If you are looking to bring a little extra joy to your holiday table, look no further than the Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake: A Holiday Delight. This cake combines the classic richness of a traditional fruitcake with the fun and ease of a traybake, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones. Laden with plump dried apricots, juicy cherries, raisins, and currants, all soaked in brandy for that unmistakable warmth, this dessert is finished off with luxurious marzipan and fondant layers that add both charm and festive flair. Trust me, this is not just any fruitcake; it’s a celebration in every bite that captures the heart of the season.

Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake: A Holiday Delight Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is your first step toward creating a Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake: A Holiday Delight that sings with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a key role from the fruity sweetness to the soft, comforting crumb and the elegant finish.

175 g dried apricots, chopped: These add a chewy sweetness and a lovely orange hue to the mix.
3 tablespoons brandy (plus extra for brushing): Soaks into the fruit for richness and keeps the cake moist with festive warmth.
175 g butter, softened: Provides a creamy texture and buttery depth to the cake.
175 g light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and helps retain moisture.
4 large eggs, beaten: The binding agents that give structure and lift.
175 g plain flour: The foundation for the soft crumb.
225 g raisins: Bursts of natural sweetness scattered throughout.
225 g currants: Tiny gems of flavor that brighten every bite.
225 g cherries, halved: Juicy and festive, they bring vibrant pops of color.
1 tablespoon apricot jam, warmed: A sticky glaze that helps the marzipan stick and adds a glossy finish.
500 g marzipan: The luxurious almond layer that adds festive sweetness and texture.
500 g ready-to-roll fondant: Smooth, elegant, and perfect for decorating your traybake.
30 ml brandy: For brushing the fondant, keeping it moist and flavorful.

How to Make Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake: A Holiday Delight

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

The secret to a moist and flavorful fruitcake lies in how you treat the fruit. Start by soaking the chopped dried apricots in 3 tablespoons of brandy, letting them plump up and absorb those deep, warming flavors. This step takes about 30 minutes to an hour but is totally worth the anticipation.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While the fruit is soaking, get your oven ready by preheating it to 150°C (300°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, creating the perfect cozy home for your batter to bake evenly and release effortlessly later.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy—that creamy start is key to a tender crumb. Then, gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing well after each addition to ensure the batter stays smooth. Sift the plain flour in, folding gently to maintain that light texture. Now for the festive magic: fold in your soaked apricots along with the raisins, currants, and halved cherries so that every bite bursts with fruity goodness.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Then, let it cool completely in the pan—this patience pays off with perfect texture.

Step 5: Brush with Apricot Jam

Once your cake is cool, brush the surface lightly with warmed apricot jam. This not only adds a subtle shine but creates a sticky surface to help the marzipan adhere delightfully.

Step 6: Add the Marzipan Layer

Roll out your marzipan on a lightly powdered surface, ensuring it’s thin enough to cover but thick enough to provide that signature nutty sweetness. Carefully lay it over the cake, smoothing out any air bubbles for a flawless base.

Step 7: Cover with Fondant

Repeat the rolling process with the fondant, then gently drape it over the marzipan layer. Smooth it down for that neat, professional finish that makes this traybake truly festive and polished.

Step 8: Decorate the Cake

Give your fondant a final gentle brush with 30 ml of brandy; this keeps the icing moist and adds another layer of festive flavor. Now, let your creativity shine with holiday-themed decorations like edible glitter, festive shapes, or even hand-piped details—the perfect finishing touches for this holiday delight.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Slice your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake: A Holiday Delight into squares or rectangles, and serve at room temperature so all the flavors can fully bloom. Each piece is a perfect balance of moist fruit, tender crumb, and silky marzipan and fondant layers.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake: A Holiday Delight

Garnishes

Adding a little something extra when serving makes this traybake even more special. Consider sprinkling some finely chopped pistachios or edible gold dust atop the fondant for sparkle and crunch that complement the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This traybake pairs wonderfully with a mug of mulled wine or a dollop of softly whipped cream infused with a hint of cinnamon. If you prefer something lighter, a scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a cooling contrast that balances the rich fruit and almond flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your festive traybake into a centerpiece by placing it on a decorative wooden board surrounded by fresh holly sprigs or cinnamon sticks. You can also wrap individual slices in festive parchment and ribbons—perfect for gifting or lovely bites during holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake: A Holiday Delight keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, allowing the flavors to meld further and intensify wonderfully over time.

Freezing

If you want to prepare well in advance, this traybake freezes wonderfully. Wrap the whole cake or cut slices individually in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When frozen properly, it will maintain its flavor and texture for up to three months.

Reheating

To enjoy this fruitcake with freshly baked warmth, let frozen slices thaw overnight in the fridge. Then warm them gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds. This simple step revives the moist texture and rich aroma to perfection.

FAQs

Can I substitute the brandy with something else?

Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try orange juice or apple cider—they both add lovely fruity notes without the alcohol. Just remember that brandy contributes to both flavor and moisture, so the alternatives may slightly change the taste and texture.

Is it necessary to use both marzipan and fondant?

Using marzipan under the fondant is traditional and adds a delicious almond layer that enhances the cake’s texture and taste. However, if you want a simpler version, you can skip the fondant and just cover the cake with marzipan, which still delivers a beautiful, festive finish.

Can I make this traybake gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping plain flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum, you can enjoy this festive treat without gluten. Make sure the blend is designed for cakes to maintain the soft crumb texture.

How long does this cake need to mature for best flavor?

The flavors develop beautifully over time, so if you have the patience, wrap the cake in foil and store it in a cool place for about a week. This resting period allows the fruit and brandy to meld perfectly, making every bite even more delicious.

What’s the best way to decorate the fondant?

Keep it festive and fun! Use cookie cutters to make holiday shapes from extra fondant, dust with edible glitter, or paint designs with food coloring. Simple ribbons or sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly also add a stunning natural touch.

Final Thoughts

Making the Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake: A Holiday Delight is such a joyful experience, perfect for creating memories with family and friends. The rich, fruity flavors combined with the soft marzipan and smooth fondant really bring the spirit of the holiday season to life. I encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll find it’s not just a cake but a highlight of your festive celebrations.