The sweet scent of spiced fruit cake wafting through the air instantly transports me to cozy holiday gatherings, where laughter mingles with the clinking of teacups. That’s the magic of Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes—a delightful little treat that packs in all the rich flavors of traditional British desserts without the hefty commitment of baking a full-sized cake. With their moist texture and a perfect blend of dried fruits, these festive delights make for thoughtful gifts or irresistible companions during afternoon tea. Plus, their smaller size means you can indulge just a bit without feeling guilty. Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the warm aromas of the season? Let’s dive into this Mini Christmas Cakes recipe and bring some holiday cheer to your table!
Why are Mini Christmas Cakes a must-try?
Festive Charm: These Mini Christmas Cakes are a delightful twist on a classic, bringing holiday cheer to every gathering.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delicious treats with confidence.
Perfect for Gifting: Their individual size makes them an ideal gift—wrap them up with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful present. Pair them with some Mini Pumpkin Pies for a lovely dessert basket!
Versatile Flavors: Feel free to customize with your favorite dried fruits or nuts, making each cake uniquely yours.
Storage Friendly: Bake in advance and store them in an airtight container; they taste even better after sitting for a few days, enhancing those rich flavors.
Enjoy a slice with tea or coffee and experience the warming flavors of the season together!
Mini Christmas Cakes Recipe Ingredients
For the Batter
- Butter (175g/6 oz) – Adds moisture and richness; for a dairy-free option, substitute with margarine.
- Light Brown Soft Sugar (175g/6 oz) – Provides sweetness and a slight caramel flavor; white sugar can be used in a pinch.
- Large Eggs (3) – Acts as a binding agent and helps the cake rise; for a vegan alternative, use flax eggs.
- Self-Raising Flour (175g/6 oz) – Provides structure and helps the cake rise; all-purpose flour with baking powder can be substituted.
- Ground Mixed Spice (2 tsp) – Delivers warm flavors typical of holiday baking; consider using pumpkin spice or cinnamon as a substitute.
- Mixed Dried Fruit (115g/4 oz) – Adds sweetness and texture; raisins and currants work well if you don’t have a mixed blend.
- Brandy or Orange Juice (2 tbsp) – Enhances flavor and moisture; replace with another spirit or fruit juice for a non-alcoholic option.
For the Icing (Optional)
- Icing Sugar (115g) – Sweetens and provides a decorative element for your cakes.
- Warm Water (1-2 tbsp) – Used to achieve the right icing consistency; adjust as needed for spreadability.
- Glacé Cherries & Icing Holly Leaves – Optional decorative toppings to add a festive touch.
These Mini Christmas Cakes Recipe ingredients come together to create a deliciously rich festive treat that’s sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mini Christmas Cakes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Oven & Molds
Begin by preheating your oven to 150°C (300°F), ensuring that it reaches the proper temperature for even baking. While the oven heats up, grease your mini cake molds with butter or a non-stick spray to prevent any sticking. This step is essential for ensuring your Mini Christmas Cakes release easily after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This process adds air to your batter, contributing to the delightful texture of your Mini Christmas Cakes.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs
Gradually add the three beaten eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. This step is crucial as it binds the ingredients together, resulting in a rich, moist batter. Take your time to ensure a smooth consistency before moving on.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the self-raising flour and ground mixed spice in a separate bowl. Once combined, gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; aim for a smooth batter where all ingredients are evenly blended for your Mini Christmas Cakes.
Step 5: Add Dried Fruit & Liquid
Now, it’s time to mix in the dried fruit and either brandy or orange juice. Fold the mixture gently to distribute the fruit evenly throughout the batter. You want to maintain the airiness of the cake while ensuring every bite is full of delightful textures and flavors.
Step 6: Pour & Bake
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared mini cake molds, leveling off the tops with a spatula. Once all molds are filled, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are perfectly baked.
Step 7: Cool
After baking, allow the Mini Christmas Cakes to cool in their molds for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important as it prevents them from becoming soggy and allows the flavors to develop further.
Step 8: Decorate (Optional)
For those adding a touch of sweetness, mix the icing sugar with warm water to create a spreadable consistency. Once your Mini Christmas Cakes are completely cool, drizzle or spread the icing on top. If you’d like, embellish with glacé cherries and icing holly leaves for a festive finish that enhances their holiday charm.
Mini Christmas Cakes Recipe Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delightful mini treats to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten; the taste will remain rich and flavorful!
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Nutty Addition: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans enhances the texture and offers a delightful crunch; it’s a perfect complement to the soft, moist cake.
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Fruit Swap: Instead of mixed dried fruits, try using a combination of apricots and cranberries for a unique fruity twist; this creates a vibrant flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg along with the mixed spice for an extra layer of warmth; it enhances the festive appeal, making each bite merrier.
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Liquor Variation: Swap brandy for spiced rum or apple cider for a different flavor dimension; each option brings its own festive touch to these mini cakes.
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Vegan Version: For a vegan twist, use flax eggs in place of eggs and coconut oil instead of butter; the final product will still be deliciously moist and flavorful!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cakes for a decadent finish; this rich addition takes your Mini Christmas Cakes to a whole new level of indulgence.
