Name: Healthy Fruit Cake Traybake with Nuts Recipe
Prep time: 4 h 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: Western/European
Ingredients: ⅔ cup sultanas/raisins; ⅔ cup dried cranberries; ⅔ cup prunes, pitted and finely chopped; 4 tablespoons brandy or cherry brandy; ⅓ cup plus 1½ tablespoons orange juice; 1¼ cups all-purpose/plain flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; 1½ teaspoons mixed spice; Pinch of fine sea salt; ⅓ cup vegetable oil, plus 1 teaspoon for greasing the pan; 2 large eggs; 3 tablespoons sugar; Zest of 1 orange; ¾ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds; 4 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar/icing sugar; 1 tablespoon orange or lemon juice

This Healthy Fruit Cake Traybake with Nuts Recipe is a wonderful celebration of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors all baked into one gorgeous traybake. Loaded with juicy dried fruits soaked in brandy and zesty orange juice, plus a mix of crunchy nuts, this cake is naturally sweetened and delightfully moist. It’s not only a feast for the eyes but a nourishing, guilt-free treat you can enjoy any time. Whether for a teatime snack or a festive dessert, this recipe brings together health and indulgence in such a lovely harmony you’ll want to bake it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image on the left shows a white plate filled with dark reddish dried cranberries or raisins, with a silver spoon in the center covered with honey or syrup dripping over the fruit. On the right, there is a white bowl with white flour and two piles of brown spices on top, placed on a white marbled surface with a green and yellow whisk lying next to it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to making this Healthy Fruit Cake Traybake with Nuts Recipe sing with flavor and texture. Each item plays its part, from the natural sweetness of the dried fruits to the crunch of the nuts and the bright hint of citrus zest that lifts it all up.

Sultanas/Raisins (⅔ cup): These add sweet chewiness, perfect for keeping the cake moist and fruity.
Dried Cranberries (⅔ cup): Tartness from cranberries brings a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Prunes, pitted and finely chopped (⅔ cup): They ensure deep, rich fruit flavor and add to the moist texture.
Brandy or Cherry Brandy (4 tablespoons): Soaks into the fruit, infusing the cake with a warm, boozy undertone.
Walnuts, Pecans, or Almonds, chopped (¾ cup): Nuts provide delightful crunch and a toasty note.
Orange Juice (⅓ cup plus 1½ tablespoons) and Zest of 1 Orange: Adds brightness and natural sweetness that complements the dried fruits.
Vegetable Oil (⅓ cup plus 1 teaspoon for greasing): Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
Large Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and help the cake rise beautifully.
Sugar (3 tablespoons): Balances fruit tartness with just the right hint of sweetness.
All-Purpose/Plain Flour (1¼ cups): The base of the cake structure, keeping it light and soft.
Baking Powder and Mixed Spice (each 1½ teaspoons): Baking powder helps the cake rise; mixed spice adds warmth and festive aroma.
Pinch of Fine Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors to their fullest potential.
Confectioners’/Icing Sugar (4 tablespoons) and Orange or Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Combine to create a zesty drizzle that brightens and finishes the cake beautifully.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Healthy Fruit Cake Traybake with Nuts Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Fruit

Start by combining the sultanas, dried cranberries, and chopped prunes with brandy and orange juice in a bowl. Stir everything together so the fruit is well coated and then let it soak for about 4 hours. This soaking step is where magic happens — the fruit soaks up the moisture and flavor, making the cake deeply fruity and wonderfully tender.

Step 2: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C or gas mark 5). While the oven warms up, grease a 23 cm square baking pan lightly with vegetable oil and line it with parchment paper. This ensures your traybake will lift out cleanly and hold its shape perfectly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and a pinch of sea salt until well combined. This dry mix will give your cake structure with a hint of warm spice that perfectly complements the fruit and nuts.

Step 4: Beat Wet Ingredients and Combine

In another larger bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil for about 2 minutes until the mixture looks fluffy and pale. Next, fold in the chopped nuts, the soaked fruit mixture along with all its juices, and the zesty orange peel. Finally, gently stir in the dry flour mixture just until it’s combined — stirring too much here could make the cake dense, so keep it light and careful.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the center of your oven and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Once baked, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting it out with the parchment paper and transferring it to a wire rack to cool fully.

Step 6: Add the Zesty Icing Drizzle

To finish, mix the icing sugar with the orange or lemon juice until a smooth, pourable icing forms. Drizzle this over the top of the cooled cake and scatter some more orange or lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy pop that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

How to Serve Healthy Fruit Cake Traybake with Nuts Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side views of a square baking pan lined with parchment paper on a white marbled surface. The left side displays an uncooked batter filled with dark brown and light-colored bits spread evenly in the pan, with a thick, creamy texture and some lumps. The right side shows the same pan with the batter now baked into a golden-brown, firm, and slightly bumpy cake dotted with the same dark bits throughout. The parchment paper edges are neatly folded around the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This traybake is stunning topped with a little extra handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of fresh orange zest right before serving. Adding a dollop of natural yogurt or a spoonful of softly whipped cream elevates the experience too, adding creaminess that pairs beautifully with the dense cake.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a comforting snack, or alongside creamy mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a more indulgent dessert. For a festive touch, accompany it with warm mulled wine or spiced cider to complement the mixed spice notes in the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the traybake into neat squares for a pretty tea party spread or arrange the pieces on a rustic wooden board mixed with fresh berries and nuts for an inviting dessert platter. You can also turn slices into elegant mini desserts by topping each piece with a small scoop of sorbet and a sprig of mint.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or keep it refrigerated to extend freshness for up to a week. The flavors often deepen after a day or two, making leftovers even better.

Freezing

This Healthy Fruit Cake Traybake with Nuts Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw slices overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

For a warm treat, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a low oven until just warmed through. Adding a dab of butter or cream alongside works wonders to revive the cake’s moist, tender texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruits in this recipe?

While fresh fruits can be used in some cakes, this particular Healthy Fruit Cake Traybake with Nuts Recipe relies on dried fruits for moisture and concentrated sweetness. Using fresh fruit would alter the texture and baking time, so it’s best to stick with dried fruits for the intended rich, chewy result.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

You can make a vegan version by substituting the eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and using a plant-based milk or yogurt instead of orange juice if preferred. Make sure to use vegetable oil as directed and check the sugar is vegan-friendly.

Can I reduce the sugar in this fruit cake?

Yes, the sugar amount is already quite modest, but you can reduce it slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake. Keep in mind the dried fruits also contribute natural sugars, so overall sweetness will remain balanced.

What nuts work best in this traybake?

Walnuts, pecans, or almonds all work beautifully and can be used interchangeably. Each nut brings its own unique texture and flavor, so feel free to choose your favorite or a mix for more complexity.

How long does it take to soak the fruit for the best result?

Soaking the fruit for around 4 hours is ideal as it allows them to plump up nicely and absorb the brandy and orange juice flavor. If you’re short on time, even an hour helps, but for the best flavor and moistness, 4 hours or overnight is recommended.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about baking and sharing this Healthy Fruit Cake Traybake with Nuts Recipe. It’s a soul-warming treat that never feels heavy or overly sweet. I encourage you to try this recipe not just for special occasions but whenever you crave a little wholesome sweetness with a festive twist. Once you do, I promise it will become one of your favorite easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing cakes to keep in your recipe collection.