This Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake is a perfect holiday treat, packed with rich flavors from brandy-soaked fruits and a soft, buttery cake. With a smooth layer of marzipan and fondant on top, this traybake combines the traditional flavors of Christmas cake in a convenient, easy-to-share format. Ideal for family gatherings, holiday parties, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this cake is sure to bring warmth and festive cheer to any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 175 g dried apricots, chopped
- 3 tablespoons brandy (plus extra for soaking)
- 175 g butter, softened
- 175 g light brown sugar
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 175 g plain flour
- 225 g raisins
- 225 g currants
- 225 g cherries, halved
To Finish and Decorate:
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam, warmed
- 500 g marzipan
- 500 g ready-to-roll fondant
- 30 ml brandy
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fruit: In a small bowl, soak the chopped apricots in 3 tablespoons of brandy. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour for best flavor. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the Cake Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture is airy and fluffy. Slowly incorporate the beaten eggs, ensuring to mix thoroughly after each addition for a smooth batter.
- Add the Dry Ingredients and Fruit: Sift in the plain flour and gently fold into the batter. Add the soaked apricots, raisins, currants, and halved cherries, mixing until evenly combined.
- Bake the Cake: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out to create an even layer. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Once done, let the cake cool thoroughly in the pan before removing it.
- Finish and Decorate: Once the cake has cooled, brush the top with warmed apricot jam. Roll out the marzipan to fit the top of the cake and gently press it on. Next, roll out the fondant to cover the marzipan layer and place it over the marzipan, smoothing it down to create an even layer.
- Add the Final Touches: Brush the fondant lightly with the remaining brandy to keep it moist and add a subtle festive flavor. Decorate as desired with holiday-themed decorations or shapes cut from extra marzipan or fondant.
Conclusion:
This Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake offers a rich, brandy-soaked fruitcake experience in an easy-to-serve traybake format. Topped with smooth marzipan and fondant, it’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, making it a must-have addition to your holiday dessert spread.