Mary Berry Mini Christmas cakes are a delightful fusion of tradition and festivity, perfect for holiday gifting and celebrations. These charming little cakes are not only easy to make but also bring a cozy warmth to any festive gathering. With a beautiful blend of dried fruits and spices, they encapsulate the essence of Christmas in every bite. The aroma of baking fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that sings of holiday joy. Let’s dive into the magic of these mini cakes!
Why You’ll Love This Mary Berry Mini Christmas
There are countless reasons to adore these mini cakes. First, they’re a wonderful addition to your holiday spread, showcasing Mary Berry Christmas recipes tradition. Second, they are versatile—perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying solo with a cup of tea. The Mary Berry holiday baking style ensures they are easy to prepare, making them suitable even for novice bakers. With rich flavors from mixed dried fruits, these cakes are a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. Plus, they can be decorated in numerous ways, allowing for creativity. Lastly, they embody the spirit of togetherness, making them a must-have for family gatherings.
Ingredients for Mary Berry Mini Christmas
Gather these items:
- 150 g Butter (Substitute with margarine for dairy-free)
- 150 g Light Brown Soft Sugar (Can substitute with dark brown sugar)
- 3 large Eggs (Use flax eggs for vegan option)
- 200 g Self-Raising Flour (All-purpose flour plus baking powder can be used)
- 1 tsp Ground Mixed Spice (Can substitute with a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg)
- 300 g Mixed Dried Fruit (Combination of raisins, sultanas, and currants)
- 50 ml Brandy or Orange Juice (Omit for non-alcoholic option)
- 100 g Icing Sugar (Add warm water to achieve desired consistency)
- Glacé Cherries (Decorative element)
- Icing Holly Leaves (Decorative element)
How to Make Mary Berry Mini Christmas Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and prepare mini cake tins with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.
- Step 4: Gradually sift in the self-raising flour and ground mixed spice, folding gently until just combined.
- Step 5: Stir in the mixed dried fruit and your choice of brandy or orange juice until evenly mixed.
- Step 6: Divide the batter among mini cake tins, filling each two-thirds full and smoothing the tops.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
- Step 8: Cool the mini cakes in tins for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 9: Optionally, prepare icing and drizzle over cakes, decorating with glacé cherries and icing holly leaves.
Pro Tips for the Best Mary Berry Mini Christmas
Keep these in mind:
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter; gently fold until just combined.
- For a unique flavor, consider adding orange zest to the mixture.
- These cakes can be made ahead of time and stored for a few days.
Best Ways to Serve Mary Berry Mini Christmas
These delightful mini cakes are best enjoyed with a hot beverage. Pair them with tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. You can also serve them as part of a festive dessert table, alongside other Mary Berry festive desserts. If you’re looking to impress, try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Store and Reheat Mary Berry Mini Christmas
To store, place the mini cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature. The cakes can be drizzled with fresh icing just before serving, maintaining their festive appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mary Berry Mini Christmas
What’s the secret to perfect Mary Berry Mini Christmas?
The secret lies in the balance of flavors. Ensure you use high-quality dried fruits and spices for the best taste. Following Mary Berry’s easy Christmas recipes closely will also help achieve the desired texture and flavor.
Can I make Mary Berry Mini Christmas ahead of time?
Yes, these mini cakes can be made a few days in advance. Allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container, making them perfect for holiday baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Mary Berry Mini Christmas?
To avoid common pitfalls, don’t overmix your batter and ensure your oven is properly preheated. Also, remember that baking times may vary, so keep an eye on the cakes as they bake.
Variations of Mary Berry Mini Christmas You Can Try
For a twist, consider adding nuts or seeds to your cake batter for added crunch. You could also try different dried fruits like apricots or cranberries to personalize your treats. For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter. These adaptations keep the spirit of the season while catering to various dietary preferences.
Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes for Festive Joy
Mary Berry Mini Christmas Cakes are a delightful fusion of tradition and festivity, perfect for holiday gifting and celebrations.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 150 g Butter (Substitute with margarine for dairy-free)
- 150 g Light Brown Soft Sugar (Can substitute with dark brown sugar)
- 3 large Eggs (Use flax eggs for vegan option)
- 200 g Self-Raising Flour (All-purpose flour plus baking powder can be used)
- 1 tsp Ground Mixed Spice (Can substitute with a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg)
- 300 g Mixed Dried Fruit (Combination of raisins, sultanas, and currants)
- 50 ml Brandy or Orange Juice (Omit for non-alcoholic option)
- 100 g Icing Sugar (Add warm water to achieve desired consistency)
- Glacé Cherries (Decorative element)
- Icing Holly Leaves (Decorative element)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and prepare mini cake tins with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.
- Gradually sift in the self-raising flour and ground mixed spice, folding gently until just combined.
- Stir in the mixed dried fruit and your choice of brandy or orange juice until evenly mixed.
- Divide the batter among mini cake tins, filling each two-thirds full and smoothing the tops.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool the mini cakes in tins for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optionally, prepare icing and drizzle over cakes, decorating with glacé cherries and icing holly leaves.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
