Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the festive season. These mini fruitcakes are not only moist and flavorful but also perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying by the fire with a cup of tea. The individual servings make them an excellent choice for entertaining, ensuring everyone can have their own slice of joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Gifting: These mini cakes make thoughtful and delicious gifts during the holiday season.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to adjust the dried fruits or spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Impressive Presentation: Decorated with icing and cherries, these cakes look beautiful on any festive table.
• Great for Sharing: Ideal for holiday parties, making it easy to share delicious treats with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything at hand will help you create these delightful mini cakes with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tray
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tray: Essential for creating uniform mini cakes that bake evenly.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a light and fluffy batter by effectively creaming butter and sugar.
• Wire rack: Allows cakes to cool properly, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

Mary Berry’s Mini special occasion Cakes recipe is a festive delight, creating individual fruitcakes that are moist and delicious. They are perfect for holiday parties, gifting, and enjoying with a cup of tea.

For the Cake

• 175g softened butter
• 175g light brown soft sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 175g self-raising flour
• 2 tsp ground mixed spice
• 115g mixed dried fruit
• 2 tbsp apple juice or orange juice

For the Icing

• 115g icing sugar
• 1-2 tbsp warm water
• Glacé cherries
• Icing holly leaves

How to Make Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. Grease and line a 12-hole muffin tray with paper cases or baking parchment.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Gently fold in the self-raising flour and ground mixed spice until combined.

Step 3: Add Fruit and Bake

1. Carefully fold in the mixed dried fruit along with the apple juice or orange juice.
2. Spoon the mixture into each muffin hole until they are about two-thirds full.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool and Decorate

1. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
2. In another bowl, mix icing sugar with warm water to form a thick paste.
3. Once cooled, spoon over each cake generously with icing sugar mixture.
4. Top each cake with a glacé cherry and decorate with icing holly leaves for an extra festive touch.

These Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ are sure to impress your guests this holiday season! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

Serving Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes is a delightful way to share the festive spirit. These individual cakes are not only beautiful but also versatile in how you can enjoy them. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair these mini cakes with a hot cup of tea for a classic British afternoon treat.

As Party Favors

• Wrap each cake in decorative foil and include them in gift bags for holiday parties or gatherings.

Dressed Up for Dessert

• Serve the cakes on a festive platter, drizzled with extra icing and topped with seasonal berries for an elegant touch.

Accompanied by Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of non-dairy cream adds richness that complements the fruitiness of the cakes.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or oranges to brighten up the plate and add freshness.

How to Perfect Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

Perfecting your Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes can elevate your baking game. Follow these tips for optimal results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined to maintain a light and airy cake texture; overmixing can lead to dense cakes.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Test for Doneness: Insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean when the cakes are fully baked.

Best Side Dishes for Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Spiced Apple Compote: A warm apple compote spiced with cinnamon complements the flavors in the cake beautifully.
2. Cranberry Sauce: Tart cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the mini cakes.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that pairs perfectly with the moist fruitcake.
4. Candied Citrus Peel: This bright and zesty addition brings an extra layer of flavor that matches well with holiday spices.
5. Chai Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted nuts seasoned with chai spices offers crunchy texture and warmth alongside your cakes.
6. Herbed Cheese Spread: A light herbed cheese spread served with crackers can balance out the sweetness while providing savory notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mary Berry’s Mini special occasion Cakes can be a joyous experience, but there are several common mistakes that can hinder your baking success.

• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense cakes. Mix until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can affect texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Skipping the cooling step: Letting your cakes cool completely prevents icing from melting. Always cool on a wire rack before decorating.
• Using stale dried fruit: Fresh dried fruit ensures moisture and flavor. Check the expiry date before using.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Use an oven thermometer to check accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.

Freezing Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

• Wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F), wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes recipe.

Can I use different dried fruits?

Yes, you can substitute with your favorite dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for a unique twist.

How do I make the icing thicker?

Add more icing sugar gradually while mixing until you reach your desired thickness.

Can I decorate these cakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can ice them a few days in advance; just store them properly to prevent drying out.

What if I don’t have self-raising flour?

You can make your own by combining plain flour with baking powder (2 tsp of baking powder per 150g of plain flour).

How do I enhance the flavor of my cakes?

Consider adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth and depth.

Final Thoughts

Mary Berry’s Mini special occasion Cakes are perfect for festive gatherings or as delightful gifts. Their moist texture and rich flavors will surely impress your guests. Feel free to customize with different fruits or decorations, making them uniquely yours!