Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the festive season. These individual fruitcakes are not only moist and delicious but also perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or gifting to loved ones. With their charming size, they make an ideal accompaniment to tea or coffee, bringing joy to any occasion with their rich flavors and beautiful decorations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The combination of mixed dried fruits and spices gives these cakes a warm, comforting taste that embodies the spirit of special occasion .
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, even novice bakers can create these delightful treats without stress.
• Perfect for Gifting: Their individual sizes make them a thoughtful gift, beautifully packaged for friends and family during the holiday season.
• Versatile Decoration: You can customize the icing and toppings to reflect your personal style or holiday theme, making each cake unique.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: While perfect for special occasion , these mini cakes can be enjoyed year-round at birthdays, tea parties, or celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking the Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tray
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring scales
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tray: This is crucial for shaping your mini cakes perfectly; it ensures even baking and easy removal.
• Whisk or electric mixer: These tools help achieve a light, fluffy batter by incorporating air efficiently when mixing ingredients.
• Measuring scales: Accurate measurements are key in baking; using scales ensures consistency in your results.
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Ingredients

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: Prepare and Mix

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. Grease and line a 12-hole muffin tray with paper liners.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and light brown sugar until creamy.
4. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Gradually sift in the self-raising flour and ground mixed spice, stirring until fully combined.

Step 2: Add Fruit and Bake

1. Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit along with the apple juice (or orange juice).
2. Spoon the mixture evenly into each muffin hole in your prepared tray.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until golden brown. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 3: Cool and Decorate

1. Allow the cakes to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. In a separate bowl, mix icing sugar with warm water until you form a thick paste.
3. Once cooled, spoon over each mini cake with icing, then decorate with glacé cherries and icing holly leaves as desired.

Enjoy your homemade Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​! They are sure to bring smiles to all who taste them this festive season.

How to Serve Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes are charming little treats that make any festive gathering feel special. They can be enjoyed in various delightful ways that enhance their flavors.

With a Cup of Tea

• Enjoy these mini cakes with a warm cup of your favorite tea. The subtle spices pair beautifully with the rich flavor of black or herbal teas.

As a Festive Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cakes on a decorative platter alongside other holiday treats, such as cookies and candies, for a vibrant dessert display.

Gift-Wrapped for Friends

• Wrap individual cakes in festive cellophane and tie them with ribbons. These make lovely homemade gifts for friends or neighbors during the holiday season.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve the mini cakes with slices of fresh fruit like oranges or berries to add a refreshing contrast to the rich cake flavors.

Paired with Creamy Spreads

• Offer small bowls of cream cheese or plant-based spreads on the side for guests who may enjoy an extra creamy texture alongside their cake.

How to Perfect Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

To ensure your mini cakes turn out just right, keep these helpful tips in mind.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in ingredients to avoid tough cakes. Overmixing can lead to density rather than lightness.
• Check Oven Temperature: An accurate oven temperature is crucial; use an oven thermometer if necessary to ensure consistent baking results.
• Cool Completely Before Icing: Allow the cakes to cool fully before icing them; this prevents the icing from melting and losing its shape.
• Store Properly: Keep the cakes in an airtight container after icing to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to substitute different dried fruits or spices according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.

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

Pairing your mini cakes with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Apple Compote: A warm apple compote adds sweetness and spice that complements the flavors of the cake well.
2. Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream infused with cinnamon offers a creamy counterpart that’s delightful.
3. Candied Nuts: Sweet and crunchy candied nuts provide a textural contrast that enhances every bite of cake.
4. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the mini cakes, making it a refreshing choice.
5. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over each cake slice for those who love a rich chocolate kick with their dessert.
6. Gingerbread Cookies: These classic cookies evoke holiday nostalgia and pair wonderfully with fruitcake flavors, creating an inviting spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will ensure your Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes turn out perfectly. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Incorrect measurements: Always measure ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little can affect the texture and flavor of your cakes.
• Skipping ingredient room temperature: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter that doesn’t rise well.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can make the cakes dense instead of light and moist.
• Not checking for doneness: Use a skewer to check if the cakes are done. If it comes out clean, they’re ready; otherwise, bake a few more minutes.
• Ignoring cooling time: Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before icing. Icing on warm cakes can melt and slide off, ruining your presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place wax paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

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

Reheating Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 150°C (300°F). Wrap in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cakes on low power for 20-30 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat for about 5 minutes, checking regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different types of dried fruit?

You can absolutely mix different dried fruits according to your preference! Just ensure they are finely chopped for even distribution.

How long do these cakes last?

When stored properly, Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

What can I substitute for self-raising flour?

You can make your own self-raising flour by combining plain flour with baking powder (1 cup of plain flour plus 1.5 tsp of baking powder).

How do I make these cakes gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend instead of regular flour. This will work well while keeping the same delightful taste.

Can I decorate these cakes differently?

Feel free to customize your decorations! Use fondant, nuts, or other edible decorations that fit your holiday theme.

Final Thoughts

Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes are not only festive but also versatile treats perfect for any holiday gathering. With simple adjustments, you can personalize them to suit your taste preferences. Try this delightful recipe, and enjoy sharing them with family and friends!

Print

Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Makes 12 mini cakes 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with our delightful Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes Recipe! These charming individual fruitcakes are moist, flavorful, and perfect for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts. Crafted with a blend of mixed dried fruits and warm spices, each cake is easy to make, ensuring even novice bakers can enjoy the process. With a customizable icing finish and unique decorations, they are sure to add a touch of joy to any occasion. Serve them alongside your favorite tea, or present them beautifully wrapped for friends and family. Celebrate the season with these scrumptious mini cakes that embody the essence of special occasion !

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 175g softened butter
• 175g light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 175g self-raising flour
• 2 tsp ground mixed spice
• 115g mixed dried fruit
• 2 tbsp apple juice or orange juice
• 115g icing sugar
• 1–2 tbsp warm water

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F) and line a muffin tray.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one by one, mixing well.
3. Gradually fold in flour and mixed spice until combined.
4. Gently mix in dried fruit and juice; spoon mixture into muffin tray.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
6. Prepare icing by mixing icing sugar with warm water; decorate cooled cakes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 172
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 118mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 64mg

Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Feel free to swap out dried fruits based on your preference. Decorate with nuts or fondant for added flair.