Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake: A Holiday Delight

When you think of Christmas desserts, few treats are as iconic as fruitcake. This Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake takes a classic holiday favorite and makes it even easier to bake and share. With its rich, brandy-soaked fruit, buttery cake base, and festive decorations of marzipan and fondant, this traybake is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.

Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or simply indulging in a festive treat for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver both flavor and charm. Let’s explore how you can create this stunning and delicious traybake!

Why You’ll Love This Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

1. Perfect for Sharing: The traybake format allows for easy slicing and serving.
2. Rich and Festive Flavors: Dried fruits, brandy, and buttery cake come together for a deliciously traditional taste.
3. Beautiful Decorations: With marzipan and fondant, this cake can be easily customized to fit your holiday theme.
4. Make Ahead: This fruitcake tastes even better after a day or two, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
5. Fun to Decorate: Get creative with festive shapes, edible glitter, or colored fondant to make it extra special.

Ingredients for Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

Component	Ingredient	Quantity
For the Cake	Dried apricots, chopped	175 g
	Brandy	3 tablespoons (+extra for brushing)
	Butter, softened	175 g
	Light brown sugar	175 g
	Eggs, beaten	4 large
	Plain flour	175 g
	Raisins	225 g
	Currants	225 g
	Cherries, halved	225 g
To Finish and Decorate	Apricot jam, warmed	1 tablespoon
	Marzipan	500 g
	Ready-to-roll fondant	500 g
	Brandy	30 ml

Step-by-Step Instructions for Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

1. Prepare the Dried Fruit

1. Place the chopped dried apricots in a small bowl and soak them in 3 tablespoons of brandy.
2. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour for a richer flavor.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang for easy removal.

3. Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the beaten eggs, a little at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture begins to curdle, add a tablespoon of the plain flour to stabilize it.

4. Fold in the Dry Ingredients and Fruit

1. Sift the plain flour into the butter and egg mixture, folding gently to combine.
2. Add the soaked apricots, raisins, currants, and halved cherries. Mix until the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5. Bake the Cake

1. Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it.

6. Brush with Apricot Jam

1. Once the cake is cool, lightly brush the top with warmed apricot jam.
2. This creates a sticky surface that helps the marzipan adhere to the cake.

7. Add the Marzipan Layer

1. Roll out the marzipan on a surface dusted with powdered sugar until it is large enough to cover the top of the cake.
2. Gently place the marzipan over the cake and press it down to remove any air bubbles.

8. Cover with Fondant

1. Roll out the ready-to-roll fondant in the same manner as the marzipan.
2. Place the fondant over the marzipan layer and smooth it with your hands or a fondant smoother for a clean finish.

9. Decorate Your Traybake

1. Lightly brush the fondant with 30 ml of brandy to keep it moist and enhance its festive flavor.
2. Add holiday-themed decorations using extra marzipan or fondant, such as holly leaves, stars, or snowflakes.

10. Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the traybake into squares or rectangles for easy serving.
2. Pair it with a cup of tea or mulled wine for a truly festive treat!

Tips for the Best Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

1. Don’t Skip the Soaking: Soaking the apricots in brandy enhances the flavor and keeps the cake moist.
2. Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for good-quality dried fruits, butter, and brandy for the best results.
3. Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before decorating to avoid melting the marzipan or fondant.
4. Get Creative: Use food coloring, edible glitter, or shaped cutters to personalize your decorations.
5. Let It Rest: Allow the finished cake to rest for a day or two before serving for an even richer flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~290 kcal
Carbohydrates	~38 g
Protein	~4 g
Fat	~12 g
Sugars	~26 g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQs About Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

1. Can I make this traybake ahead of time?

Yes! This fruitcake tastes even better after resting for a day or two, allowing the flavors to deepen.

2. Can I use other dried fruits?

Absolutely. You can substitute apricots with dried figs, dates, or cranberries for a unique twist.

3. What if I don’t have brandy?

You can use orange juice, apple cider, or another non-alcoholic liquid as a substitute.

4. How should I store the cake?

Store the decorated cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.

5. Can I freeze the fruitcake?

Yes. Wrap the undecorated cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it at room temperature, then decorate.

6. Can I skip the marzipan and fondant?

Certainly! You can top the cake with a simple icing glaze or dust it with powdered sugar for a rustic look.

Why This Traybake is Perfect for the Holidays

The Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of holiday traditions and flavors. Its moist, flavorful cake base paired with festive decorations makes it the perfect addition to your Christmas table. Plus, it’s easy to make and even easier to share, ensuring everyone gets a piece of the holiday spirit.

Time to Bake Your Festive Traybake!

Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to preheat your oven and create this delightful Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying fruitcake for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Gather your ingredients, roll out the fondant, and let the holiday magic begin.

Print