Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

Why Make This Recipe

Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes are perfect for celebrating the festive season with family and friends. These delightful little treats are a joy to make and share, bringing a slice of holiday spirit to any gathering. Their small size makes them easy to serve and a beautiful addition to any dessert table. Plus, they pack the rich flavors of traditional Christmas cake into a manageable bite, making them ideal for both kids and adults alike.

If you love the idea of baking your own Christmas treats or need a unique gift for loved ones, these mini cakes are the way to go. They are versatile, delicious, and oh-so-pretty when decorated with icing and cherries. You also have the option to personalize the decorations for each individual cake, adding a unique touch that everyone will appreciate.

Baking these mini Christmas cakes also provides a wonderful sense of accomplishment. The process brings together friends and family, creating lovely memories as you measure, mix, and bake together. Imagine the laughter and chatter around the kitchen as everyone gets involved in making something special to enjoy later.

How to Make Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

Making Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes is a straightforward process that even novice bakers can handle with ease. You’ll find that the recipe is not only simple but also requires minimal ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s how to whip up these festive delights.

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 small cupcake tins with baking paper. This will prevent the cakes from sticking and make them easier to remove once baked.
3. Cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together in a bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving a nice, airy texture in your cakes.
4. Gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs combine smoothly with the butter and sugar mixture without curdling.
5. Sift together the self-raising flour and ground mixed spice in a separate bowl. This helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the spices. Then, fold it into the wet mixture gently until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit and your choice of brandy or orange juice. This step adds a festive flavor and texture to your cakes.
7. Spoon the batter into the lined tins, filling them about three-quarters full. Be careful not to overfill, as the cakes will rise during baking.
8. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and test with a toothpick; it’s done when it comes out clean.
9. Cool in the tins for a few minutes before transferring the cakes to a wire rack. This allows them to set and cool down properly without getting soggy.
10. In a small bowl, mix icing sugar with warm water until smooth to create a simple icing for your cakes.
11. Ice the cakes once they are completely cool and decorate with glacé cherries and icing holly leaves. This adds the final touch and makes them look festive.

How to Serve Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

These mini cakes are ideal for serving during the festive season. They can be enjoyed as a dessert at Christmas dinner or as a sweet treat during holiday gatherings. They are also perfect for a tea party, office parties, or as a simple afternoon snack.

When serving, you can present the cakes on a decorative platter, garnished with festive greens or even some sprigs of holly. This will enhance their visual appeal and add even more holiday spirit to your table. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect winter warmer.

If you’re feeling extra creative, consider offering a small "decorate your own" station for guests to add their own icing and decorations. Kids especially will love this interactive portion of the serving process.

How to Store Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

To keep your mini Christmas cakes fresh and delicious, it’s best to store them correctly. Here are some tips for proper storage:

• Room Temperature: Store the cakes in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to consume them within a week. They will keep well for several days this way, ensuring they remain moist and tasty.

• Refrigeration: If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them. However, be sure to wrap them tightly in cling film or place them in an airtight container. This prevents them from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.

• Freezing: For even longer storage, these cakes can be frozen. Wrap each mini cake in cling film and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the cakes from the freezer and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips to Make Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Choose good quality dried fruits and spices for the best flavor. Organic or homemade options can enhance your cakes significantly.

2. Customize the Fruit: Feel free to swap out the mixed dried fruit for your favorites. You could add candied peel, nuts, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.

3. Don’t Rush the Icing: Allow the cakes to cool completely before icing. If they’re warm, the icing will melt and not set properly.

4. Experiment with Flavors: If you’re not a fan of brandy, substituting with fresh orange juice or other fruit juices can provide a refreshing taste.

5. Decorate Festively: Get creative with your decorations. Apart from glacé cherries and icing leaves, you can also use edible glitter or sprinkles to add a festive touch.

6. Make Ahead: These cakes can be made well in advance of your holiday events. In fact, making them a week ahead allows the flavors to develop even more.

Variation

If you would like to try a variation, consider creating chocolate mini Christmas cakes by adding cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. You can also drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the icing for extra indulgence. For a nutty flavor, add finely chopped walnuts or pecans.

Another alternative is to make a vegan version by replacing butter with a dairy-free spread and using flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs. There are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe based on dietary preferences.

FAQs

1. Can I use different spices in the mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different spices. While mixed spice gives a traditional flavor, cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger can create exciting variations that align with your taste preference.

2. How can I jazz up my mini cakes for a party?
You can personalize your decorations with themed colors, such as red and green, or use festive sprinkles and candies. Creating tiny edible figures or adding fresh berries as toppings can also elevate their presentation.

3. How long do mini Christmas cakes last?
When stored properly, mini Christmas cakes can last up to a week at room temperature, several weeks in the fridge, and up to three months in the freezer.

4. Can I use a different size of cake tin?
While the mini cake tin is recommended for portion control, you can use a larger cupcake tin or make a single larger cake. Just adjust the baking time accordingly; a larger cake might take longer to bake.

5. Is it better to frost before or after freezing?
If you’re freezing your mini cakes, it’s best to freeze them un-frosted. Once you’re ready to serve, thaw them and then apply the frosting for the best texture and flavor.

With this guide, you’ll not only spice up your Christmas with Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes, but you will also make delicious memories in the kitchen this festive season. Get ready to enjoy the delightful taste and aroma of these treats that will surely bring joy to your holiday celebrations!

Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes

Print Recipe

Delightful mini Christmas cakes, perfect for holiday celebrations, easy to make, and beautifully decorated.

• Author: anna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. Line a mini cake tin or small cupcake tins with baking paper.
3. Cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing well after each addition.
5. Sift together the self-raising flour and ground mixed spice in a separate bowl.
6. Fold the flour mixture into the wet mixture gently until just combined.
7. Fold in the mixed dried fruit and brandy or orange juice.
8. Spoon the batter into the lined tins, filling them about three-quarters full.
9. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, testing with a toothpick.
10. Cool in the tins for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
11. Mix icing sugar with warm water until smooth and ice the cool cakes.
12. Decorate with glacé cherries and icing holly leaves.

Notes

For best flavor, use high-quality dried fruits and spices. Personalize decorations for a unique touch.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cake
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg