As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of dried fruits soaking in brandy filled the air, instantly transporting me to festive gatherings of years past. If you’re searching for a show-stopping addition to your holiday table, look no further than Mary Berry’s Christmas cake bites. These delightful, bite-sized treats not only capture the warmth of traditional Christmas flavors but also make for the perfect party bites, easily shared with friends and family. Their rich, moist texture is a refreshing twist on conventional Christmas cake, offering an elegant yet fun option for any gathering. Best of all? They can be made ahead, allowing you to embrace the joyous chaos of the season without the last-minute rush. Are you ready to create a memorable dessert that will have everyone reaching for seconds?

Why are these cake bites a must-try?

Unforgettable Flavor: The harmonious blend of fruits soaked in brandy adds depth and warmth to every bite, making them utterly irresistible.

Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delightful treats effortlessly.

Perfect for Sharing: These charming bite-sized pieces are made for gatherings, ensuring your friends and family will enjoy them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Make Ahead Convenience: Prep these Christmas cake bites in advance and store them for up to two days, so you can relax and enjoy the festive season.

Classic Meets Modern: They offer a contemporary twist on a beloved British holiday tradition, perfect for keeping your dessert table fresh and exciting. Explore more festive ideas like these Christmas Bars Chewy or Gumdrop Christmas Punch to elevate your holiday spread!

Christmas Cake Bites Ingredients

For the Cake
• 175g (6 oz) apricots – Adds sweetness and moisture; soak in brandy for enhanced flavor.
• 3 tablespoons brandy – Infuses the cake with warmth and depth; substitute with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
• 175g (6 oz) butter, softened – Provides richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature before creaming.
• 175g (6 oz) light brown sugar – Contributes sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor; white sugar can be used as a substitute.
• 4 eggs, beaten – Binds ingredients and helps the cake rise; always use fresh eggs for best results.
• 175g (6 oz) plain flour – Forms the base structure of the cake; substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• 225g (8 oz) raisins – Adds a chewy texture and natural sweetness; you can mix in sultanas for variety.
• 225g (8 oz) currants – Enhances sweetness and texture; optional to mix with dried cranberries for a flavor twist.
• 225g (8 oz) cherries, quartered, washed and dried – Brings tartness and vibrant color; use dried cherries if fresh are unavailable.

For the Glaze and Decoration
• A little apricot jam, warmed – Used for glazing the cake; can be swapped with apricot preserves.
• 500g (1 lb 2 oz) packet, ready-prepared almond paste (Golden Marzipan) – Gives a sweet, nutty layer; can be substituted with fondant for a different taste.
• 500g (1 lb 2 oz) packet, ready-to-roll white icing – Final decorative layer; optional to color with food coloring for festive designs.

Get ready to whip up these irresistible Christmas cake bites that will surely delight all your holiday gatherings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 160ºC (Fan 140º/ Gas 3). While the oven warms, grease a 30 × 20 cm traybake tin with butter and line it with baking parchment for easy removal of your Christmas cake bites later. This preparation ensures a smooth baking process and perfect results.

Step 2: Soak the Fruits
The night before, soak the apricots in 3 tablespoons of brandy, allowing them to absorb the flavors and soften. This step infuses the fruits with warmth, enhancing the overall taste of your Christmas cake bites. Make sure to keep them covered at room temperature until you’re ready to use them.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat 175g of softened butter and 175g of light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, taking about 3–5 minutes. This creates a creamy base for your cake. Gradually add in the 4 beaten eggs, mixing well to ensure everything is combined seamlessly before moving on to the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift in 175g of plain flour along with your soaked apricots, 225g of raisins, currants, and 225g of quartered cherries into the butter-sugar mixture. Stir everything together gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. This will ensure that your Christmas cake bites remain moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Bake the Mixture
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared tin, leveling the top with a spatula. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 1–1¼ hours, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake to avoid over-baking.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. After cooling, warm a little apricot jam and brush it over the top of the cake, creating a sticky surface for the marzipan to adhere to.

Step 7: Decorate with Marzipan and Icing
Roll out 500g of almond paste (marzipan) and place it over the cake, gently smoothing it down to eliminate air bubbles. Follow this with 500g of ready-to-roll white icing, which you can optionally tint with food coloring for a festive touch. Shape both layers to neatly fit the cake for an elegant finish.

Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once decorated, use a sharp knife to cut the cake into bite-sized squares, perfect for sharing. These scrumptious Christmas cake bites should be served alongside tea or coffee, inviting everyone to indulge in their delightful flavors. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and moist!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cake Bites

Room Temperature: Keep your Christmas cake bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their moist texture.

Fridge: If extending their freshness is needed, you can store them in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring they’re well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cake bites without icing or marzipan for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

Reheating: If desired, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving. Enjoy these delicious treats at your next gathering!

Christmas Cake Bites Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore the delightful ways you can customize these cake bites and make them your own!

