Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes​ Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to bring joy to your holiday season, the Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes recipe is just what you need! These charming little fruitcakes are not only moist but also packed with festive flavors. They make perfect gifts and are a lovely addition to any holiday gathering, whether you’re hosting family or simply enjoying a cozy night in with a cup of tea.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so easy to whip up, yet it feels like a warm hug when you take that first bite. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making these beautiful mini cakes together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy bakers.
• Family-friendly: Kids love helping out with the decorating, making it a fun family activity.
• Make-ahead convenience: These mini cakes can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
• Deliciously festive: The mix of spices and fruits creates a flavor that screams holiday cheer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These mini Christmas cakes use simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have at home. Let’s gather what we need to create these delicious treats!

For the Cake

• 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

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have or your personal taste preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Change the fruit: Use your favorite dried fruits like cranberries or apricots instead of mixed dried fruit.
• Spice it up: Experiment with additional spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
• Make it chocolatey: Stir in some cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a decadent variation.

How to Make Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes​ Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Mix

First things first, preheat your oven to the right temperature! Grease and line a 12-hole muffin tray so that our cakes will come out easily once they’re baked. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and light brown sugar until they’re fluffy. This step is crucial as it adds air into the mixture, giving our cakes that lovely light texture. Next, add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the self-raising flour and ground mixed spice.

Step 2: Add Fruit and Bake

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit along with your choice of apple or orange juice. This adds moisture and sweetness to every bite! Spoon your batter into each muffin hole until they’re about three-quarters full. Bake them in the oven for 25-30 minutes until they’re golden brown and a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the center. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 3: Cool and Decorate

Once baked, let your mini cakes cool on a wire rack—this helps them stay moist inside. While they cool down, mix together icing sugar with warm water until you achieve a thick paste consistency. When your cakes are completely cool, spoon this delightful icing over each one. Top them off with a glacé cherry and icing holly leaves to give them that festive flair!

And there you have it—the Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes recipe ready to share (or keep all to yourself!). Enjoy every slice during this wonderful season!

Pro Tips for Making Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes​ Recipe

Making these delightful mini Christmas cakes is a joyous experience, especially with these handy tips to ensure your baking turns out perfectly!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with butter and eggs at room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a lighter cake texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding in the ingredients prevents the cakes from becoming dense. Overmixing can lead to tougher cakes, so mix just until combined.
• Choose high-quality dried fruit: Using good quality mixed dried fruit enhances the flavor and moisture of your cakes. Look for fruit that isn’t overly sweetened or preserved.
• Check for doneness carefully: Ovens can vary in temperature. Start checking your cakes a few minutes before the recommended time by inserting a skewer; it should come out clean when they are done.
• Let them cool completely before icing: Icing warm cakes can cause the icing to melt and run. Allow your mini Christmas cakes to cool thoroughly on a wire rack for the best results.

How to Serve Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes​ Recipe

These charming mini Christmas cakes are perfect for festive gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Their individual size makes them easy to serve, and they can be beautifully presented on a platter or in decorative cupcake liners.

Garnishes

• Icing sugar dusting: A light dusting of icing sugar adds a lovely snowy touch, making your mini cakes look extra festive.
• Edible glitter: Sprinkling edible glitter over the icing gives your cakes a magical sparkle that’s sure to impress guests.
• Citrus zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon or orange zest can add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream provides a rich, dairy-free alternative that complements the fruitiness of the cakes beautifully.
• Spiced tea: Serving these mini Christmas cakes with a warm cup of spiced tea pairs perfectly, highlighting their festive flavors while offering a cozy beverage option.
• Fruit compote: A side of homemade fruit compote made from apples and berries adds tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the cake.
• Cheese platter: Pairing with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese offers an interesting contrast in flavors and textures, making each bite more exciting.

Enjoy your baking adventure with this Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes recipe, and let the holiday spirit fill your kitchen!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive treats without the last-minute rush. You can easily make them ahead of time and store or freeze them until needed.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cakes to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Store in a cool, dry place for up to one week.

Freezing

• Wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped cakes in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cakes warm, preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
• Remove the icing and place the cakes on a baking tray.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes that may help you.

Can I use different fruits in the Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes​ Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add your favorite dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots, to customize the flavors of your cakes.

How long do Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes​ stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these mini cakes can stay fresh for up to one week, making them great for holiday gatherings!

Can I make the Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes​ Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What is the best way to decorate my Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes​?

You can get creative with your decorations! Use icing sugar mixed with water for a simple glaze, topped with glacé cherries and holly leaves for a festive touch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes as much as I do! They’re not only tasty but also bring warmth and cheer during the festive season. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them with a cozy cup of tea, these little treats are sure to spread joy. Happy baking!