Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes are delightful little treats perfect for the festive season. These mini cakes are easy to make and bursting with flavor, making them an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home. With their charming size and festive decorations, they are sure to bring cheer to anyone who tastes them.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
Making Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays. They are simple to prepare and require only a few ingredients. These cakes also allow you to get creative with decorations, making them a fun project for families. Plus, their compact size means you can enjoy a sweet treat without overindulging.
How to make Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes
Ingredients:
- 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 brandy or orange juice
- 115g icing sugar
- 1-2 tbsp warm water
- glacé cherries
- icing holly leaves
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Grease and line a 12-hole muffin tray with paper cases.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs, self-raising flour, and mixed spice, stirring until well combined.
- Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit and brandy or orange juice.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin holes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- While they cool, mix the icing sugar with warm water to create a thick paste.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spoon the icing over each cake and decorate with a glacé cherry and a sprig of icing holly leaves.
Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes
Delightful mini cakes perfect for the festive season, easy to make and bursting with flavor.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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 brandy or orange juice
- 115g icing sugar
- 1–2 tbsp warm water
- Glacé cherries
- Icing holly leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Grease and line a 12-hole muffin tray with paper cases.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs, self-raising flour, and mixed spice, stirring until well combined.
- Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit and brandy or orange juice.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin holes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- While they cool, mix the icing sugar with warm water to create a thick paste.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spoon the icing over each cake and decorate with a glacé cherry and a sprig of icing holly leaves.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to a week. Freezing is possible without icing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
How to serve Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes
Serve these mini cakes on a festive platter to impress your guests. They can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee during holiday gatherings. These cakes also make lovely gifts when wrapped in clear bags with a festive ribbon.
How to store Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes
To store the mini cakes, keep them in an airtight container in a cool place. They can last for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them without icing. When ready to serve, thaw and decorate.
Tips to make Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes
- Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Using fresh mixed dried fruit can add extra flavor and moisture.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, to customize the taste.
Variations
You can customize this recipe by adding nuts or using different types of dried fruits. For a chocolate twist, add some chocolate chips to the batter for a richer flavor.
For other festive ideas, check out this Christmas Bread recipe.
FAQs
Can I make these cakes in advance?
Yes, you can make these cakes a few days before you need them. Just store them properly in an airtight container.
What can I use instead of brandy?
If you want a non-alcoholic option, orange juice works well and adds a nice flavor.
How do I know when the cakes are done?
Insert a skewer into the center of a cake. If it comes out clean, the cakes are done.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes are a delightful addition to any festive celebration. Their simple preparation and adorable size make them perfect for sharing and enjoying. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and make this holiday season a little sweeter with these charming mini cakes!
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
