As I recall the magical moments of Christmas, my heart fills with warmth. I remember gathering with my family around the kitchen table, the air filled with sweet spices and laughter. My grandmother used to bake during this season, filling our home with love and joy. The aroma of fresh cakes, berries, and warm spices created a cozy atmosphere that felt like home. It always marked the beginning of our festive celebrations.

One recipe that I hold dear is the one I learned from her, Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes. These delightful little cakes reflect the spirit of the season. Their rich flavors and festive charm bring everyone together. I enjoy making them every year. Each cake not only tastes delicious, but it also carries memories and love. Sharing these cakes with family and friends warms my heart, as they carry the sweet essence of tradition.

Why Make This Recipe

Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes stand out for many reasons. First, they offer incredible flavor wrapped in a lovely little package. The combination of dried fruits, spices, and the buttery texture creates a burst of festive joy in every bite. People adore them because they fit perfectly into the holiday spirit while being easy to make. You can whip up a batch in no time, making them an ideal treat for gatherings and gifting.

Moreover, their compact size makes them versatile. You can enjoy them at family gatherings, holiday parties, or even cozy evenings at home. They are the perfect compliment to a warm cup of tea or mulled wine. Besides their delightful taste, they also hold value in sharing moments with those you love. Giving these mini treats as gifts embodies the spirit of Christmas. Therefore, you give not just a cake but a piece of love wrapped in shiny paper.

Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes are convenient, too. You can prepare them ahead of the busy holiday rush. After you bake them, they keep well, allowing for a stress-free entertaining experience. Here’s why you will love this recipe—it’s easy, flavorful, and full of holiday spirit. As you embrace the festive season, celebrating with these delightful treats will surely create lasting memories.

How to Make Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

Ingredients:

115 g Dried fruit, mixed
3 large Eggs
175 g Self-raising flour
2 tsp Ground mixed spice
175 g Light brown soft Sugar
2 tbsp Brandy or orange juice
175 g Butter

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan)/320°F. Grease and line the mini cake tins.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.
Fold in the self-raising flour and mixed spices.
Stir in the dried fruit and brandy (or orange juice).
Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared cake tins.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the tins for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Enjoy your festive mini Christmas cakes!

How to Serve Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

Serving Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes can be a delightful experience. You can present them beautifully on a festive platter draped with a colorful cloth. Dusting the tops with a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. Serve them warm or at room temperature for the best taste. They are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a cozy afternoon tea.

For a festive twist, you can pair the cakes with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their rich flavors harmonize beautifully, creating a delightful dessert experience. You can also serve them alongside a steaming cup of spiced cider or mulled wine, enhancing the holiday spirit further.

Additionally, these mini cakes make lovely gifts. Wrap them in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon for a personal touch. They are perfect for neighbors or friends as a small gesture of holiday cheer.

How to Store Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

Storing Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes is simple and ensures they stay fresh. If you want to keep them for a longer time, place them in an airtight container. They can last up to two weeks at room temperature. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them, which extends their life for about three weeks.

For freezing, wrap each mini cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label them with the date for easy reference. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. This method helps prevent them from drying out, keeping their texture moist and delicious.

Tips to Make Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This tip helps in making a smooth batter, allowing for better incorporation and a lighter cake.
Mix Well: Mix the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step, if done properly, creates air pockets in the cake, making it airy and soft.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour and spices, fold them gently. Overmixing can result in dense cakes, so take care to combine the ingredients until just mixed for a better texture.
Quality Dried Fruits: Using good quality mixed dried fruits does wonders for flavor. Feel free to choose a mix of your favorites, such as apricots or cranberries, to add personal flair.
Spice Variations: If you want a different flavor, consider tweaking the spices. You can add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an additional layer of warmth and comfort to your cake.
Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so check your cakes a few minutes before the recommended baking time. They should spring back when lightly pressed in the center, indicating they are done.
Decorate: After cooling, consider icing the tops with a simple glaze or sprinkling with edible glitter for a festive finish. This makes them even more appealing when serving.
Personal Touch: For a unique touch, you can modify the cakes with a hint of orange zest or almond extract. These additions enhance the flavor, making each bite more delightful.

Variation of Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

Chocolate Version: To create a chocolatey twist, substitute 50 g of self-raising flour with cocoa powder. This change gives the cakes a rich chocolate flavor that is sure to satisfy sweet cravings.
Nutty Version: Add a mix of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. Nuts add a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake, raising the flavor profile and providing a delightful nutty taste.
Fruity Version: Use vibrant tropical dried fruits, such as pineapple or mango, in place of the mixed dried fruit. This fruity spin provides a light, tangy variation that brings a burst of sunshine to winter celebrations.
Low-Sugar Modification: Replace half of the light brown soft sugar with applesauce or mashed bananas. This adjustment reduces sugar without sacrificing moisture, creating a wholesome treat.
Mint Holiday Version: Enhance the holiday spirit by adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter. This addition will give the cakes a festive mint flavor that pairs well with chocolate icing.
Gluten-Free Swap: Use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend to make these cakes gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free to cater to sensitive eaters while keeping the delicious flavor intact.

FAQs of Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

1. Can I use different fruits?
Absolutely! You can customize the cakes by using your favorite dried fruits. Consider using cranberries or raisins. Just make sure the total weight remains the same, around 115 g, to keep the balance in the recipe.

2. How do I know when the cakes are done?
Check the cakes a few minutes before the timer goes off. Insert a skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready. They should also spring back when lightly touched.

3. Can I freeze these mini cakes?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and place them in the freezer. They last up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best experience.

4. What can I substitute for brandy in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute brandy with orange juice or apple juice. Both options keep the cakes moist and flavorful while adding a natural sweetness.

5. What is the best way to store the cakes?
Store the cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Refrigerating them can extend their freshness to three weeks, while freezing prolongs their shelf life up to three months.

6. Can I make these cakes vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal combined with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based butter alternative. Ensure that the other ingredients are vegan-friendly for a delightful treat.

With Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes, you bring warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations. These delightful treats are easy to prepare and deeply satisfying to share. The aroma, the taste, and the memories they carry will surely fill your home with love and cheer this festive season. Enjoy every moment!

Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

Author: imrane
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful mini cakes filled with dried fruits and warm spices, perfect for the festive season.

Ingredients

Scale

115 g Dried fruit, mixed
3 large Eggs
175 g Self-raising flour
2 tsp Ground mixed spice
175 g Light brown soft Sugar
2 tbsp Brandy or orange juice
175 g Butter

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan)/320°F. Grease and line the mini cake tins.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.
Fold in the self-raising flour and mixed spices.
Stir in the dried fruit and brandy (or orange juice).
Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared cake tins.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the tins for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Enjoy your festive mini Christmas cakes!

Notes

Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or alongside clotted cream for added indulgence.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mini cake
Calories: 200
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Christmas cakes, holiday baking, festive treats