As the scent of spices and sweet fruits fills my kitchen, I can’t help but be transported back to cherished holiday gatherings. This year, I’m celebrating tradition with a twist by whipping up a Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake. It’s the perfect solution for anyone who loves the nostalgic flavors of classic fruitcake but craves a more approachable and shareable experience. With just one bowl and a handful of ingredients, this scrumptious traybake combines a moist, brandy-soaked base with a colorful medley of fruits, making it not only easy to prepare but also a delightful centerpiece for any festive table. Ready to bring warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations while keeping the kitchen chaos at bay? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to spark joy in every slice!
Why is this fruitcake traybake a must-try?
Simplicity: This Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake is incredibly easy to make, requiring just one bowl and minimal effort—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Deliciously Moist: The brandy-soaked base ensures a rich, moist cake, while the combination of dried fruits adds a burst of flavor in every slice.
Shareable Delight: Cut into squares for easy serving at gatherings, making it a great crowd-pleaser sure to impress friends and family.
Versatile: With simple substitutions like using orange juice instead of brandy, you can easily customize it to fit everyone’s preferences.
Nostalgic Flavors: Enjoy the familiar tastes of classic fruitcake with a modern twist that’s sure to become a family favorite during the holidays.
Christmas Fruitcake Traybake Ingredients
• Discover the delightful essentials for a perfect festive bake!
For the Cake
- Dried Mixed Fruit – Provides sweetness and moisture; feel free to substitute with dried figs or dates for a unique flavor profile.
- Brandy – Infuses the cake with rich depth; can be swapped with orange juice or apple cider for a delightful non-alcoholic version.
- Unsalted Butter – Offers richness and a tender crumb; use margarine for a dairy-free alternative.
- Brown Sugar – Adds caramel notes and moisture; white sugar is an option, but will slightly change the flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cake; gluten-free flour works well as a substitute too.
- Eggs – Bind ingredients together and provide lift; for an eggless version, consider using applesauce or flaxseed meal.
- Baking Powder – Ensures proper leavening; make sure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
For Decoration
- Marzipan & Fondant – Used for a festive finish; optional, but greatly enhances presentation and adds a holiday touch.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a traybake pan generously with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step is crucial as it ensures your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake bakes evenly and achieves that perfect moist texture you desire.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder, whisking them together to eliminate any lumps. This dry mix forms the foundation of your cake, giving it structure. Set aside your flour mixture as you prepare to incorporate the wet ingredients that will bring your cake to life.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This creaming process introduces air into the batter, which helps in creating a tender crumb for your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to fully incorporate the ingredients.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs
Add the eggs to your butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring you beat well after each addition. This step helps bind the ingredients together while adding moisture and lift to the cake. You should have a smooth, slightly thick batter by the time all the eggs are fully incorporated.
Step 5: Add Fruits and Brandy
Now it’s time to stir in your brandy-soaked dried mixed fruits into the batter. Gently fold them in along with your prepared flour mixture, ensuring everything is well combined. The fruits not only add sweetness but also provide delightful bursts of flavor throughout the Christmas Fruitcake Traybake as it bakes.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Transfer the batter into your greased traybake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to smooth the top. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool & Decorate
Once baked, let the traybake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before gently transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before decorating. When ready, cover it with marzipan and fondant, creating a festive finish that enhances both flavor and presentation, making your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
Room Temperature: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps preserve its moist texture and rich flavors.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, store in the fridge for up to 1 week, but be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Wrap the undecorated traybake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil; it’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before decorating.
Reheating: If you want to warm it up, simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds or place it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, enhancing the flavor of your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Fruitcake Traybake are perfect for busy holiday schedules! You can prepare the fruitcake batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the dry ingredients and cream the butter with sugar, add the eggs, and incorporate the soaked dried fruits, then refrigerate the batter in an airtight container. This helps meld the flavors beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, simply transfer the batter to the prepared traybake pan and pop it in the oven. Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating; it can be stored undecorated in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, ensuring just as delicious results when you serve it to family and friends!
Christmas Fruitcake Traybake Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delightful dessert with your personal twists and flavors.
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Nuts Galore: Add almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch. The nutty texture beautifully contrasts with the soft cake, creating a delightful bite.
