If you’re looking for a delightful and charming treat that feels like a warm hug during the festive season, then this Mini Christmas Cakes for Gifting Recipe is exactly what you need. These little beauties are packed with the richest dried fruits, spiced to perfection, and baked into perfectly sized cakes that make an ideal gift for friends, family, or even yourself. Each bite bursts with holiday magic, making these mini cakes an irresistible way to share the joy of Christmas. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Mini Christmas Cakes for Gifting Recipe plays an important role in creating that perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and festive spice. From the luscious dried fruits that add bursts of flavour to the warming spices that give the cakes their signature aroma, each element is essential to achieve cakey perfection that’s begging to be shared.
- 300g raisins: The golden nuggets of sweetness that add chewiness and warmth.
- 150g diced dried apricots: These provide a tangy brightness to balance the sweetness.
- 75g mixed peel: Diced finely for a citrusy, zingy texture throughout the cake.
- 150g glace cherries: Chopped small for bursts of vibrant color and sweet flavor.
- 180g dates: Finely diced to add natural caramel-like richness.
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp apple juice: For moistening the fruits with a subtle tartness, or swap in brandy for a boozy lift.
- 115g unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and tenderness to the crumb.
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar: Packs in deep molasses notes and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and soft.
- 3 tbsp molasses or golden syrup: Adds depth and sticky sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp allspice: Contributes warm, slightly peppery spice.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Classic Christmas spice for cozy aroma.
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg: A little pinch for complexity and warmth.
- 3 eggs: Bind everything together ensuring structure and lift.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Keeps the cake light and aerated.
- 1 2/3 cups plain flour: The base that supports all the rich flavors.
- 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional): For added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Icing sugar for dusting: Adds a magical snowy finish on your mini cakes.
- Christmas fondant: For that festive decorative touch (directions included below).
- 1 1/2 cups soft icing sugar/powdered sugar: To make the luscious icing.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Makes the icing creamy and rich.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla: Adds a smooth, sweet aroma to the icing.
- 1 1/2 – 3 tbsp milk: Adjusts the consistency of the icing to your liking.
How to Make Mini Christmas Cakes for Gifting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Mixture
Begin by soaking your raisins, apricots, mixed peel, glace cherries, and dates in apple juice or brandy mixture. This step plumps up the fruits, infusing them with a rich, moist flavor that will make each mini cake bursting with intense fruity goodness. Mixing this blend well and letting it rest for a while is key to a naturally sweet and tender crumb.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and molasses until the mixture is smooth and luscious. The combination of butter and oil ensures the cake stays soft and moist. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, which helps to create a lovely airy texture in the finished cake.
Step 3: Incorporate Spices and Dry Ingredients
Stir in salt, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and the plain flour gradually to the wet mixture. Gently fold in the soaked fruit mixture along with the chopped walnuts if you choose to use them. Careful folding prevents overworking the batter so that these adorable little cakes remain tender and light.
Step 4: Bake Your Mini Christmas Cakes
Preheat your oven and fill your mini cake tins or muffin tray with the batter. Bake low and slow, at around 140°C/285°F, for approximately 2-3 hours until a skewer inserted comes out clean. This longer, slow baking ensures even cooking and develops the deep flavors that embody the festive season.
Step 5: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, allow the mini cakes to cool completely. Then, dust them lightly with icing sugar or decorate with a sweet Christmas fondant and icing made from powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk. This finishing touch adds charm and makes them picture-perfect for gifting.
How to Serve Mini Christmas Cakes for Gifting Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a dusting of icing sugar or a delicate swirl of fondant icing elevate these mini cakes beautifully. Fresh cranberries or sprigs of rosemary can add vibrant natural color and a fragrant hint that screams holiday spirit. The garnishes make your gift look thoughtful and festive down to the last detail.
