Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

Why Make This Recipe

Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season in a small, easy-to-make package. Christmas is a time for family, friends, and festive cheer, and these mini cakes bring all of that together beautifully. They are perfect for sharing at gatherings, gifting to loved ones, or simply enjoying yourself with a cup of tea.

These cakes are not only adorable but also versatile. You can play around with the decorations and make them unique to your celebration. The combination of warm spices and dried fruit gives them a comforting, seasonal flavor, making them a hit among those who enjoy traditional Christmas treats. Plus, the fact that they are mini makes them easy to handle and less overwhelming than a full-sized cake.

This recipe is straightforward, even for those new to baking. It is full of flavor, and creating these little gems can be a fun activity to do with kids or friends. They would make a great addition to any holiday dessert table or as a sweet gift during the festive season.

How to Make Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

Making Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes is a simple and enjoyable process that requires minimal time and effort. Follow the steps below to create these delightful treats that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 175 g Butter (softened)
• 175 g Light Brown Soft Sugar
• 3 large Eggs (beaten)
• 175 g Self-Raising Flour
• 2 tsp Ground Mixed Spice
• 115 g Mixed Dried Fruit
• 2 tbsp Brandy or Orange Juice
• 115 g Icing Sugar
• 1-2 tbsp Warm Water
• Glacé Cherries (for decoration)
• Icing Holly Leaves (for decoration)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. Line a mini cake tin or several small cupcake tins with baking paper to prevent sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the beaten eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is well combined.
5. In another bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and ground mixed spice to remove any lumps.
6. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over mix as that can make the cakes dense.
7. Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit and either brandy or orange juice. This will add moisture and flavor to the cakes.
8. Spoon the cake batter into the lined baking tins, filling them about three-quarters full. This allows room for the cakes to rise while baking.
9. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of a cake.
10. Let the cakes cool in the tins for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. For decoration, mix the icing sugar with warm water to a smooth paste. Then, spread this icing over each cooled cake.
12. Finally, decorate with glacé cherries and icing holly leaves to give your cakes a festive touch.

How to Serve Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

These mini cakes are perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a festive treat to enjoy at home. You can serve them on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Consider arranging them on a decorative platter, surrounded by some seasonal greenery or other festive sweets to create a beautiful dessert display. They also make fantastic gifts, especially when wrapped in clear cellophane and tied with a festive ribbon. Whether enjoyed at a holiday party or savored in the comfort of your home, these mini cakes are sure to bring joy.

How to Store Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

If you find yourself with leftovers after your festive celebration, don’t worry! You can easily store your Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes for later enjoyment.

1. Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cakes within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and moist for about 3-4 days this way.

2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can place the mini cakes in the refrigerator. Make sure they are well wrapped or stored in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. They can last up to a week in the fridge.

3. Freezing: If you want to keep your cakes for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tips to Make Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them mix together more easily and creates a better texture in the cakes.

2. Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle and mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

3. Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cakes a few minutes before the suggested baking time. If a toothpick comes out clean, they are ready to be taken out.

4. Customise Your Fruits: Feel free to mix and match the dried fruits based on your preference. You could add raisins, sultanas, or even nuts to enhance the flavors.

5. Icing Variations: While the icing sugar and water mixture is simple, you can add a bit of lemon zest or vanilla essence to the icing for extra flavor.

6. Decorate Creatively: Let your creativity shine with the decoration. Instead of holly leaves, you could use other edible decorations like stars, snowflakes, or even tiny Christmas figures if you wish.

Variation

While the basic recipe for Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes is delightful on its own, there are several variations you can try to switch things up a bit.

1. Chocolate Mini Cakes: By incorporating cocoa powder into the flour, you can give these cakes a delicious chocolate twist. Add chocolate chips or chunks of chocolate for an indulgent treat.

2. Nutty Surprise: Fold in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, with your dried fruits to give the cakes a delightful crunch and a unique flavor.

3. Fruitcake Variation: Consider using a variety of dried fruits and even some candied peels to create a more traditional fruitcake flavor, perfect for the holiday season.

4. Spiced Rum Cakes: If you want a more extravagant flavor, replace the brandy or juice with spiced rum for a delightful kick.

5. Vegan Option: You can make a vegan version by substituting butter with coconut oil and using flax eggs instead of real eggs. Use plant-based milk instead of brandy or juice.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the mini cakes a week in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They also freeze well for up to three months.

2. Can I use different dried fruits?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dried fruit mix according to your preferences. You can use raisins, cranberries, apricots, or any other dried fruit you like.

3. How do I know when the cakes are fully baked?

The cakes are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the toothpick has batter on it, give the cakes a few more minutes.

4. What can I use instead of brandy?

If you prefer not to use alcohol, orange juice is a great substitute that keeps the flavors festive. You can also use apple juice or even a bit of tea.

5. How can I make the icing colorful?

You can add a few drops of food coloring to the icing sugar mixture to make it festive. This is especially fun for Christmas themes when you can get creative with colors.

6. Are these cakes suitable for children?

Yes! These mini cakes are perfect for kids. If you want to avoid any alcohol, simply use orange juice or milk in the recipe.

7. Can I add frosting instead of icing?

Sure! Instead of icing sugar glaze, you can try buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a richer taste and creamier texture.

By following this detailed guide, you’ll have a wonderful time creating Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes that not only taste great but also bring joy and warmth during the holiday season. These cakes will surely be the star of your festive gatherings! Enjoy baking and celebrating!

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