As I pulled out the last slice of cake from the oven, the warm scents of brandy-soaked fruits and buttery goodness wrapped around me like a cozy hug. This Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake is my go-to dessert for the holidays, effortlessly blending the traditional flavors we all adore with a simple, mess-free baking approach. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the table, but it also allows for a quick prep, leaving you more time to enjoy the festive spirit. Picture this shimmering tray filled with beautiful marzipan decorations, ready to be the star of your holiday gatherings. What’s your favorite way to celebrate with festive treats? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why Is This Recipe Perfect for Everyone?
Simplicity: This festive traybake is an effortless way to enjoy a classic Christmas dessert without the fuss of traditional fruitcake recipes.
Crowd-Pleasing: Rich, buttery flavors paired with brandy-soaked dried fruits make this cake a guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with different dried fruits or non-alcoholic substitutes like orange juice, making it inclusive for all guests.
Beautiful Presentation: Topped with elegant marzipan and fondant, this traybake looks as delightful as it tastes—perfect for impressing friends and family!
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this cake ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other holiday preparations.
Enjoy this treat alongside other festive favorites like Oreo Icebox Cake or Coconut Cloud Cake to create a joyful dessert table!
Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Ingredients
• Get ready for festive baking!
For the Cake
- Plain Flour – Provides structure; you can use a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
- Butter – Adds richness and moisture; opt for unsalted to control salt levels.
- Brown Sugar – Gives sweetness and depth; for a healthier twist, try coconut sugar.
- Eggs – Binds all the ingredients; a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) works for a vegan option.
- Mixed Dried Fruit – Contributes sweetness and texture; feel free to swap in figs, dates, or cranberries for variety.
- Brandy – Adds festive flavor; use orange juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version.
For the Decoration
- Marzipan – A lovely topping that elevates this easy Christmas cake traybake; you can substitute with icing glaze for simplicity.
- Fondant – Perfect for creating decorative elements; powdered sugar also works if you want a minimalist approach.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Christmas Cake Traybake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). While the oven warms up, prepare a baking tray by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step is crucial as it ensures the traybake bakes evenly and releases easily after it’s done.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 250g of unsalted butter and 200g of brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Using an electric mixer on medium speed is helpful for achieving that perfect creamy texture. This step infuses the cake with moisture and depth, creating the delightful base of your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Crack in 4 eggs, one at a time, ensuring that you mix well after each addition. This should take about 1-2 minutes for each egg, allowing the mixture to become velvety and well combined. Adding the eggs gradually prevents them from curdling and helps to create a dense yet moist cake.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gently fold in 300g of plain flour into the batter, being careful not to overmix. Combine until just incorporated, which will take about 1-2 minutes. This ensures that your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake remains tender and light, avoiding a heavy texture.
Step 5: Mix in Dried Fruits and Brandy
Add in the 400g of soaked mixed dried fruits along with 50ml of brandy. Stir gently to evenly distribute the fruits throughout the batter, which should take about 1 minute. The combination of these ingredients not only adds sweetness but also enriches the cake with festive flavors, enhancing the holiday spirit.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Carefully pour the cake mixture into your prepared baking tray. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure it’s evenly spread out, which should take just a couple of minutes. This step is important for even cooking, so the Easy Christmas Cake Traybake rises beautifully during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. To check for doneness, insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean with a few crumbs attached. If not, give it an additional 5-10 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the tray for about 30-40 minutes. Carefully transfer it onto a wire rack to cool fully. Once cooled, you can decorate your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake with marzipan and fondant for that festive touch, making it truly a centerpiece for your holiday celebrations.
Storage Tips for Easy Christmas Cake Traybake
Room Temperature: Store your decorated Easy Christmas Cake Traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep it fresh and moist.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the undecorated cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen cake in the fridge overnight, then let it come to room temperature before decorating.
Reheating: If you prefer your cake warm, gently heat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—perfect for a cozy dessert!
What to Serve with Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
As you prepare to indulge in the buttery goodness of this traybake, it’s essential to think about delightful companions that elevate your holiday feast.
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Spiced Mulled Wine: The warm spices complement the fruitcake’s rich flavors, creating a cozy and festive beverage perfect for the holidays.
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Creamy Whipped Cream: A dollop adds a light, creamy texture that balances the dense fruitcake and enhances its delightful sweetness.
