Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe is a festive treat that brings the joy of special occasion into individual, bite-sized fruitcakes. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts, these mini cakes are moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends over tea or sharing them with loved ones, their charming appearance and delightful taste will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavors: Each mini cake is infused with traditional spices and dried fruits, making them a true celebration of holiday flavors.
• Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum taste.
• Perfect Portions: These individual cakes are great for portion control, allowing everyone to enjoy a sweet treat without overindulging.
• Versatile Decoration: You can customize the icing and toppings to match your holiday theme, making these cakes not only delicious but also visually appealing.
• Great for Gifting: Wrap these mini cakes in festive packaging for a homemade gift that friends and family will love.

Tools and Preparation

To make Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tray (12-hole)
• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring scales
• Wire rack for cooling

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tray: This specific tray allows you to create perfectly shaped mini cakes that are uniform in size.
• Mixing bowl: A good quality mixing bowl is crucial for combining ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Electric mixer or whisk: An electric mixer speeds up the process of creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.

Ingredients

Mary Berry’s Mini special occasion Cakes recipe uses simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create delightful treats.

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 your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Grease and line a 12-hole muffin tray with baking paper.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing until well combined.
5. Gradually fold in the self-raising flour and ground mixed spice until just 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 of the tray.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown. Use a skewer to check if they come out clean.

Step 3: Cool and Decorate

1. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
2. For icing, mix icing sugar with warm water until it forms a thick paste.
3. Spoon the icing over each cooled cake and decorate with glacé cherries and holly leaves as desired.

Enjoy baking these delightful Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​! They are sure to become a favorite during your festive celebrations.

How to Serve Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

Serving Mary Berry’s Mini special occasion Cakes is all about enhancing their festive charm. These delightful mini cakes can be enjoyed in various ways that bring out their flavors and make them even more special during the holiday season.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair these mini cakes with your favorite tea for a cozy afternoon treat. The spiced flavors harmonize beautifully with both black and herbal teas.

As a Festive Dessert Platter

• Arrange the mini cakes on a decorative platter alongside other festive sweets. This colorful display will impress guests and give a variety of choices.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Wrap individual mini cakes in clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon for thoughtful gifts. They make perfect homemade presents for friends and family.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Enhance your serving by adding fresh slices of oranges or pomegranates on the side. The acidity balances the sweetness of the cakes perfectly.

With Cream or Custard

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or warm custard for added richness. This indulgent pairing elevates the dessert experience.

How to Perfect Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

Perfecting Mary Berry’s Mini special occasion Cakes requires attention to detail and some helpful tricks. Here are tips to ensure your cakes turn out wonderfully every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and any liquids are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in the flour and dried fruit to avoid tough cakes. Overmixing can lead to dense results, so mix just until combined.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. An oven that runs too hot or cold can affect bake time and texture.
• Cool Completely Before Icing: Allow the cakes to cool fully on a wire rack before icing. This prevents the icing from melting and ensures it sets beautifully on top.

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

Pairing side dishes with Mary Berry’s Mini special occasion Cakes can enhance your dessert table and create a fuller experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Spiced Apple Compote: A warm apple compote with cinnamon complements the flavors of the cakes beautifully.
2. Cranberry Sauce: Tart cranberry sauce adds a refreshing contrast that cuts through the sweetness of the cakes.
3. Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy brie for a savory touch alongside the sweet cakes.
4. Roasted Nuts: A mix of roasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans provides crunch and nutty flavor that pairs well with fruitcakes.
5. Chocolate Ganache Dip: Serve melted chocolate ganache for dipping to add an indulgent twist to your festive treats.
6. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad brings brightness and freshness, balancing the richness of the cakes while adding color to your presentation.
7. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream makes an excellent accompaniment, especially when served warm from the oven!
8. Custard Tarts: For an elegant touch, serve mini custard tarts that echo the rich flavors found in your mini cakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially during the busy holiday season. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe.

• Skipping ingredient measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to dry or overly moist cakes. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cakes dense. Mix until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven may cause uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven for even baking results.
• Ignoring cooling time: Removing cakes from the tin too early can cause them to break. Let them cool completely before removing from the tray.
• Using stale fruits: Old dried fruit can affect flavor and texture. Use fresh, quality dried fruit for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep away from strong odors that might be absorbed by the cakes.

Freezing Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

• Wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Wrap cakes in foil and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-20 seconds until warmed through; avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place cakes in a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes, checking regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe.

Can I substitute different dried fruits?

Yes, you can use your favorite dried fruits like cranberries or apricots instead of mixed dried fruit.

How long do these cakes last?

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

What is the best way to decorate these mini cakes?

You can top with icing sugar and decorative items like glacé cherries and holly leaves for a festive touch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Mary Berry Mini special occasion Cakes​ Recipe offers a delightful treat that’s perfect for festive gatherings or as thoughtful gifts. These individual fruitcakes are moist and rich, allowing for various customizations like adding nuts or different spices. We encourage you to try this simple yet elegant dessert that brings holiday cheer to any table!