Why make this recipe
This Delicious Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake is perfect for sharing during the holiday season. It brings together the warm flavors of brandy-soaked fruits and a soft, sweet cake that everyone will love. Ideal for family gatherings or festive parties, this traybake is easy to slice and serve, making it a great addition to any dessert table.
How to make Delicious Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
Ingredients :
- 175 g mixed dry fruits (brandy-soaked)
- 175 g unsalted butter (softened)
- 175 g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 225 g marzipan (for decoration)
- 225 g fondant (for decoration)
Directions :
- Preheat: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for your delectable traybake.
- Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale, about 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate: Add the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next, creating a silky batter.
- Sift: Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and baking powder using a spatula, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
- Stir: Gently add the brandy-soaked mixed dry fruits into the batter, spreading the sweetness evenly throughout.
- Pour: Transfer the batter into a prepared baking tray, ensuring it’s evenly spread for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the center.
- Cool: Remove the traybake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- Cover: Roll out the marzipan and drape it over the cooled cake, smoothing out any wrinkles for a neat finish.
- Top: Finally, layer the rolled fondant over the marzipan, smoothing it down for that lovely, polished look.
How to serve Delicious Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
Serve this traybake in squares for easy sharing. You can add a sprinkle of icing sugar on top for extra sweetness and a festive touch. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat during your holiday gatherings.
How to store Delicious Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, where it will last for two weeks.
Tips to make Delicious Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
- Make sure your butter is soft to get a fluffy batter.
- Use a variety of fruits for different flavors and textures.
- Don’t skip the cooling step before decorating to avoid melting the marzipan and fondant.
Variation
You can add nuts like walnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture. Alternatively, some orange or lemon zest will enhance the flavor with a citrusy twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh fruits instead of dry fruits?
A: Fresh fruits may alter the texture and moisture of the cake, so it’s best to stick with dry fruits for this recipe.
Q: How far in advance can I make this cake?
A: You can make this cake up to two weeks in advance. Wrap it well and store it in the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze the traybake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the traybake before decorating. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Delicious Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 175 g mixed dry fruits (brandy-soaked)
- 175 g unsalted butter (softened) Make sure your butter is soft for a fluffy batter.
- 175 g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
Decoration Ingredients
- 225 g marzipan For decoration.
- 225 g fondant For decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing each fully before adding the next.
- Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until the batter is smooth.
- Gently stir in the brandy-soaked mixed dry fruits until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the batter to a prepared baking tray, spreading evenly.
Baking
- Bake in the oven for 1 hour or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the center.
- Let the traybake cool completely on a wire rack.
Decoration
- Roll out the marzipan and drape it over the cooled cake, smoothing out any wrinkles.
- Layer the rolled fondant over the marzipan, smoothing it down for a polished look.