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Mix of Icing: Experiment with flavored icing, such as orange or almond extract mixed into the icing sugar; this adds an enchanting aroma, punctuating the festive spirit of your cakes.
As you experiment, remember that whatever twist you choose, these Mini Christmas Cakes will still evoke the cozy charm of the holiday season. For more delightful desserts, check out these Christmas Bars Chewy or Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes that are perfect for any holiday gathering!
What to Serve with Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes?
These delightful mini treats are just waiting to shine at your holiday gatherings, enticing everyone with their sweet and spiced aroma.
- Earl Grey Tea: A fragrant cup of Earl Grey complements the cakes, enhancing their rich flavors with its hints of bergamot and floral notes.
- Mulled Wine: This warm, spiced drink creates a cozy atmosphere, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the mini cakes with its aromatic spices.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings a delightful contrast in texture, melting beautifully into every bite of your mini cake.
- Spiced Hot Chocolate: Made with dark chocolate and a hint of cinnamon, this drink adds a festive touch while pairing wonderfully with the fruity flavors of the cake.
- Roasted Nuts: Crunchy, salted nuts provide a delightful contrast to the moist mini cakes, creating a satisfying combination of textures for your guests to enjoy.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites serve as a creamy, tangy contrast to the rich, spiced flavors of the Christmas cakes.
- Fresh Berries: Tart and juicy berries can brighten up the plate, adding a refreshing touch that offsets the cake’s sweetness and richness.
- Christmas Punch: A blend of juices and spices in this festive drink can elevate the holiday spirit while pairing nicely with the warm flavors of the cakes.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel on top of each mini cake adds a luscious sweetness and a decadent finish that everyone will love.
How to Store and Freeze Mini Christmas Cakes
Room Temperature: Store your Mini Christmas Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate the cakes in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the Mini Christmas Cakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating: To enjoy the cakes warm, gently heat them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes. Enjoy them fresh to savor the rich, festive flavors!
Expert Tips for Mini Christmas Cakes
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Perfectly Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar, resulting in a light texture in your Mini Christmas Cakes.
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Watch Your Bake Time: Mini cakes can bake faster than larger ones. Check them around the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
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Use a Toothpick: Always test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean, indicating that your cakes are ready to cool.
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Customize Dried Fruit: Feel free to use a mix of your favorite dried fruits to personalize the flavor of your Mini Christmas Cakes—just keep the total weight the same.
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Decorate Wisely: If you choose to ice your cakes, ensure they are completely cool beforehand to prevent the icing from melting—this helps maintain their festive appeal.
Make Ahead Options
These Mini Christmas Cakes are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday baking! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance—just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, the baked cakes can be kept for up to 3 days at room temperature, allowing flavors to deepen. When you’re ready to serve, simply finish decorating them with icing and toppings after they’ve completely cooled. This make-ahead strategy not only saves time but also ensures that your festive treats are just as delicious when it’s time to enjoy them!
Mini Christmas Cakes Recipe FAQs
What type of dried fruit should I use for the Mini Christmas Cakes?
Absolutely! The beauty of these cakes is their versatility. You can use a mix of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and sultanas. If you’re short on the mixed blend, just using raisins and currants can give you that lovely sweetness and texture. Feel free to customize to your tastes!
How should I store my Mini Christmas Cakes?
To keep your cakes lovely and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature for the best flavors before serving!
Can I freeze Mini Christmas Cakes?
Definitely! To freeze your Mini Christmas Cakes, wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then, wrap them again in aluminum foil for extra protection. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them up gently in the oven!
What if my cakes are too dry after baking?
If you find your cakes are dry, they may have been overbaked. Next time, start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark using a toothpick—it should come out clean but not dry. If they’re already baked and too dry, you can drizzle a mix of warmed orange juice or even brandy over the top to infuse some moisture back into the cakes.
Are Mini Christmas Cakes suitable for people with nut allergies?
Very! This recipe is nut-free unless you choose to add nuts for optional flavor. Always make sure that your dried fruits and any other substitutes are also processed in a nut-free environment to avoid cross-contamination. If making for someone with allergies, it’s wise to inform them of all ingredients used in your baking!
Why do we let the cakes cool in the mold before transferring them?
Letting your Mini Christmas Cakes cool in the molds for about 10 minutes helps them set and reduces the chance of them breaking apart. After that, transferring them to a wire rack allows proper circulation of air for a complete cooling process, which helps enhance the flavors and texture of your festive treats!
Mini Christmas Cakes Recipe – Cozy Holiday Treats to Share
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and grease mini cake molds with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Gradually add the beaten eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift together self-raising flour and ground mixed spice in a separate bowl, then gently fold this into the wet ingredients.
- Mix in the dried fruit and either brandy or orange juice, folding gently to distribute evenly.
- Divide the batter into molds, level off the tops, and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in their molds for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For optional icing, mix icing sugar with warm water to reach the desired consistency and decorate the cooled mini cakes.
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