Mary Berry's Mini Christmas Cakes

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Why Make This Recipe

Making Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes is a delightful way to bring the festive spirit into your home. These small, rich cakes are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season. They capture the essence of Christmas with a blend of flavors and spices that evoke a warm and joyful atmosphere. The individual servings make them easy to enjoy, and they can be beautifully decorated, making them a charming addition to your holiday table. Plus, baking these cakes with loved ones can create wonderful memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.

How to Make Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes

Creating Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes is quite simple, even for those who may not have much baking experience. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll be on your way to making these delightful little treats that everyone will love.

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

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). This ensures that your cakes will bake evenly.
Prepare your cake tins: Line a mini cake tin or small cupcake tins with baking paper. This helps to prevent the cakes from sticking.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or mix by hand with a wooden spoon.
Add the eggs: Gradually add the beaten eggs to the butter and sugar mixture. Make sure to mix well after each addition to ensure everything is well combined.
Sift and fold in dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and ground mixed spice. Carefully fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be gentle to avoid over-mixing.
Fold in the fruits and flavoring: Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit and your choice of brandy or orange juice. This adds moisture and a lovely flavor to the cakes.
Fill your tins: Spoon the batter into the lined tins, filling them about three-quarters full. This allows room for the cakes to rise as they bake.
Bake the cakes: Place the filled tins in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of a cake; if it comes out clean, they are ready.
Cool the cakes: Once the cakes are baked, let them cool in the tins for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the icing: In a small bowl, mix the icing sugar with warm water until smooth. This will be the icing that tops your cakes.
Ice and decorate: Once the cakes are completely cool, ice them with the icing sugar mixture. Finally, decorate with glacé cherries and icing holly leaves to give them a festive touch.

How to Serve Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes

Serving Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes is a breeze. These little delights are already portioned, making them perfect for sharing. You can serve them on a festive platter, or even gift them in small boxes as holiday treats. For an extra special touch, accompany the cakes with a warm drink, such as mulled wine or hot cocoa, to enhance the festive experience. These cakes make great snacks during holiday gatherings, and they can also be served as a sweet finish to a holiday meal.

How to Store Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes

To store your Mini Christmas Cakes, first, ensure they are completely cooled after baking. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you would like to store them for longer, consider wrapping each cake individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container. These cakes freeze well and can last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature. You may wish to refresh the icing if you have frozen the cakes, applying a fresh layer of icing sugar when they are thawed.

Tips to Make Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes

Use fresh ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and dried fruit are fresh and of good quality for the best flavor in your cakes.
Don’t skip the spices: The ground mixed spice is key to giving these cakes their festive flavor. Be sure to use it to enhance the overall taste.
Be gentle when folding: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, take care to fold gently. Over-mixing can lead to dense cakes.
Check for doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cakes as they bake. Start checking at the 20-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
Customize your decorations: Feel free to get creative with your decorations. You can use different types of icing or add edible glitter to make the cakes even more festive.

Variation

While this recipe is delicious as it stands, you can make variations to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Fruits and nuts: Swap out the mixed dried fruit for your favorites, such as cranberries, apricots, or even chocolate chips. You can also add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a bit of crunch.
Flavor extracts: Try adding a splash of almond extract or vanilla extract to the batter for an added layer of flavor.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free self-raising flour instead of regular flour to make this recipe suitable for those who are gluten intolerant.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cakes a few days ahead of your holiday celebrations. Once cooled and iced, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about a week, and the flavors may even improve as they sit.

2. How do I prevent the cakes from sticking to the tin?
To prevent sticking, it’s essential to line your tins with baking paper. You can also grease the paper with a bit of butter to ensure easy removal.

3. Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use mashed bananas (about 1/4 cup per egg) or unsweetened applesauce. You might need to adjust the overall moisture in the batter slightly.

4. How do I know when the cakes are done baking?
The cakes are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If it’s still sticky, they need a few more minutes in the oven.

5. Can I freeze these cakes?
Absolutely! After they are baked and cooled completely, wrap the cakes in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes are not only easy to make, but they also add joy and festive cheer to any gathering. By following these simple steps and using fresh, quality ingredients, you can create delicious little cakes that everyone will rave about. Enjoy the baking process, share with loved ones, and make wonderful memories during this special time of year!