Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake: A Holiday Delight
As the year winds down and the holiday decorations start to twinkle, nothing says “Christmas” quite like the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked fruitcake wafting through your home. This Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a delightful centerpiece that brings family and friends together, creating memories that last a lifetime. Bursting with rich flavors, luscious fruits, and a special touch of brandy, this traybake will elevate your holiday festivities to legendary status.
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re wondering why this particular fruitcake traybake deserves a prime spot on your holiday dessert table, consider these enticing reasons:
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its moist, rich texture and colorful fruits will captivate everyone, even those who typically shy away from traditional fruitcakes.
- Easy to Slice: Unlike the classic fruitcake, this traybake format is not only easier to make but also simpler to serve, facilitating sharing and holiday cheer.
This recipe beautifully blends tradition with practicality, making your festive moments even sweeter.
Making Fruitcake at Home
One of the joys of the holiday season is the chance to gather in the kitchen, baking cherished recipes that have stood the test of time. Making this festive fruitcake traybake doesn’t require advanced baking skills; rather, it invites you to embrace a wonderfully simple process. With just a few steps and a dash of holiday spirit, let’s bring this scrumptious creation to life.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
Let’s break down the steps to ensure every bite of this fruitcake traybake is unforgettable. Gather your ingredients and ready your baking pan; it’s time to create!
1. Prepare the Fruit
Begin by preparing the dried fruits that will provide the heart and soul of your cake. Take 175 grams of dried apricots and chop them into small pieces. Additionally, ensure you have 225 grams each of raisins and currants, alongside 225 grams of halved cherries. If you love a hint of spice, feel free to add a few teaspoons of your favorite dried spices to the mix.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Preheating ensures that your cake will bake evenly, helping those flavors meld beautifully right from the start.
3. Make the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, cream together 175 grams of softened butter and 175 grams of light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. This step is crucial, as it incorporates air into your batter, leading to a light texture. Next, beat in four large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Now, sift in 175 grams of plain flour alongside the prepared fruits, and fold them gently into the batter. It’s essential to mix carefully to prevent overworking the flour, which can make the cake dense!
4. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a lined baking tray, spreading it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The anticipation is part of the experience, so take a moment to enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen.
5. Brush with Apricot Jam
Once the cake is done baking, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the tray before transferring it to a wire rack. To give your cake a glossy finish, warm 1 tablespoon of apricot jam and brush it generously over the top of the cake. This not only adds to the cake’s aesthetic but also helps the marzipan stick beautifully.
6. Add the Marzipan Layer
Once the jam-coated cake has cooled completely, it’s time to bring on the marzipan. Roll out 500 grams of marzipan to a thickness of about 5mm. Carefully lay it over the cake, smoothing it out to cover the entire top and sides. This step adds a layer of sweetness and depth that is simply irresistible.
7. Cover with Fondant
Now, let’s dress up your cake with fondant! Roll out 500 grams of ready-to-roll fondant until it’s thin and pliable. Drape it over the marzipan layer, smoothing it out gently. This creates a polished, festive appearance that’s perfect for displaying.
8. Decorate the Cake
This is where the fun truly begins. You can unleash your creativity here! Use festive decorations to adorn your fruitcake traybake. Consider using royal icing to pipe intricate designs, or embellish with seasonal decorations like edible glitter, holly, or candied fruits. Get your family involved and make it a fun decorating activity!
9. Slice and Serve
After all that hard work, your fruitcake is ready to be sliced and served. With its stunning appearance and rich flavor, it’s sure to be the highlight of any holiday gathering.
Storage Tips for Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
To ensure your festive creation stays fresh and delicious for longer, consider the following storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The cool, dry environment of your kitchen works well.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3-4 weeks at 40°F. Always ensure it’s wrapped properly to preserve its taste and moisture.
- Freezing: The cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in cling film and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.
Best Ways to Serve Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
When it comes to serving your Christmas fruitcake traybake, presentation is key. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game:
- Plate it Elegantly: Use a beautiful cake stand as a centerpiece for your holiday table. Add some seasonal decorations, like sprigs of pine or cinnamon sticks around the base.
- Pair with Beverages: Serve slices of the fruitcake alongside a cup of spiced eggnog or mulled wine for an extra festive touch.
- With Cheese: Unexpected yet delightful — pairing fruitcake with a nice sharp cheese can greatly complement the sweetness of the cake; try it with a tangy blue cheese or creamy goat cheese.
- Easy Snack: Allow your cake to cool and slice it into squares for a quick, tasty treat during holiday gatherings, offering it alongside homemade cookies or other festive desserts.
Tips to Make Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
To ensure your fruitcake turns out perfectly, keep these handy tips in mind:
- Use room temperature ingredients, as they mix better, leading to a lighter cake.
- Don’t skimp on the brandy; it adds flavor and keeps the cake moist.
- Consider soaking your dried fruits in brandy overnight to enhance their flavors further.
Variations or Substitutions
Feel free to play with your fruitcake traybake by trying some variations or substitutions to suit your taste:
- If you prefer a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add texture and taste that complements the cake well.
- For a more tropical twist, substitute dried apricots with pineapple or mango for a modern flair.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! This cake can be made up to a month in advance and will develop more flavor over time.
Q: How do I ensure my cake stays moist?
A: One effective method is to brush the cake with additional brandy after it cools. This helps seal in moisture.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have marzipan?
A: If you’re unable to find marzipan, you can use a layer of buttercream or cream cheese frosting instead, creating a different but delicious effect.
Nutritional Information
To give you an idea of what you’re indulging in, here’s a general overview of the nutritional content per slice (assuming the cake serves 12 slices):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion
Your holidays will never look the same again with the inclusion of this Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake! Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but it also brings comfort and joy to the taste buds. From the rich, colorful fruits to the soft marzipan and fondant layers, it encapsulates the essence of Christmas gatherings — warmth, sharing, and indulgence. Bake this memorable dessert this season, creating a delicious tradition that all your loved ones will cherish year after year.
Print
Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful traybake fruitcake bursting with rich flavors and colorful fruits, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 175g dried apricots, chopped
- 225g raisins
- 225g currants
- 225g halved cherries
- 175g softened butter
- 175g light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 175g plain flour
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam
- 500g marzipan
- 500g ready-to-roll fondant
- Optional: a few teaspoons of dried spices
Instructions
- Prepare the dried fruits.
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Cream together the butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time.
- Sift in the flour and fold in the dried fruits.
- Pour the batter into a lined baking tray and bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Brush the baked cake with warmed apricot jam.
- Once cooled, cover the cake with marzipan.
- Drape fondant over the marzipan layer.
- Decorate the cake as desired.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.