Mary Berry 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.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: approximately 24 cake bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
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.