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The delightful aroma of baking fruitcake always transports me to a cozy holiday kitchen, filled with laughter and loved ones. This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is my go-to recipe for festive gatherings, combining juicy, brandy-soaked fruits with a buttery cake base that everyone raves about. Not only does it capture the essence of tradition, but it’s also a breeze to prepare, making it the ideal centerpiece that brings people together. Perfectly portioned for sharing, this slice of holiday cheer is moist, flavorful, and fun to decorate with marzipan and fondant, inviting creativity into your baking. Are you ready to make a dessert that’ll become part of your family’s holiday tradition?
Why is this cake a holiday favorite?
Simplicity: This Easy Christmas Cake Traybake is incredibly straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Flavor-packed: Brimming with brandy-soaked fruits, every bite bursts with rich, festive flavors that evoke holiday cheer.
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Perfectly shareable: Cut into squares, it’s easy to serve at gatherings, ensuring smiles all around. Pair it with a warm cup of tea or mulled wine for the ultimate seasonal treat!
Creative decor: With the option to decorate with marzipan and fondant, you can unleash your creativity, making each cake uniquely yours!
Make-ahead: Prepare this cake a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and making your holiday planning a breeze. Enjoy a slice alongside my Pumpkin Spice Cake for a delightful dessert table!
Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create your delicious Easy Christmas Cake Traybake!
For the Fruit Mixture
- Dried Fruit Medley – Mix a variety of fruits like raisins, sultanas, and cherries for an explosion of sweetness and texture.
- Brandy – Soak your dried fruits to deepen their flavor; feel free to swap it for orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
For the Cake Base
- Butter – Use softened butter to achieve that rich, moist texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Sugar – Regular granulated sugar adds sweetness, but brown sugar offers a delightful caramel touch.
- Eggs – These act as a binder; beat until pale for an airy cake texture.
- Flour – Provides structure; consider a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Baking Powder – Ensure freshness for the best rise—it’s essential!
For the Decoration
- Marzipan – Adds a festive flair; however, if you’re short on time, icing can be a lovely alternative.
- Fondant – For that gorgeous finish, it elevates your cake into a holiday masterpiece!
Enjoy baking this delightful Easy Christmas Cake Traybake and share it with loved ones for a truly festive experience!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Christmas Cake Traybake
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warm environment is crucial for ensuring your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake rises beautifully. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients and equipment, including a large mixing bowl and a greased tray, measuring cups, and a spatula, for a smooth preparation process.
Step 2: Soak Dried Fruits
In a medium bowl, combine your dried fruit medley with the brandy, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow the fruits to soak for at least 1 hour, or for an even more sumptuous flavor, let them soak overnight. You’ll notice the fruits plump up and absorb that rich, aromatic essence, adding depth to your cake.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This process aerates the batter, ensuring your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake turns out tender and moist.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake. Your batter should appear smooth and slightly thick, ready to welcome those delightful fruits!
Step 5: Mix in Soaked Fruits
Carefully fold the soaked dried fruits into the cake batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This step is essential for the signature burst of flavors in your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake. As you mix, the batter will take on a beautiful texture filled with bright specks of fruit, enhancing both the look and taste.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared greased tray, smoothing the top for an even rise. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake to cool in the tray for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, it’s time to unleash your creativity—decorate with marzipan and fondant to create a festive masterpiece that will dazzle your guests!
Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake with these delicious twists!
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Dried Fruit Swap: Use figs, dates, or cranberries instead of the usual mix for a new flavor profile. Each fruit brings its unique sweetness!
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Non-Alcoholic Option: Substitute brandy with apple juice or orange juice for soaking the fruits. This keeps the cake festive without the alcohol, making it family-friendly.
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Nutty Delight: Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and richness. Just fold them into the batter with the dried fruits for delightful texture.
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Spice it Up: Enhance the holiday spirit by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to your batter. Just a teaspoon can transport your cake to cozy, spice-laden memories.
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Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free flour blend if you need to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions. The mixed fruit will still shine through, creating a delightful treat for everyone.
