As the aroma of spices and fruits fills the kitchen, I can’t help but recall the joy of family gatherings, where laughter mingles with the scent of baked treats. This Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake is my go-to holiday dessert, offering an easy-to-make and shareable twist on the classic fruitcake that even skeptics will adore. With rich, brandy-soaked dried fruits and a comforting buttery base, this treat not only charms with its festive look, draped in marzipan and fondant, but also brings everyone together around the table. Plus, it’s the perfect make-ahead option—allowing flavors to deepen over a day or two. Who will you surprise with a slice of this delightful holiday cake?

Why is This Fruitcake So Special?

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this Christmas Fruitcake Traybake is a breeze to whip up, even for beginners!

Flavorful Delight: Each bite bursts with brandy-soaked dried fruits, ensuring a rich and warming taste that will impress your guests.

Shareable Joy: Perfect for gatherings, this traybake can be sliced into generous portions, making it an ideal dessert for any festive table.

A Festive Touch: The beautiful marzipan and fondant decoration not only adds sweetness but also elevates the presentation, creating a stunning centerpiece.

Versatile Options: Feel free to play with fruit combinations or opt for a non-alcoholic version—this recipe is adaptable for every palate!

Looking for more festive treats? Check out my Debbie Christmas Tree or the fun Christmas Tree Rice for festive inspiration!

Christmas Fruitcake Traybake Ingredients

• Get ready to create a delightful holiday treat!

For the Cake

Mixed Dried Fruits – Provides sweetness and moisture; swap apricots with figs, dates, or cranberries for a unique twist.
Brandy – Enhances flavor by infusing the fruit with warmth; consider orange juice or apple cider as a non-alcoholic alternative.
Butter – Adds richness and structure to the cake; use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels.
Sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps in caramelization; brown sugar offers extra moisture and depth of flavor.
Flour – Provides structure to the cake; opt for a gluten-free blend if needed.
Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise; ensure it is fresh for optimal results.
Eggs – Binds ingredients together and contributes to texture; aquafaba can serve as a vegan substitute.

For the Decoration

Marzipan – Adds sweetness and creates a smooth layer for decoration; can be replaced with icing glaze for a rustic touch.
Fondant – Elevates the cake’s appearance with a polished finish; feel free to skip it for a simpler look if desired.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). This ensures a perfectly baked Christmas Fruitcake Traybake. While the oven heats, prepare a lined baking tray to make transferring the batter easier later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Mixture
In a medium bowl, soak your mixed dried fruits in brandy for at least one hour. This step infuses the fruits with warm, rich flavors that will elevate your cake. Stir occasionally to make sure all the fruits are well-coated and soaking evenly.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream soft butter with sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is well mixed before adding the next. This process creates a smooth batter for your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and any spices you prefer, such as cinnamon or nutmeg. This mixture will add depth to your cake. Make sure to break up any clumps in the flour for a consistent batter later on.

Step 5: Fold Mixtures Together
Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir with a spatula, being careful not to overmix, which can make the cake dense. Next, gently incorporate the soaked dried fruits, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter for delightful bursts of flavor in each slice.

Step 6: Bake the Traybake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 1 hour. The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, signaling a perfectly baked Christmas Fruitcake Traybake.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Carefully transfer the cooled cake to a wire rack. Once completely cool, adorn your traybake with marzipan and fondant for a festive touch, which makes it not just a treat but a beautiful centerpiece at any holiday gathering.

What to Serve with Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

As the spirit of the holidays fills the air, delightful pairings can elevate your celebratory table and create cherished moments.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery and velvety texture provides a comforting contrast to the sweet cake, making them a perfect addition to your holiday spread.
Spiced Mulled Wine: Infused with warming spices, this drink enhances the festive atmosphere and complements the rich flavors of the fruitcake beautifully.
Classic Eggnog: A creamy, spiced drink that balances the sweetness of the cake. Serving it chilled alongside the dessert creates a joyful flavor experience.
Buttery Shortbread Cookies: Their crumbly texture and light sweetness make for a perfect complement, blending harmoniously with the dense fruitcake.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, this dish brightens the table and contrasts the richness of the cake, making for a colorful holiday display.
Nutty Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp and creamy cheeses with nuts adds a savory touch, providing a wonderful balance against the sweetness of the Christmas Fruitcake Traybake.
Tender Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These savory bites offer a lovely earthy flavor that offsets the sweetness, making your meals well-rounded and inviting.
Decadent Chocolate Truffles: For a sweet touch, these bite-sized treats can be a delightful surprise for the guests that complement the festive vibe of your dessert.
Fruity Sparkling Water: A refreshing drink option, sparkling water infused with citrus or berries cleanses the palate beautifully and enhances the festive feel.
Gingerbread Cookies: These spicy, sweet cookies evoke holiday cheer and provide a delightful nostalgic flavor pairing for the fruitcake.

Expert Tips for Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

Flavor Development: Let your cake rest for a day or two before serving. This allows the flavors of the brandy-soaked fruits to deepen and meld beautifully.
Avoid Overmixing: When folding dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mix gently to ensure a light, airy texture. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
Check Freshness: Always use fresh baking powder for the best rise. Expired baking powder can leave your cake flat and unimpressive.
Decorating Tips: If marzipan and fondant feel like too much, a simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar can create a rustic yet appealing look for your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake.
Storage Advice: Store your decorated cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to keep it moist and flavorful.

Christmas Fruitcake Traybake Variations

Inviting readers to sprinkle their own magic on this delightful traybake is half the fun!

Different Dried Fruits: Swap out standard mixed fruits for your favorites like dried apricots, figs, or cranberries for bursts of flavor!
Try adding a colorful array of fruits mixed in; it’ll brighten both the cake and your festive table.
Non-Alcoholic Twist: Replace brandy with orange juice or apple cider for a delightful, family-friendly version.
You’ll still enjoy the lovely flavor that shines through, making it perfect for everyone at the table.
Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added richness.
The nuts will not only provide texture but also elevate the nutty notes in the cake beautifully.
Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor by adding warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dry ingredients.
A dash of these spices will wrap the cake in cozy, holiday aromas that are simply irresistible.
Gluten-Free Variation: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of traditional flour to accommodate those with dietary restrictions.
This way, your loved ones can indulge too, without missing out on the festive cheer!
Fruit Juice Glaze: Drizzle a thin glaze made from fruit juice and powdered sugar over the top instead of fondant for a lighter touch.
This simple alteration offers a sweet, fruity finish that complements the cake perfectly.
Go Vegan: Replace eggs with aquafaba and try vegan butter for a plant-based, cruelty-free version.
It’s a fantastic way to share the joy of baking with everyone, regardless of dietary choices.

For even more festive fun, why not try some delightful treats like Mini Christmas Cheesecake or my scrumptious Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake? Happy baking!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

Room Temperature: Store your decorated Christmas Fruitcake Traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cake for a slightly longer shelf life, extending up to one week. Ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap an undecorated cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it at room temperature before adding any decoration.

Reheating: If desired, serve slices slightly warmed in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) for a comforting, festive treat that enhances the flavors.

Make Ahead Options

These Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake treats are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can soak the mixed dried fruits in brandy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. Additionally, you can prepare the cake batter and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to bake, simply pour the batter into your prepared tray and follow the baking instructions. To maintain quality, wrap any undecorated cake tightly in plastic wrap before storing it in an airtight container. It will taste just as delicious when you add the marzipan and fondant decorations before serving, ensuring a festive touch without the last-minute rush!

Christmas Fruitcake Traybake Recipe FAQs

What fruits should I use for the best flavor?
For the most flavorful Christmas Fruitcake Traybake, I recommend using a mix of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and chopped apricots. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap apricots for figs, dates, or cranberries for a unique twist that adds complexity to the cake.

How should I store my Christmas Fruitcake Traybake?
To keep your decorated Christmas Fruitcake Traybake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you’d like it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it’s wrapped well to avoid drying out.

Can I freeze my Christmas Fruitcake Traybake?
Absolutely! If you want to prepare ahead, wrap the undecorated cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature before decorating and serving.

What should I do if my cake is too dense?
Don’t worry too much if your cake turns out denser than expected! This could be due to overmixing the batter or not properly aerating the ingredients. For next time, gently fold in the dry ingredients to avoid overmixing, and make sure to use fresh baking powder for the best rise.

Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Yes, if you’re sharing this Christmas Fruitcake Traybake with family and friends, be mindful of allergies. The dried fruits and eggs can be problematic for some, so if you have guests with allergies, consider offering a vegan option by replacing eggs with aquafaba. As for pets, avoid this cake since ingredients like sugar and dried fruits can be harmful to them.

Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?
Very much so! If you want a non-alcoholic version of your Christmas Fruitcake Traybake, simply substitute the brandy with orange juice or apple cider. Soaking the dried fruits in either alternative will still infuse delicious flavors throughout the cake, making it a wonderful option for everyone to enjoy!