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Fruit Swap: Replace dried apricots with cranberries for a tart twist. This not only adds dynamic flavors but also a pop of color to your traybake.
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Spiced Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, spiced aroma. Celebrating festive spices will surely elevate your baking game.
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Non-Alcoholic: Use apple cider or ginger ale instead of brandy. It infuses a fruity sparkle in the cake without the alcohol, making it family-friendly.
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a delightful tropical hint. This not only makes it dairy-free but also adds a subtle richness to the flavor profile.
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Gluten-Free Version: Swap out all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Your guests with dietary restrictions can also enjoy this festive treat without compromising taste.
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Icing Delight: Top with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for a zesty finish. It creates a glossy layer that looks as inviting as it tastes.
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Hearty Additions: Experiment with adding chia seeds or shredded coconut for a unique texture. These small additions not only enhance the flavor but also add a wholesome twist to your traybake.
As you explore these options, don’t forget to check out our tips for customizing flavors and discover how to make the most of your seasonal baking with creative ideas that can add depth to your festive spreads!
What to Serve with Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
As you prepare this delightful traybake, think about the perfect pairings that will enhance your holiday experience.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully against the warm, moist cake, adding a rich contrast that elevates each bite.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a dreamy softness that complements the dense, flavorful fruitcake perfectly.
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Spiced Hot Chocolate: Rich, spiced hot chocolate brings warmth and nostalgia, creating a cozy drink that balances the sweetness of the traybake.
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Fresh Citrus Salad: A refreshing citrus salad with oranges and grapefruits cuts through the richness, offering bright flavors and a pop of color on your dessert table.
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Mulled Wine: The warm spices in mulled wine echo the flavors in the fruitcake, creating a harmonious pairing that feels perfectly festive.
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Traditional Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink adds a holiday indulgence, making it the ideal companion for every slice of your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake.
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Chocolate Ganache: Rich chocolate ganache drizzled over the cake provides a luscious contrast, deepening the flavors and creating a decadent finish.
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Roasted Nuts: A bowl of lightly salted roasted nuts offers a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the soft cake, adding another layer of flavor.
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Gingerbread Cookies: Serve up some crispy gingerbread cookies alongside for an extra touch of holiday spirit; their spiciness complements the sweetness of the cake splendidly.
Expert Tips for Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
Allow for Depth: Let the cake rest for a day before serving to deepen the flavors and improve overall taste.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test the center; if it comes out with moist crumbs, your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake is perfectly baked.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter gently when combining wet and dry ingredients to maintain a tender crumb and prevent a dense texture.
Customize Flavors: Feel free to experiment with your dried fruits and nuts, ensuring your traybake reflects your family’s favorite flavors.
Storage Savvy: Wrap your undecorated traybake tightly and freeze for up to three months, thawing it at room temperature before decorating.
Christmas Fruitcake Traybake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right dried mixed fruit for my traybake?
When selecting dried mixed fruit, look for a vibrant mix without dark spots, which can indicate overripeness. Opt for a blend that includes raisins, currants, and chopped apricots or cranberries for color and sweetness. If you want to vary the flavors, dried figs or dates can offer a unique twist!
What’s the best way to store the fruitcake traybake?
Store your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for the best moisture retention. If you prefer a firmer texture, the refrigerator is an option—just wrap it tightly and consume within a week.
Can I freeze the traybake? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your traybake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply unpack and leave it at room temperature until fully defrosted. After thawing, feel free to decorate and enjoy!
What if my traybake turns out too dense?
If your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake turns out dense, it’s likely due to overmixing the batter or too much flour being added. To prevent this next time, mix the dry and wet ingredients gently, just until no dry flour remains. For perfect balance, always measure flour precisely, ideally using the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! If you need to accommodate dietary restrictions, you can swap the butter for margarine for a dairy-free option and replace eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal for an eggless version. Just keep in mind that substitutions may slightly alter texture and taste, but they’ll still yield an enjoyable Christmas Fruitcake Traybake!
Irresistible Christmas Fruitcake Traybake for a Festive Feast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a traybake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder, whisking together.
- Beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.
- Stir in the brandy-soaked dried mixed fruits into the batter, folding in the flour mixture as well.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly and then bake for about 60 minutes.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Decorate with marzipan and fondant.
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