Introduction

As the festive season approaches, home bakers everywhere begin to think about their holiday treats. Among them, a delightful Christmas fruitcake can often stand out as both a traditional and cherished dessert. This recipe for a fruitcake traybake simplifies the process while still capturing all the flavors that people love during the holidays.

This festive traybake combines the rich depth of a classic fruitcake with the convenience of a cake that can be cut into squares. It’s perfect for easy serving at gatherings and can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Let’s dive into the process of making this cheerful centerpiece for your holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

250g mixed dried fruit
A mix of dried fruits like raisins, currants, and apricots provide sweetness and sticky texture, enhancing the cake's overall flavor.
100g mixed nuts
Chopped nuts add a delightful crunch and rich, toasted flavor, balancing the sweetness of the fruits.
200g unsalted butter
Butter creates a rich base for the batter, contributing to a moist texture, while also helping to bind the ingredients together.
200g brown sugar
Brown sugar adds a deep caramel flavor and moisture, creating a rich, dense cake that's perfect for the holiday season.
3 large eggs
Eggs provide structure and stability, helping the cake to rise and create a tender crumb.
250g all-purpose flour
Flour serves as the main structure of the cake, ensuring it holds together while providing a good base for all the flavors.
1 tsp baking powder
Baking powder is essential for the cake's rise, giving it a light texture that contrasts with the fruit and nuts.
2 tsp mixed spice (or cinnamon/nutmeg)
Mixed spices introduce warm notes to the cake, capturing the essence of the season and enhancing the flavor profile.
100ml orange juice
Fresh orange juice adds acidity, brightening the flavors and ensuring the cake is not overly sweet.
Zest of 1 orange
Orange zest intensifies the citrus flavor, providing aromatic oils that enhance the overall taste and smell of the cake.
Extra dried fruits and nuts for decoration (optional)
Using additional fruits and nuts on top not only makes the traybake visually appealing but also highlights the key ingredients of the recipe.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray.

Preheating the oven is crucial for ensuring an even bake. Lining the tray with parchment paper prevents the cake from sticking and makes removal easier after baking.

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

Creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly is vital to incorporate air, resulting in a lighter cake. You’ll know it's ready when the mixture is pale and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Adding eggs one at a time helps to integrate them smoothly into the mixture, ensuring that the batter is emulsified. This step contributes to the desired texture of the cake.

Step 4: Mix in the orange juice and zest until combined.

Adding the juice and zest at this stage helps to ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The citrus acidity from the juice will balance the sweetness of the cake.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and mixed spice.

Combining the dry ingredients separately prevents lumps and ensures even distribution of the baking powder and spices. This promotes a uniform rise and flavor throughout the cake.

Step 6: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.

Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as this can lead to a tougher cake. Folding in the flour mixture helps to retain the air incorporated earlier, resulting in a fluffy texture.

Step 7: Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit and nuts until evenly distributed.

Folding in the fruits and nuts at the end ensures they are evenly spread throughout the batter without breaking them down. This adds delightful bursts of flavor and texture in every bite.

Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and spread evenly.

An even surface allows for uniform baking, which is essential to avoid different textures across the cake. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring it bakes evenly.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

Baking times can vary, so checking for doneness ensures that your cake isn’t overbaked. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean; this is the perfect cue for when to take it out.

Step 10: Allow the cake to cool in the tray for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Letting the cake cool in the tray helps it to set slightly, making it easier to remove without breaking. After transitioning to a wire rack, it allows for even cooling on all sides.

Step 11: Decorate with extra dried fruits and nuts, if desired, before slicing.

Adding decorations not only enhances the visual appeal but also invites users to see the delicious ingredients featured in the cake. This step is also great for personalization!

Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake step photo

The Charming Tradition of Fruitcake

Fruitcake has been a beloved holiday treat for centuries, deeply rooted in festive traditions. Often associated with celebration and sharing, it is enjoyed across various cultures. Creating a traybake version not only honors this legacy but also makes it accessible and fun for modern bakers. Incorporating diverse dried fruits and warm spices amplifies the nostalgia, making each bite a reminder of cherished seasonal gatherings.

Serving Suggestions for Your Traybake

A Christmas fruitcake traybake is versatile and can fit beautifully into any holiday spread. Consider serving it with a side of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It also pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea or mulled wine. For a more festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light icing to elevate its appearance for holiday parties.

Storing and Enjoying the Leftover Cake

One of the great benefits of the fruitcake traybake is its longevity. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, and many even believe it tastes better after resting, as the flavors meld together. If you find any leftovers, feel free to slice and enjoy it as a quick breakfast treat or dessert, offering something deliciously comforting amidst the holiday hustle.

FAQs

What can I do if my fruitcake traybake turns out too dense?

If your traybake is denser than you'd like, check to ensure you incorporated enough air when creaming the butter and sugar. Additionally, ensure you didn’t overmix after adding the dry ingredients as this can also create a heavier texture.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Christmas fruitcake?

You can enhance the flavor by soaking the dried fruits in brandy or rum overnight before adding them to the batter. This adds depth and moisture, giving the cake a traditional fruitcake quality.

Can I substitute fresh fruit for the dried fruit?

Fresh fruit can introduce excess moisture, leading to a soggy cake. If you prefer using fresh fruit, consider lightly drying them out in the oven first or reduce other liquid ingredients accordingly.

Why did my fruitcake traybake sink in the middle?

A sinking cake usually indicates that it was underbaked or there was too much leavening. Checking the baking time and using accurate measurements can help prevent this.

What type of nuts work best in this recipe?

While walnuts and pecans are traditional and delicious, feel free to experiment with hazelnuts or almonds for different flavor profiles. Just ensure they are chopped to similar sizes for even distribution.

Is there a way to make the cake less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, you might consider cutting back on the brown sugar slightly or substituting part of the sugar with applesauce. However, be cautious, as this can affect the moisture balance.

Conclusion

This festive Christmas fruitcake traybake is not just a delightful dessert, but a symbol of holiday generosity and tradition. It brings joy not only during the baking process but also in the sharing and enjoying with loved ones.

With its inviting flavors and wonderful texture, this traybake will surely become a holiday favorite in your home. Whether you are preparing for a gathering or simply indulging, it’s a treat that embodies the warmth of the season.

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