As the aroma of spices wafts through the air, I’m reminded of cozy holiday afternoons spent in the kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes, a delightful treat that captures the essence of festive baking. These charming, moist cakes are not only perfect for holiday gifting but also make an ideal accompaniment to an afternoon tea. With their petite size, they provide just the right amount of indulgence without the commitment of a towering fruitcake. Plus, if you’re looking for a tasty gluten-free option, they can easily be adapted! Ready to bring a touch of tradition and warmth to your holiday celebrations? Let’s dive into this recipe that promises to sprinkle a bit of magic on your festive table! Why are Mini Christmas Cakes Magical? Festive Delight: Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes are a warm hug in dessert form, making them the perfect accompaniment to holiday gatherings. Irresistibly Moist: Packed with a rich medley of dried fruits and spices, each bite transports you to a cozy Christmas past. Easy to Make: With simple instructions and accessible ingredients, this recipe suits bakers of all skill levels. Perfectly Portable: Their miniature size makes them ideal for sharing, gifting, or enjoying as a quick snack with tea or coffee. For even more festive inspiration, check out my recipe for Balsamic Strawberry Caprese that pairs beautifully with these cakes! Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes Ingredients For the Batter Butter – Softened butter provides richness and moisture; use margarine for a dairy-free option. Light Brown Soft Sugar – Adds sweetness and a slight caramel note; brown sugar can be used as a substitute. Eggs – Eggs contribute structure and help bind the ingredients; for a vegan option, use flax eggs. Self-Raising Flour – Gives the cakes a light texture; all-purpose flour combined with baking powder can serve as an alternative. Ground Mixed Spice – Provides a warming flavor profile; you can swap it for pumpkin spice or cinnamon. Mixed Dried Fruit – Offers sweetness and texture; consider using chopped nuts or candied fruits for variation. Brandy/Orange Juice – Enhances flavor and moistness; you can substitute brandy with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. Optional Icing Icing Sugar – Used to make a sweet glaze for decoration; whisk with warm water to achieve your desired consistency. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). While the oven warms up, prepare your miniature cake tins by greasing them lightly with butter or lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and ensure an easy release once your Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes are baked. Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, cream together 100g of softened butter and 100g of light brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a light texture in your cakes, leading to that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience. Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs Gradually add in two beaten eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix on a low speed until the eggs are fully incorporated, ensuring no lumps remain. This should take about 1-2 minutes. The batter will become smooth and slightly glossy, indicating that it’s time to move to the next step in preparing the Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes. Step 4: Sift in Dry Ingredients Next, sift 200g of self-raising flour and 1 teaspoon of ground mixed spice directly into the wet mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold in the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. The goal is to combine everything just until you see no visible flour, which creates a light, airy batter for your mini cakes. Step 5: Add Fruits and Liquor Now, stir in 200g of mixed dried fruit and 2 tablespoons of brandy or orange juice into the batter. Mix until the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the batter, adding their delightful flavor and texture to the Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes. The fruits should be coated in the batter for an even bake. Step 6: Fill the Tins Spoon the batter into your prepared miniature cake tins, filling each one about three-quarters full. Smooth the tops of each cake with the back of a spoon to ensure they rise evenly. At this stage, make sure your oven is ready, as you want to bake your cakes promptly for best results. Step 7: Bake the Cakes Place the filled tins into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of one cake; it should come out clean when the cakes are ready. They should be lightly golden on top and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a festive aroma. Step 8: Cool and Transfer Once baked, remove the Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes from the oven and let them cool in the tins for about 5 minutes. Afterward, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling method helps maintain their texture and allows you to frost them easily later if you choose. Step 9: Optional Icing If you prefer to add a decorative touch, prepare your icing by mixing icing sugar with warm water until you achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle or spread the icing over the cooled cakes, allowing it to set before serving. These little cakes will now shine in their festive splendor, ready to be enjoyed! Expert Tips for Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter, which helps the Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes rise beautifully. • Don’t Overmix: When folding in the dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to dense cakes instead of the light, airy texture you want. • Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking and ensure tender, moist cakes. • Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool fully before icing to prevent the icing from melting off and ensure a lovely presentation. • Experiment with Fruits: Feel free to swap dried fruits based on your preference; mixed dried fruit adds sweetness, but cranberries can provide a delightful tartness, too! How to Store and Freeze Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes Airtight Container: Store the mini cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness. This will prevent them from drying out. Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cakes, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to avoid absorbing odors from other foods. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the mini cakes for up to 3 months. Wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container to protect against freezer burn. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cakes at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes. They’ll taste as delightful as when first baked! What to Serve with Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes Embrace the spirit of the holidays by creating a beautiful spread that perfectly complements these miniature festive treats. Classic English Tea: Serve a warm cup of Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea to enhance the spices in the cakes. The light tannins harmonize beautifully, creating a cozy atmosphere. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luxurious touch. Its airy texture balances the dense cake wonderfully, making each bite irresistible. Mulled Wine: This spiced, warm beverage pairs perfectly for holiday gatherings. Its fragrant aroma and spices mirror the flavors of the mini cakes, creating a festive vibe. Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses like sharp cheddar and creamy brie to contrast the sweetness of the cakes. A mixture of tangy and mild will satisfy all taste buds at your celebration. Spiced Apple Cider: Serve hot spiced apple cider for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option. The fruity flavors link nicely with the dried fruits in the cakes, offering a comforting taste of the season. Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Fresh fruit dipped in dark chocolate brings a touch of elegance. The sweetness of the chocolate complements the rich flavors, making for a delightful dessert pairing. Nuts and Dried Fruit Mix: Create a crunchy snack mix with roasted nuts and dried fruits to enjoy while savoring your cakes. The textures enhance the eating experience, offering added flavor bursts. Candied Ginger: A small dish of candied ginger provides a zesty contrast. Its spiciness can elevate each bite of your cakes, aligning wonderfully with the festive spirit. Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes Variations Feel free to make these little delights your own and explore the endless possibilities that await! Gluten-Free: Substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend for a delightful, inclusive treat. This way, everyone can enjoy the festive flavors! Vegan: Use flax eggs in place of regular eggs and opt for plant-based margarine for a luscious vegan version. You won’t even miss the traditional ingredients! Fruity Twist: Swap mixed dried fruit for a combination of cherries and apricots for a burst of vibrant color and flavor. Each cake will have a unique fruity personality! Spicy Variation: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and spice that dances on your taste buds with every bite. Nutty Addition: Incorporate some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch. The textures together create a delightful treat that’s both chewy and nutty. Tropical Flavor: Try using dried pineapple or coconut flakes in place of the mixed dried fruit for a tropical vibe that will make every bite feel like a sunny getaway. Iced Delights: Drizzle with a zesty lemon icing instead of the traditional glaze for a refreshing twist. The bright flavor pairs beautifully with the rich cakes, delightfully balancing sweetness. Looking for more festive inspiration? Check out the delectable Fried Strawberry Cheesecake or indulge in a slice of Red Velvet Strawberry for a holiday dessert extravaganza. Make Ahead Options Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes are a delightful option for meal prep, making your holiday baking a breeze! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator; just be sure to cover it tightly to maintain freshness. Additionally, baked mini cakes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your cakes, simply remove them from the fridge or freezer and allow them to come to room temperature before icing. This way, you’ll have scrumptious, homemade festive treats on hand, ready to impress without last-minute stress! Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes Recipe FAQs What is the best way to select dried fruits for the mini cakes? Absolutely! Choosing ripe and fresh dried fruits enhances the flavor of your Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes. When selecting mixed dried fruit, look for vibrant colors and no dark spots or signs of mold. For a personal touch, try using a mixture of your favorites—dried apricots for sweetness or tart cranberries for a zing—each adds its unique twist! How should I store my mini Christmas cakes after baking? To maintain that delightful moistness, store your mini cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, move them to the refrigerator—properly wrapped, they’ll last about a week. I often find that these cakes can actually improve with age, as the flavors meld beautifully. Can I freeze Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes? Yes, indeed! Freezing is a fantastic way to enjoy these treats later. Wrap each mini cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes for that freshly baked taste! What should I do if my mini cakes are too dense? Very! If your Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes turn out dense, it could be due to overmixing during the batter preparation. Remember to fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture—it’s all about finding that right balance. Next time, check for doneness a few minutes before the baking time is up; they should be lightly golden. If they ever feel too dry, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the batch for added moisture. Are there any dietary considerations for the ingredients? Absolutely! For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt the ingredients. Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter, and flax eggs for vegan options. Be mindful of the dried fruits too; some may contain sulfites, which can be a concern for people with allergies. Always check labels and consider substituting with organic options if needed. Enjoy the festive baking joy worry-free! Can my pets enjoy any leftovers? While it might be tempting to share a mini cake with your furry friend, it’s best to avoid it. The combination of dried fruits, sugar, and spices could upset their stomach or even be harmful, especially raisins and grapes. If you’re looking for a way to treat them, consider making a pet-friendly snack instead! Festive Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes for Joyful Celebrations Delightful Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes are infused with dried fruits and spices, perfect for sharing during the festive season. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 12 mini cakesCourse: CakesCuisine: BritishCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Batter100 g Butter softened100 g Light Brown Soft Sugar2 large Eggs beaten200 g Self-Raising Flour1 teaspoon Ground Mixed Spice200 g Mixed Dried Fruit2 tablespoons Brandy or Orange JuiceOptional Icing200 g Icing Sugar sifted Equipment Mixing BowlElectric mixersifterSpatulaMiniature cake tinsWire rack Method Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mary Berry Mini Christmas CakesPreheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and prepare your miniature cake tins.Cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.Gradually add in the beaten eggs, mixing until well incorporated.Sift in self-raising flour and ground mixed spice, folding gently to combine.Stir in mixed dried fruit and brandy or orange juice until evenly distributed.Spoon the batter into prepared cake tins, filling them three-quarters full.Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.Cool in the tins for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.For icing, mix icing sugar with warm water until desired consistency is achieved, then decorate. Nutrition Serving: 1mini cakeCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 150IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg NotesUse room temperature ingredients for best results. Don't overmix the batter for light cakes. Experiment with different dried fruits for varied flavors. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
