Introduction

As the holiday season approaches, the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods fills our kitchens, inviting us to create sweet memories. What could be more festive than a luscious Fruitcake Traybake, embodying the richness of traditional fruitcakes yet offering modern convenience? This traybake not only serves as a stunning centerpiece but also makes for easy sharing with friends and family.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward preparation without compromising on taste. Bursting with a medley of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, each bite offers a taste of Christmas nostalgia. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this traybake is a delightful way to celebrate the season and nourish the spirit of togetherness.

Ingredients

200g mixed dried fruits
A combination of raisins, currants, and sultanas adds natural sweetness and texture, ensuring each bite is fruity and moist. Dried fruits also contribute to the cake's rich flavor profile, invoking the essence of Christmas.
100g candied orange peel
Candied orange peel provides a zesty brightness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of dried fruits. It enhances the overall flavor and adds a chewy texture that complements the cake.
150g unsalted butter, softened
Butter is essential for creating a rich, moist cake. It not only contributes to the cake's tenderness but also aids in flavor development, providing a creamy base for the spices and fruits.
150g brown sugar
Brown sugar is crucial for adding depth of flavor with its caramel notes. It also keeps the cake moist, ensuring it doesn’t dry out during baking.
3 large eggs
Eggs are vital for structure, binding the ingredients together while helping the cake achieve a desirable rise. They also add richness and moisture to the finished product.
200g self-raising flour
Self-raising flour provides the necessary leavening agents for the cake, allowing it to rise properly while giving it a light, fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon mixed spice
Mixed spice blend fills the cake with warm, aromatic flavors. It's essential for invoking the holiday spirit and complementing the fruits and nuts.
50g chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Chopped nuts add a delightful crunch and additional flavor layers. They offer a contrast in texture while enhancing the overall richness of the traybake.
100ml orange juice
Orange juice not only brings moisture to the mixture but also enhances the cake's fruity notes. It harmonizes with the dried fruits and spices, contributing to a vibrant flavor.
Zest of 1 orange
The zest gives an extra burst of citrus flavor, brightening the cake and elevating the overall taste. It adds freshness that balances the sweetness of the fruit.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line your traybake pan with baking paper.

Preheating the oven ensures that the cake bakes evenly and rises properly from the very start. Lining the pan prevents sticking, making it easier to remove the traybake once it's cooled, preserving its shape.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Creaming butter with sugar is key to incorporating air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise and become light. This step also dissolves the sugar, allowing it to meld with the butter for a uniform texture.

Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the orange zest.

Incorporating eggs gradually helps maintain the emulsion, ensuring that no curdling occurs. The zest adds flavor development while blending with the mixture enhances the overall aroma, creating a warm baking atmosphere.

Step 4: Sift in the self-raising flour and mixed spice, and fold in gently until just combined.

Gently folding the flour helps prevent overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed without losing the airiness created earlier.

Step 5: Stir in the orange juice, mixed dried fruits, candied peel, and nuts until evenly distributed.

Adding juice at this stage enhances moisture and flavor while the fruits and nuts create a burst of textures and tastes throughout the cake, elevating it from ordinary to festive.

Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

A smooth top ensures even baking, allowing the cake to rise uniformly, producing a beautiful, flat surface perfect for cutting into squares later.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Baking for the right amount of time is key to achieving the desired moistness without drying out the cake. The clean skewer test indicates readiness, giving confidence is necessary for perfect results.

Step 8: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Cooling the cake slightly in the pan stabilizes it, reducing the risk of breaking when moved. Transferring it to a wire rack allows it to cool completely and ensures an even texture throughout.

Step 9: Slice the cooled cake into squares and serve it on a festive tray.

Cutting the cake into squares provides perfect portions for sharing, and serving on a decorative tray elevates its visual appeal, making it a beautiful addition to your holiday spread.

Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake step photo

Revamping a Holiday Classic

The traditional fruitcake has endured criticism for its dense texture and overwhelming sweetness, but this traybake transforms that reputation. By keeping the ingredients balanced and introducing a light, fluffy base, this recipe revamps the classic, aligning it with contemporary tastes without losing the essence of holiday flavors. It's a modern approach that invites everyone to enjoy this festive treat.

Customizing Your Fruitcake Experience

One of the best aspects of a fruitcake traybake is its versatility; you can customize it to suit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of dried fruits, spices, or nuts, ensuring a personalized touch for your gatherings. This adaptability makes it not just a recipe but a canvas for creativity, allowing every home cook to put their unique spin on a festive favorite.

Pairing Suggestions for a Festive Spread

A fruitcake traybake shines on its own but can be elevated further when paired with complementary flavors. Consider serving with a side of spiced cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast, or perhaps a drizzle of white chocolate glaze. For beverages, a warm spiced cider or mulled wine pairs beautifully, creating a harmonious festive atmosphere perfect for the holiday season.

FAQs

What if my traybake turns out too dense?

If your cake is dense, it may be due to overmixing after adding flour or using old leavening agents. Be gentle when folding in the flour, and ensure your self-raising flour is fresh.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried for this recipe?

Fresh fruits typically contain more moisture, which could affect the cake’s texture. It’s best to stick with dried fruits for stability and the traditional flavor profile.

What if my cake has an overly sweet flavor?

If your cake tastes too sweet, consider reducing the amount of brown sugar in the recipe or balancing it with more citrus acidity from orange juice or zest.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of self-raising flour, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper structure and moisture retention in the cake.

How can I enhance the festive spiciness without overwhelming sweetness?

Increase the amount of mixed spice gradually, ensuring a balanced flavor. Add warming spices like nutmeg or ginger for depth without adding too much sweetness.

Can I double this recipe for larger gatherings?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a skewer as you scale up the batch, ensuring they bake evenly.

Conclusion

In a world bustling with holiday preparations, this Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake offers a delightful balance of tradition and modern simplicity. Its rich flavors and easy-to-share nature make it an ideal choice for bringing people together during the holidays.

As you whip up this flavorful treat, enjoy the process of creating not just a dessert, but a vessel for cherished moments, warm conversations, and sweet holiday memories. Here's to baking joy into your holiday celebrations!

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