Name: Irresistibly Moist Christmas Fruitcake Traybake for Sharing
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Dried Fruits (e.g., sultanas, raisins, cherries) (Can substitute with figs or cranberries.); 1/2 cup Butter (Ensure it's at room temperature.); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Light brown can substitute dark.); 3 large Eggs (Use room temperature.); 2 cups Flour (All-purpose flour; gluten-free may be substituted.); 2 teaspoons Baking Powder (Ensure it’s within date.); 1 teaspoon Spices (e.g., cinnamon, nutmeg) (Adjust according to taste.); 1/4 cup Brandy (Replace with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.); 250 grams Marzipan (Can be omitted or replaced with fondant.); 250 grams Fondant (Adjust rolling thickness for a unique finish.)

The aroma of rich, brandy-soaked fruit filling the air is the true essence of the holidays. As I whisk together the ingredients for this Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake, I can feel the warmth of family gatherings and cherished memories just waiting to unfold. This delightful dessert is not only a staple of holiday celebrations but also an easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for sharing. With a moist cake base layered with succulent dried fruits and topped off with a festive marzipan finish, it’s a luxurious treat that won’t take hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easily cut into shareable portions, making it a crowd-pleaser at any holiday table. What festive twist do you plan to add to this traditional favorite?

Why Is This Fruitcake So Special?

Uniquely Festive: This delicious Christmas Fruitcake Traybake brings a classic favorite into the modern kitchen with its easy-to-make format.

Moist and Flavorful: Each bite is packed with brandy-soaked dried fruits that infuse the cake with warmth and richness, making it a delightful holiday treat.

Perfect for Sharing: Cut into generous portions, it’s ideal for gatherings, allowing friends and family to indulge without feeling overwhelmed by a large, traditional fruitcake.

Versatile Options: You can easily customize your recipe by swapping dried fruits or opting for a non-alcoholic version with apple cider, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive delight.

Visual Appeal: Topped with festive marzipan and fondant, it looks as good as it tastes, making it a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table.

Ready to elevate your holiday desserts? Check out our easy cake decorating tips for inspiration!

Christmas Fruitcake Traybake Ingredients

For the Cake

Dried Fruits (e.g., sultanas, raisins, cherries) – Adds natural sweetness and rich flavors; substitute with figs or cranberries for variation.
Butter – Provides moisture and richness; ensure it’s at room temperature to cream properly.
Brown Sugar – Sweetener that enhances caramel notes; light brown can substitute dark if desired.
Eggs – Binds the ingredients and provides structure; use room temperature eggs for better emulsification.
Flour – Forms the base structure of the cake; all-purpose flour is standard, but gluten-free flour may be substituted.
Baking Powder – Leavening agent to give the cake lift; ensure it’s within date for maximum potency.
Spices (e.g., cinnamon, nutmeg) – Adds warmth and depth to flavor; adjust according to taste.
Brandy – Infuses the cake with a rich flavor; replace with orange juice for a non-alcoholic option if desired.

For the Decoration

Marzipan – A sweet almond paste used for decoration; can be omitted or replaced with fondant for a different look.
Fondant – Decorative topping that adds a festive flair; adjust rolling thickness for a unique finish.

Let the ingredients guide you in creating this delightful Christmas Fruitcake Traybake that’s sure to impress at any holiday gathering!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). While the oven warms up, grease and line a baking tray with parchment paper; this will help the cake release easily once it’s baked. The right preparation is key to ensuring a beautifully cooked Christmas Fruitcake Traybake.

Step 2: Prepare Fruit Mixture
In a medium bowl, soak your assorted dried fruits, such as sultanas, raisins, and cherries, in brandy for at least 30 minutes. This step enriches the fruits’ flavors and ensures they are plump and aromatic. Stir occasionally, allowing them to absorb the brandy’s wonderful essence and enhance the overall taste of the cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a rich base for your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake. You’ll know it’s ready when it appears pale and airy, signaling that the butter is properly creamed.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs
Add in your room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a uniform batter. This process helps to bind the ingredients together, providing the necessary structure for your cake. Look for a smooth consistency as the mixture comes together, free of any lumps.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and chosen spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, using a spatula to be gentle. This careful incorporation maintains air in the batter, leading to a light and fluffy texture for your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake.

Step 6: Add Dried Fruits
Carefully fold the soaked dried fruits into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The goal is to create a beautiful and colorful mixture that showcases the fruits throughout the cake. Take care not to overmix; you want to keep the batter light while allowing all the flavors to harmonize.

Step 7: Bake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking tray, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface. Place it into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer in the center; it should come out clean, indicating a perfectly baked Christmas Fruitcake Traybake.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can cover it with a layer of marzipan and fondant for a festive finish, enhancing both its flavor and visual appeal.

Step 9: Serve
Once decorated and rested, cut the cake into squares for serving. Place them on a beautiful platter, ready for sharing at your holiday gatherings. This delightful Christmas Fruitcake Traybake will surely bring joy to your table, making it a cherished part of your festive celebrations.

Helpful Tricks for Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth batter, resulting in a moist and tender cake.
Soak the Fruits: Soaking the dried fruits in brandy or orange juice for at least 30 minutes is essential for infusing flavor and moisture. Don’t skip this step!
Even Mixing: Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients and soaked fruits to avoid overmixing. This keeps your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake light and fluffy.
Check for Doneness: Use a skewer to test if the cake is baked through, inserting it into the center. It should come out clean. Overbaking can lead to dryness.
Resting Time: For an even richer flavor, let your fruitcake rest for a day or two before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Decorating Tips: If you’re new to decorating, feel free to simplify! A light dusting of powdered sugar can create a rustic touch instead of marzipan or fondant, making your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake just as festive.

What to Serve with Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

The sweet aroma of spices and fruits fills the air, inviting you to create a truly memorable holiday meal.

Spiced Hot Apple Cider: The warm, spiced notes of apple cider beautifully complement the rich flavors of fruitcake, evoking cozy holiday vibes with every sip. Perfect during chilly evenings, it’s a festive drink to serve alongside your treat.
Rich Coffee: A robust cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the fruitcake, making for a comforting combination. The bold notes pair well with the cake’s dense texture, enhancing the flavors of the dried fruits.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a luscious contrast and creamy element, melting into the warm cake when served. This delightful pairing is sure to please both kids and adults, elevating your dessert experience.
Candied Nuts: The crunchiness and sweetness of candied nuts create a great textural contrast to the moist fruitcake. Their spiced flavor further enhances the festive experience, making them an irresistible addition.
Gingerbread Cookies: A crunchy, spiced gingerbread cookie provides a lovely contrast in texture and flavor, echoing the holiday spirit in each bite. Serve them on the same platter for a charming touch.
Mulled Wine: The warming spices and fruity notes of mulled wine perfectly complement the richness of the fruitcake. It’s an inviting beverage choice that adds an elegant touch to your holiday table.

Each of these options will create a lovely harmony around your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake, turning your gathering into a truly heartwarming celebration.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Christmas Fruitcake Traybake squares are perfect for meal prepping during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix all your ingredients, fold in the soaked dried fruits, and then refrigerate the batter in an airtight container. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully while you’re on the go. When you’re ready to bake, just pour the chilled batter into the prepared tray and bake as directed. For even more convenience, you can also make the cake a few days ahead, allowing it to rest and develop flavor, while it maintains its moist texture. Once cooled, decorate with marzipan and fondant just before serving for the best presentation and taste.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

Room Temperature: Store your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain its moist texture and rich flavors.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 7 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the undecorated cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and serve at room temperature. If desired, a quick warm-up in the microwave for a few seconds can enhance its delectable flavors.

Christmas Fruitcake Traybake Variations

Feel free to get creative and add your personal touch to this delightful recipe!

Fruit Swaps: Substitute apricots with dried figs or dates for a unique flavor twist. Each choice brings a different sweetness that complements the cake beautifully.
Non-Alcoholic Alternative: For a family-friendly version, use apple cider instead of brandy. This keeps the cake moist while removing the alcohol, making it suitable for everyone.
Lighten Up: Swap marzipan for whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter presentation. This fresh touch pairs well with the rich cake and adds a lovely creaminess.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the batter for a delightful crunch. Nuts not only enhance the texture but also introduce a savory element to balance the sweetness.
Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices such as ginger or allspice to elevate the festive flavors. Just a pinch can transform the profile of your cake into a cozy holiday delight.
Zesty Brightness: Incorporate citrus zest, like orange or lemon, for a refreshing lift. A hint of citrus can brighten up the dense fruitcake, enhancing its overall taste and aroma.
Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips or diced dark chocolate for an indulgent twist. The richness of chocolate complements the fruits, making for a luxurious dessert experience.
Fruity Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top after decorating. This adds a delightful sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the marzipan or fondant.

Enhance your culinary journey with these variations while keeping the spirit of holiday baking alive! If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our guide on substituting baking ingredients for extra ideas.

Christmas Fruitcake Traybake Recipe FAQs

What kinds of dried fruits work best in this fruitcake?
Absolutely! A blend of sultanas, raisins, and cherries provides a lovely balance of sweetness and texture. You can also substitute figs or cranberries for a fun twist; just remember to soak them in brandy or orange juice for at least 30 minutes to boost their flavor and moisture.

How should I store my Christmas Fruitcake Traybake?
I recommend keeping your traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer the fridge, it can last up to a week—just wrap it tightly to keep it from drying out. This ensures that each slice remains as moist and delightful as the first!

Can I freeze my Christmas Fruitcake Traybake?
Certainly! To freeze your cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, ensuring no air can get in and spoil it. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving; it’ll taste as though it was just baked!

What should I do if my cake comes out too dry?
If your cake turns out drier than expected, don’t worry! You can brush it with some brandy or simple syrup (just equal parts sugar and water heated until dissolved) to moisten it. Also, be sure to check the cake’s doneness with a skewer to avoid overbaking, as this can often lead to dryness.

Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes! You can make this Christmas Fruitcake Traybake gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For those avoiding alcohol, simply replace the brandy with orange juice or apple cider. Always check for specific allergies related to dried fruits or nuts to ensure it’s safe for everyone.