Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites are mini, festive treats inspired by traditional Christmas cake but in bite-sized form. Packed with dried fruits, warming spices, and a hint of citrus zest, these cake bites make a wonderful holiday treat that’s easy to share. They’re perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or as an indulgent snack with a cup of tea.
What Are Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites?
Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites are small, individually portioned treats that capture all the flavors of a classic Christmas fruitcake. These cake bites include dried fruits, mixed nuts, and a touch of brandy or orange juice for added moisture and depth. They’re baked until golden and finished with a glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Perfect for Sharing – Small and portable, these bites are great for parties or gifting.
- Traditional Christmas Flavors – Packed with classic holiday ingredients like dried fruits and nuts.
- Easy to Make – No need for large cake pans or lengthy baking times.
- Festive and Fun – A twist on a classic Christmas cake that’s fun and easy to enjoy.
- Great Make-Ahead Option – This can be stored for several days, and flavors develop with time.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Christmas cake bites:
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – Provides structure for the cake bites.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps the cake bites rise.
- Butter (½ cup, softened) – Adds richness and moisture.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed) – Adds sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
- Eggs (2 large) – Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
- Mixed Dried Fruit (1 ½ cups) – Use a combination of raisins, currants, sultanas, or chopped dried apricots.
- Glacé Cherries (¼ cup, chopped) – Adds color and a chewy texture.
- Chopped Nuts (½ cup) – Walnuts, almonds, or pecans work well.
- Orange Zest (1 tsp) – Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp) – Adds warmth and holiday spice.
- Ground Nutmeg (¼ tsp) – A classic holiday spice for depth.
- Brandy or Orange Juice (2 tbsp) – Adds moisture and enhances the flavor.
Optional Glaze
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup) – For the glaze.
- Milk or Orange Juice (2-3 tbsp) – To thin the glaze.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowls – For preparing the batter.
- Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk – To cream the butter and sugar.
- Mini Muffin Pan or Small Baking Pan – For baking the cake bites.
- Parchment Paper or Mini Liners – To prevent sticking.
- Cooling Rack – For cooling the bites after baking.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin pan with paper liners or grease a small baking pan.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and brandy or orange juice.
- Mix in the Fruits and Nuts: Fold in the mixed dried fruits, chopped glacé cherries, and chopped nuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Portion the Batter: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan or small baking pan, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake the Cake Bites: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes (for mini muffin size) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a small baking pan, bake for about 25-30 minutes.
- Cool the Cake Bites: Remove from the oven and let the cake bites cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Glaze the Cake Bites
- Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk or orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake bites, or dust with powdered sugar for a festive look.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these cake bites as a holiday treat or package them up for gifting.
What Goes Well with Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites
- Hot Chocolate or Mulled Wine – Complements the warm, spiced flavors of the cake bites.
- Spiced Tea or Coffee – Adds an aromatic pairing with these festive treats.
- Eggnog – A classic holiday beverage that pairs wonderfully with fruitcake flavors.
- Whipped Cream or Custard – For a rich, creamy contrast.
- Fresh Berries – Adds a bright, refreshing touch to the dense cake bites.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Christmas Cake Bites
- Chop Large Fruit Pieces – If using large dried fruits, chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution.
- Use Fresh Spices – Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor of the cake bites.
- Let the Flavors Develop – Store the bites for a day or two to let the flavors intensify.
- Avoid Overbaking – Watch carefully, as the bites can dry out if overbaked.
- Consider Adding Citrus Glaze – An orange or lemon glaze adds a fresh, tangy contrast.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites
- Chocolate Chip Christmas Cake Bites – Add a handful of mini chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness.
- Spiced Ginger Cake Bites – Add ¼ tsp ground ginger for an extra layer of spice.
- Nut-Free Cake Bites – Omit the nuts and add more dried fruit for a nut-free version.
- Brandy-Soaked Fruit – Soak the dried fruit in brandy overnight for added flavor.
- Almond Christmas Cake Bites – Add a few drops of almond extract for a nutty twist.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Refrigerate for Longer Storage – Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, wrapped well to keep them fresh.
- Freeze for Future Use – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites
- Serve at Room Temperature – Christmas cake bites are best enjoyed at room temperature.
- Microwave Option – If desired, microwave for 5-10 seconds to enjoy slightly warm.
How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites Healthier?
- Reduce Sugar – Use a little less brown sugar as the dried fruit already adds natural sweetness.
- Whole Wheat Flour – Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use Greek Yogurt – Replace some butter with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Add Extra Fruits – Increase the quantity of dried fruits instead of adding extra nuts for more fiber.
Nutrition Value (per bite)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
Can I make Mary Berry’s Christmas cake bites in advance?
Yes, Christmas cake bites can be made in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks. The flavors actually improve over time, making them perfect for prepping ahead of the holidays.
Can I freeze Christmas cake bites?
Yes, you can freeze Christmas cake bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of brandy in Christmas cake bites?
If you prefer not to use brandy, you can substitute it with orange juice or apple cider. Both options add a natural sweetness and enhance the flavors of the dried fruits without alcohol.
How do I keep Christmas cake bites moist?
To keep Christmas cake bites moist, store them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking. For added moisture, you can brush the bites with a bit of brandy or fruit juice before storing them, especially if making them in advance.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites are a festive, bite-sized take on traditional Christmas fruitcake. Perfectly spiced, tender, and full of dried fruits and nuts, these cake bites are a hit at holiday gatherings and make excellent edible gifts.
Enjoy a taste of the holiday season with these delicious and easy-to-make treats that are sure to bring cheer to any occasion!
More By British Baking Recipes
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Mary Berry Christmas Cake Bites
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: approximately 24 cake bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites are small, individually portioned treats that capture all the flavors of a classic Christmas fruitcake. These cake bites include dried fruits, mixed nuts, and a touch of brandy or orange juice for added moisture and depth. They’re baked until golden and finished with a glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – Provides structure for the cake bites.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps the cake bites rise.
- Butter (½ cup, softened) – Adds richness and moisture.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed) – Adds sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
- Eggs (2 large) – Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
- Mixed Dried Fruit (1 ½ cups) – Use a combination of raisins, currants, sultanas, or chopped dried apricots.
- Glacé Cherries (¼ cup, chopped) – Adds color and a chewy texture.
- Chopped Nuts (½ cup) – Walnuts, almonds, or pecans work well.
- Orange Zest (1 tsp) – Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp) – Adds warmth and holiday spice.
- Ground Nutmeg (¼ tsp) – A classic holiday spice for depth.
- Brandy or Orange Juice (2 tbsp) – Adds moisture and enhances the flavor.
Optional Glaze
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup) – For the glaze.
- Milk or Orange Juice (2-3 tbsp) – To thin the glaze.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin pan with paper liners or grease a small baking pan.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and brandy or orange juice.
- Mix in the Fruits and Nuts: Fold in the mixed dried fruits, chopped glacé cherries, and chopped nuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Portion the Batter: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan or small baking pan, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake the Cake Bites: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes (for mini muffin size) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a small baking pan, bake for about 25-30 minutes.
- Cool the Cake Bites: Remove from the oven and let the cake bites cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Glaze the Cake Bites
- Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk or orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake bites, or dust with powdered sugar for a festive look.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these cake bites as a holiday treat or package them up for gifting.