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Zesty Citrus Salad: Fresh oranges and pomegranate seeds provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake, brightening up each bite.
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Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: These soft, spiced treats echo the flavors of the fruitcake and add a delightful crunch for texture variation.
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Eggnog with Nutmeg: This classic holiday drink pairs beautifully, wrapping the festive flavors together in a rich, creamy hug.
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Dark Chocolate Truffles: The bittersweet notes of the chocolate intensify the sweetness of the cake, offering a heavenly contrast.
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Cheesecake Brownies: Introduce a touch of decadence with fudgy brownies layered with creamy cheesecake that complements the fruity notes of the cake.
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Fruity Cottage Cheese: A fruity blend topped with cottage cheese creates a light and nutritious option that refreshes the palate between bites.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Hot and fragrant, this drink warms you up and ties together the festive theme with its cinnamon and apple notes.
Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that add personal flair to your festive fruitcake!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to enjoy the same rich flavors without the gluten.
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Vegan Twist: Replace eggs with flax eggs for a completely plant-based option; simply mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water.
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Sugar Substitute: Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar to lower calories while still keeping that delightful sweetness.
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Flavor Boost: Experiment with various spirits like rum or whiskey to give your traybake a different festive kick.
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Fruit Variety: Substitute mixed dried fruits with a combination of dried apricots and cranberries for an exciting flavor profile.
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Decorative Simplicity: Instead of marzipan or fondant, opt for a light icing glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a minimalist but festive look.
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Extra Texture: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness, enhancing the cake’s texture.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate a hint of orange or lemon zest into the batter for a refreshing twist that brightens up the traditional flavors.
For more festive inspiration, enjoy this traybake alongside Brownie Cheesecake Sweet or Coconut Cloud Cake, both equally delightful ways to celebrate the season!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Christmas Cake Traybake recipes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing everything and transferring it to the prepared baking tray. To maintain the cake’s delicious moisture and flavor, simply cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it into the oven. Simply follow the baking instructions as usual, and you’ll have a stunning, festive dessert ready to impress your guests without any last-minute stress!
Expert Tips for Easy Christmas Cake Traybake
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Soak the Fruit Well: Ensure your mixed dried fruit is well-soaked in brandy to enhance flavor absorption, preventing a dry cake.
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Keep it Moist: Monitor baking time closely; an overbaked cake can lose moisture. Start checking at 50 minutes.
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Rest Before Serving: Let your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake rest for a day or two before serving to develop deeper flavors— it’s worth the wait!
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Creative Decorations: If marzipan and fondant feel daunting, opt for a simple icing glaze or dusting of powdered sugar to brighten up your cake.
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Tidy Up: Line your baking tray with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean slices—no crumbling edges!
Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe FAQs
What type of dried fruit is best for this recipe?
I recommend using a mix of dried fruits like raisins, sultanas, and currants for a sweet and chewy texture. You can also experiment with figs or dates for added flavor. Just make sure to soak them in brandy or your chosen liquid for at least a few hours before adding them to the batter!
How should I store my Easy Christmas Cake Traybake?
Store your decorated cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re not ready to serve it, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight! For longer storage, you can freeze the undecorated cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I usually recommend letting the cake sit for a day or two after baking to allow the flavors to deepen. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature until you’re ready to decorate and serve.
What should I do if my cake is too dry?
If your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking or insufficient moisture in the batter. To prevent this, ensure your mixed dried fruits are well-soaked and monitor the baking time closely, checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. A skewer should come out clean but not dry. If the cake is already baked, you can serve it with a drizzle of warm brandy sauce or chocolate ganache to add extra moisture!
Is this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Definitely! This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake can easily be adapted for dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan option, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. Also, you can replace brandy with orange juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic alternative.
Easy Christmas Cake Traybake: Joyful Holiday Baking Made Simple
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and prepare a baking tray by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 250g of unsalted butter and 200g of brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition for about 1-2 minutes.
- Gently fold in 300g of plain flour until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
- Mix in 400g of soaked mixed dried fruits and 50ml of brandy, stirring gently for distribution.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tray, smoothing the top evenly.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour, checking for doneness with a skewer.
- Once baked, let it cool in the tray for about 30-40 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack.
- Decorate the cooled cake with marzipan and fondant as desired.
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