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Decorative Alternatives: If you’re short on time, replace marzipan and fondant with a simple icing glaze. Drizzling it over the top can provide a sweet finish with less fuss!
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Fruitcake Bar Style: Cut the traybake into bar shapes instead of squares for a grab-and-go snack. They’re perfect to package and share with friends or neighbors!
Pair it with a cup of tea or even a slice of my Pumpkin Spice Cake for a delightful dessert table experience this holiday season!
Expert Tips for Easy Christmas Cake Traybake
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Flavor Enhancement: Allow the soaked dried fruits to sit overnight for maximum flavor infusion, creating a richer taste in your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake.
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Moisture Check: Ensure your butter is softened properly to avoid a greasy batter; this will help achieve that perfect moist texture.
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Mixing Technique: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. This can lead to a dense cake instead of the fluffy delight you’re aiming for.
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Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake in the oven. Start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recommended time to avoid overbaking.
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Decorating Ideas: If marzipan is too sweet for your taste, consider a light icing glaze instead to balance the flavors of your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake.
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Storage Tips: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days; it actually tastes better the next day as flavors develop further!
Storage Tips for Easy Christmas Cake Traybake
Room Temperature: Store your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps it moist and flavorful for festive enjoyment.
Fridge: If you prefer, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to a week. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap the undecorated traybake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating: If you’d like to warm up your cake, slice it and microwave for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy this holiday favorite with a warming cup of tea or coffee!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake ahead of time is a fantastic way to ease the holiday hustle! You can soak the dried fruits in brandy (or your preferred non-alcoholic substitute) up to 24 hours in advance, allowing those flavors to deepen. Additionally, the batter can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just cover it tightly to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply bring the batter to room temperature, pour it into your greased tray, and then follow the baking instructions. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delightful taste while saving precious time during the busy holiday season!
What to Serve with Easy Christmas Cake Traybake
As you gather around the table, let these delightful pairings elevate your festive dessert experience.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing creaminess that balances the dense fruitcake beautifully.
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Mulled Wine: This spiced variety complements the festive flavors of the cake, inviting warmth and holiday cheer into every sip. The aromatic spices mingle perfectly with the cake’s fruity notes.
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Coffee or Espresso: A rich cup of coffee enhances the cake’s richness, making for a comforting pairing that warms the soul.
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Spiced Apple Cider: This cozy drink offers a sweet, fruity flavor that harmonizes with the cake’s festive essence, perfect for sipping alongside.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and a hint of sweetness, creating a heavenly contrast against the dense cake.
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Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce brings a zesty zing, cutting through the sweetness and refreshing the palate with each bite, making every piece even more delightful.
Consider mixing and matching these to create your perfect festive experience!
Easy Christmas Cake Traybake Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best dried fruits for my cake?
Absolutely! For your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake, look for dried fruits that are plump and free from dark spots or excessive stickiness, which indicate they could be too old. A variety such as raisins, sultanas, and cherries will add a colorful sweetness. If you’re adventurous, try figs or apricots for an exciting twist!
What are the best storage methods for leftover cake?
The more the merrier! Store your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for a week. Just remember to allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience.
Can I freeze the cake, and how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake, first wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no gaps. Then, wrap it again in aluminum foil for added protection. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, just place it in the fridge overnight before serving—a simple and effective way to enjoy this festive treat later!
What should I do if my cake becomes too dense?
Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! If your Easy Christmas Cake Traybake ends up dense, it may be due to overmixing after adding the flour. In the future, gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh for proper leavening and a light texture!
Are there any allergen considerations for this recipe?
Very! If you have allergies, make sure to substitute key ingredients accordingly. For a gluten-free alternative, use a gluten-free flour blend. Also, be cautious with dried fruits, as they may contain sulfites; look for unsweetened or organic options if you’re concerned. Always check labels when baking for others, especially during the holidays!
Easy Christmas Cake Traybake: Delightful Holiday Joy!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking tray.
- Combine dried fruit medley with brandy, soak for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time.
- Sift flour and baking powder, then fold into the wet ingredients gently until just combined.
- Fold in the soaked dried fruits evenly into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tray and smooth the top, then bake for approximately 1 hour.
- Allow to cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
