Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

Festive Christmas Fruitcake Traybake

Author: Chef Elsa Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 150 min Total Time: 180 min
Yield: 12 servings Category: Desserts And Drinks Cuisine: British Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Description A delightful traybake bursting with plump dried fruits, topped with fondant—perfect for festive gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 250g dried apricots, chopped
  • 200g raisins
  • 200g currants
  • 150g halved cherries
  • 3 tablespoons strong cold tea or orange juice
  • 200g butter, softened
  • 200g light brown sugar
  • 4 beaten eggs
  • 250g plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 500g marzipan
  • 500g ready-to-roll fondant
  • 1 tablespoon apricot jam
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
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Instructions

  1. Soak the fruits in a bowl with tea or juice for at least 4-6 hours.
  2. Grease and prepare a 30cm x 20cm traybake tin with baking parchment.
  3. Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
  4. Gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Sift and whisk together the flour and spices in a separate bowl.
  6. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  7. Dust soaked fruits with flour and fold into the batter.
  8. Preheat the oven to 140°C (275°F / Gas Mark 1).
  9. Transfer batter to the tin and level the top.
  10. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, covering with foil after 1.5 hours.
  11. Test for doneness with a skewer.
  12. Cool completely in the tin on a wire rack.
  13. Prick top and feed with tea or orange juice.
  14. Wrap in parchment and foil for storage.
  15. Feed weekly for up to a month.
  16. Prepare for marzipan by brushing with sieved apricot jam.
  17. Apply marzipan and let dry.
  18. Prepare fondant and apply over the cake.
  19. Decorate with cranberries, holly, or edible glitter.
  20. Slice and serve.

Notes

  1. Notes
  2. Store in a cool, dark place. Feed weekly for better flavor.