Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes​ Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season, then look no further than this Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes​ Recipe. These charming little cakes are perfect for festive gatherings, or cozy nights in with a warm cup of tea. They embody all the flavors of traditional fruitcake but come in a bite-sized form that makes them even more special. Sharing them with friends and family is sure to spread joy during the holidays!

What I love most about these mini cakes is how easy they are to whip up. They’re not only delicious but also make great gifts! Imagine surprising someone with a lovingly wrapped box of these moist little cakes. Trust me; it’s hard not to smile when biting into one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these cakes baking away while you enjoy a moment of holiday cheer.
• Family-Friendly Delight: Everyone, from kids to grandparents, will adore these mini treats. They’re perfect for sharing!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake these ahead of time and store them for a last-minute dessert or surprise gift.
• Flavorful and Festive: The mix of spices and dried fruit provides a warm, comforting flavor that screams festive cheer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These mini Christmas cakes come together with simple and wholesome ingredients. You probably have most of them in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cakes

• 175g softened butter
• 175g light brown soft sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 175g self-raising flour
• 2 tsp ground mixed spice
• 115g mixed dried fruit
• 2 tbsp apple juice or orange juice

For the Icing

• 115g icing sugar
• 1-2 tbsp warm water
• Glacé cherries
• Icing holly leaves

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and adjust it according to your taste or whatever you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use Different Fruits: Swap out the mixed dried fruit for your favorites like cranberries or apricots.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique flavor twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a fun twist, add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the icing.

How to Make Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes​ Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Mix

First things first, preheat your oven to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Grease and line a 12-hole muffin tray with paper cases—this will help your cakes come out easily once they’re baked. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and light brown soft sugar until fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cakes light and airy. Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition before sifting in the self-raising flour and ground mixed spice.

Step 2: Add Fruit and Bake

Now comes the fun part—folding in those vibrant bits of dried fruit along with your choice of apple juice or orange juice. This adds moisture and flavor to our mini cakes! Once everything is well combined, it’s time to spoon this lovely mixture into your prepared muffin holes, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake them in the preheated oven for around 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Cool and Decorate

Once baked, let your mini cakes cool on a wire rack—this helps them maintain their texture. While they cool, prepare your icing by mixing icing sugar with enough warm water to create a thick paste. Once cooled completely, generously spoon this icing over each cake. Top them off with a cheerful glacé cherry and a few icing holly leaves for that festive touch!

Enjoy making your Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes​ Recipe! They truly are an irresistible treat that will bring warmth and joy throughout this holiday season.

Pro Tips for Making Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes Recipe

Baking is a joy, and a few thoughtful tips can make your experience even better. Here are some pro tips to ensure your mini Christmas cakes turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Having butter and eggs at room temperature helps them mix more evenly, resulting in a lighter texture for your cakes.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding in the ingredients keeps your cakes fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which is not what we want for these delightful treats.
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so be sure to check your cakes a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean when they’re done.
• Cool completely before decorating: Allowing the cakes to cool fully ensures that the icing sets properly and doesn’t melt or slide off. Patience pays off in flavor and presentation!
• Experiment with different fruits: While mixed dried fruit is traditional, feel free to add your favorites like cranberries or apricots for a personalized touch that adds both flavor and color.

How to Serve Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes Recipe

These mini Christmas cakes not only taste wonderful but also make for an impressive presentation. Here are some ideas on how to serve them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Glacé cherries: A classic topping that adds a pop of color and sweetness to each cake.
• Icing holly leaves: These can enhance the festive look while complementing the sweetness of the icing.
• Edible glitter: A sprinkle of edible glitter adds a magical touch that will impress your guests.

Side Dishes

• Spiced tea: A warm cup of spiced tea pairs beautifully with these cakes and enhances their festive flavors. Consider chai or cinnamon-infused herbal teas.
• Fresh fruit platter: A selection of seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and apples provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the mini cakes.
• Whipped coconut cream: This dairy-free alternative offers a light and airy complement to the dense fruitcake, making it feel indulgent without being too heavy.
• Cheese board: A simple cheese platter featuring soft cheeses like brie or vegan alternatives can create an interesting sweet-and-savory balance alongside your mini cakes.

With these serving suggestions and helpful tips, you’re all set to impress friends and family this holiday season with Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive treats throughout the holiday season without the last-minute rush. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the mini cakes in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Enjoy them within 3-5 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If you prefer, wrap each cake in cling film for added freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the cakes to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each mini cake individually in cling film, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• For a warm treat, remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
• To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes recipe that might help you out.

Can I use different types of dried fruit in the Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or raisins. Just make sure they total 115g for the right balance of flavors.

How long do the Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cakes can last up to 5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them as described above.

What type of icing is best for Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes?

While this recipe uses a simple icing sugar glaze, you can get creative! A marzipan layer beneath fondant or a cream cheese frosting would also pair beautifully with these mini cakes.

Can I make these cakes without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with a combination of flaxseed meal and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or use a commercial egg replacer according to package instructions.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes! They are not only perfect for holiday gatherings but also make delightful gifts. As you whip up this recipe, picture those happy faces enjoying your festive creations. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth and sweetness!