Dried Fruit Medley: Replace apricots or raisins with cranberries or dried cherries for a vibrant flavor twist. Experimenting with different dried fruits can lead to exciting results!
Gluten-Free Delight: Swap plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy these festive treats without worry. They can still come out moist and flavorful—just be sure to follow a recipe tailored for gluten-free baking.
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use vegan butter for a plant-based alternative, allowing everyone to partake in the joyous holiday spirit! With these simple swaps, you’ll have a delicious version for all dietary preferences.
Spiced Wonderland: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for an extra layer of warmth that evokes cozy holiday memories. The spices will elevate the sweetness and charm of your cake bites.
Candy Coated: Before slicing, press crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles into the icing for a fun and colorful finish that appeals to the little ones (and the big ones too)!
Flavor Infusion: Swap brandy for orange juice or apple cider to provide a fruity, non-alcoholic flavor that brings a fresh twist to the cake bites. It adds a bright note that welcomes in the festive season.
Miniature Cakes: Bake the mixture in mini muffin tins for adorable bite-sized cakes. This offers a unique presentation perfect for holiday gatherings.

Feel free to mingle your creativity in the kitchen and adapt these suggestions to suit your taste. And when you’re looking for more festive ideas, don’t miss out on trying these delightful Christmas Bars Chewy or the refreshing Gumdrop Christmas Punch to complement your holiday spread!

Make Ahead Options

These Mary Berry’s Christmas cake bites are perfect for busy home cooks looking to savor the festive season without last-minute stress! You can soak the apricots in brandy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing them to absorb those delicious flavors. Once baked, the cake can be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days before serving, ensuring they remain just as moist and flavorful. When ready to enjoy, simply glaze and decorate with marzipan and icing—these final steps can be completed just before serving to maintain their delightful appearance. Embrace the joy of prep in advance, so you can focus on celebrating with family and friends!

Expert Tips for Christmas Cake Bites

Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool fully before icing to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful finish.

Equal Thickness: Roll the marzipan and icing evenly for a professional look; uneven layers can lead to a messy presentation.

Aging Flavor: Consider aging the finished cake covered for a few days before serving—this enhances the flavor of your Christmas cake bites.

Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and quality dried fruits for the best taste and texture in your cake bites.

Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter; this will keep your Christmas cake bites moist and tender.

What to Serve with Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites

Imagine a delightful spread of flavors and textures, all beautifully complementing these festive cake bites.

Earl Grey Tea: A fragrant cup of Earl Grey enhances the warm, spiced notes of the cake bites, making for a cozy pairing. The floral hints in the tea balance beautifully with the rich fruits.
Hot Chocolate: Creamy hot chocolate brings a comforting sweetness that plays off the sweetness of the cake, creating a heavenly dessert experience. Top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra holiday flair.
Toast with Cream Cheese: A slice of toasted bread with cream cheese offers a light and creamy contrast to the rich cake bites, balancing their sweetness perfectly. Top with a touch of jam for a delightful twist.
Spiced Nuts: Crunchy, spiced nuts provide a satisfying crunch and a savory counterpoint to the moist cake bites, offering a wonderful variety of textures. They’re perfect for snacking alongside coffee.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the cake bites while bringing a refreshing contrast to the table.
Mulled Wine: The warm, spiced flavors of mulled wine pair exquisitely, enhancing the holiday vibe and making your gathering feel festive and cozy.
Gingerbread Cookies: For a whimsical touch, gingerbread cookies complement the festive flavor profile and bring nostalgia to the dessert table. Enjoy a mix of textures as you indulge.
Mini Cheesecakes: Creamy mini cheesecakes echo the richness of the cake bites but add a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality that is utterly irresistible.
Chocolate Truffles: Indulge your guests with rich chocolate truffles that enhance the decadent experience of the dessert table, offering both rich and creamy bites beneath their cocoa dusting.

Mary Berry’s Festive Christmas Cake Bites Recipe FAQs

What kind of apricots should I use for the cake bites?
Absolutely! I recommend using soft, plump apricots for the best results. Look for dried apricots without any added preservatives. If they have dark spots all over, they might be a sign they’ve gone past their prime. Fresh apricots are not suitable for this recipe, so stick to dried for optimal flavor.

How should I store the Christmas cake bites?
Keep your Christmas cake bites in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to extend their life, you can store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to avoid drying out!

Can I freeze the Christmas cake bites?
Very much! To freeze the bites, make sure to do so without the marzipan or icing, as this will maintain their quality. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. They will be good for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.

What should I do if my cake bites are too dry?
If you’ve ended up with dry cake bites, don’t worry! A simple solution is to brush them lightly with apricot jam or your favorite syrup to add moisture back in. Alternatively, serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream, which pairs beautifully with the fruity flavors!

Are there any allergies I should be aware of?
Yes! Since this recipe includes butter, eggs, and various dried fruits, be cautious if you’re serving guests with allergies. For a nut-sensitive crowd, ensure your marzipan or icing does not contain any allergens. If you’re unsure, consider making a small batch with alternative ingredients to suit specific dietary needs.