
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Soak Wisely: Allow the mixed dried fruits to soak for at least 30 minutes. This enhances flavor and ensures moistness in your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake.
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Temperature Control: Ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming. This technique allows for better aeration, leading to a lighter cake texture.
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Fresh Ingredients: Always double-check that your baking powder is fresh. Expired leavening agents can lead to a dense, unrisen cake.
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Gentle Folding: When adding dry ingredients, fold gently. Over-mixing can create a tough texture, which is not ideal for this festive treat.
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Cooling Completion: Let the cake cool completely before decorating. A warm cake can melt the marzipan and fondant, ruining the presentation.
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Flavor Development: Allow the decorated cake to rest for a day or two before cutting. This resting time intensifies the flavors, making each slice even more delightful!
Make Ahead Options
These Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake slices are perfect for meal prep, making your holiday gatherings stress-free! You can soak the mixed dried fruits in brandy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for richer flavors in your cake. Additionally, the batter can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just ensure you tightly cover the bowl to maintain quality and freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply pour the chilled batter into the prepared pan and follow the usual baking instructions. This approach not only saves time but also guarantees that your traybake will be just as delicious, ready to impress your guests!
Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake Recipe FAQs
What type of dried fruits should I use?
Absolutely! For your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake, I recommend a mix of raisins, currants, and chopped apricots or cranberries for a beautiful burst of flavor and texture. You can easily tailor your selection by adding dried figs or dates to make it your own!
How should I store my fruitcake traybake?
To keep your traybake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you have slices left over, you may wish to wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 week. This helps maintain moisture while enhancing flavor!
Can I freeze the fruitcake?
Definitely! The undecorated Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature before adding your marzipan and fondant decorations.
What should I do if my cake doesn’t rise?
Don’t fret! If your cake doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive baking powder. Always double-check that your baking powder is fresh and not expired. Also, ensure you’re gently folding in the dry ingredients rather than over-mixing, which can lead to a dense texture.
Are there any dietary concerns I should consider?
Very! If you’re serving this to guests with dietary concerns, consider using orange juice or apple cider instead of brandy for a non-alcoholic version. You can also replace the eggs with applesauce for a vegan-friendly treat! Just make sure to communicate your ingredient choices, especially if guests have allergies to dried fruits or nuts.
Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake for Easy Holiday Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and prepare your baking pan.
- Soak the mixed dried fruits with brandy for at least 30 minutes.
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, then fold in soaked dried fruits.
- Sift in flour and baking powder, folding gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, leveling it out.
- Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, checking for doneness at 45 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, decorate with marzipan and fondant.
- Wrap the cake and let it rest for a day or two for best flavor.
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