Description
Mary Berry’s Mini Christmas Cakes are delightful festive treats perfect for holiday celebrations. These small, spiced fruit cakes are infused with brandy or orange juice and topped with traditional icing decorations, making them both charming and delicious. Ideal for sharing or gifting during the Christmas season.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake 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
Icing and Decoration
- 115 g Icing Sugar
- 1-2 tbsp Warm Water
- Glacé Cherries (for decoration)
- Icing Holly Leaves (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a mini cake tin with parchment paper to prevent the cakes from sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial for a light cake texture.
- Add Eggs: Gradually add the beaten eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to combine thoroughly and maintain the batter’s lightness.
- Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour and ground mixed spice into the wet ingredients. Fold them gently into the mixture to avoid knocking out the air and keeping the batter light.
- Incorporate Fruit and Liquid: Add the mixed dried fruit and your choice of brandy or orange juice. Fold these in gently to evenly distribute while maintaining the batter’s texture.
- Fill Tin and Bake: Spoon the prepared batter into the lined mini cake tin, smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon or spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool completely in the tin before carefully removing to avoid breakage.
- Prepare Icing: Mix the icing sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of warm water until smooth to create a thick icing for decoration.
- Decorate Cakes: Once cooled, spread the icing on top of each mini cake. Decorate with glacé cherries and icing holly leaves to achieve a festive look.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute brandy with orange juice or any fruit juice of your choice.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
- You can prepare these cakes in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Use parchment paper to line the tins to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- The mixed dried fruit can be soaked overnight in brandy or orange juice for extra flavor.