Side Dishes
Pair your mini Christmas cakes with traditional accompaniments like clotted cream, a smear of brandy butter, or a dollop of vanilla custard if you want to serve them at your holiday gatherings. These sides never fail to complement the warm spices and rich fruit inside the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is everything when gifting baked goods. Wrap each cake in parchment paper tied with twine and a small sprig of holly or cinnamon stick. You could also place them in decorative tins or boxes, layering cakes with parchment or festive tissue paper for that extra-special touch. These thoughtful presentations make the Mini Christmas Cakes for Gifting Recipe a gift that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These mini cakes keep wonderfully well at room temperature when wrapped tightly in cling film or stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers often taste even better the next day or two. Just keep them away from direct heat or sunlight to preserve moisture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare well in advance, these cakes freeze beautifully. Wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven (around 120°C/250°F) for 10-15 minutes to revive that fresh-baked feeling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cake gummy. A slow warm-up keeps the mini cakes moist, making every bite as scrumptious as the first.
FAQs
Can I use other dried fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite dried fruits like figs, prunes, or cranberries. Just keep the total fruit weight similar and chop them into similar sizes so the texture stays consistent.
Is there a non-alcoholic option for soaking the fruits?
Yes, replacing the brandy with apple juice, orange juice, or even brewed black tea works wonderfully. These liquids keep the fruits moist and infused with subtle flavors perfect for those avoiding alcohol.
How long can I store these mini Christmas cakes?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. Wrapped and frozen, they can last up to three months, giving you plenty of time to prepare ahead.
Can I make these cakes dairy-free?
You can! Use a plant-based butter substitute and a neutral oil like sunflower or coconut oil. Make sure your icing sugar and fondant are also dairy-free if you want the complete treatment.
What’s the best way to decorate these cakes for gifting?
The classic dusting of icing sugar is simple but effective. For a fancier touch, use a homemade fondant with festive cutters or pipe a smooth buttercream. Add edible glitter or tiny seasonal decorations to make each gift extra special.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about gifting homemade treats, and this Mini Christmas Cakes for Gifting Recipe makes it easy to spread joy with little bites of festive goodness. These cakes are more than just delicious — they’re a labor of love wrapped up in charm and tradition. I can’t wait for you to try making them and sharing these sweet tokens of celebration with your loved ones. Happy baking and happy holidays!
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Mini Christmas Cakes for Gifting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Total Time: 180 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 16 mini cakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Mini Christmas Cakes, perfect for gifting during the holiday season. Bursting with a rich medley of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, these moist cakes are soaked in apple juice or brandy for extra depth of flavor. Finished with a dusting of icing sugar and optional Christmas fondant, they’re a festive treat sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Fruits & Nuts
- 300g (10 oz) raisins
- 150g (5 oz) diced dried apricots, chopped 8 mm (1/3″)
- 75g (2 1/2 oz) mixed peel, diced 5 mm (1/5″)
- 150g (5 oz) glace cherries, chopped 8 mm (1/3″)
- 180g (6 oz) dates, diced 5 mm (1/5″)
- 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp apple juice (or substitute 1/3 brandy + 2/3 apple juice)
- 115g (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened (1 US stick)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola, peanut, grapeseed oil)
- 3 tbsp molasses or golden syrup
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 – 3 tbsp milk (for icing)
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed (or dark brown sugar for darker crumb)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 2/3 cups plain flour (all purpose flour)
Icing & Decoration
- Icing sugar, for dusting
- Christmas fondant (see directions separately)
- 1 1/2 cups soft icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit mixture: Combine the raisins, diced dried apricots, mixed peel, glace cherries, and dates in a large bowl. Pour over the apple juice or a mixture of brandy and apple juice. Allow the fruit to soak and absorb the liquid for at least 30 minutes, ensuring they become plump and flavorful.
- Mix the batter: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the vegetable oil and molasses or golden syrup, mixing well. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the soaked fruit mixture along with any remaining liquid. Add salt, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder. Fold in the plain flour gently until just combined, followed by the chopped walnuts if using, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the cakes: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Grease and line a mini cake tin or muffin tin suitable for 9 to 16 pieces. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared tins, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for approximately 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes), or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown, firm, and moist. Allow cakes to cool completely in the tin before removing.
- Prepare the icing: For the icing, beat together the soft icing sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add milk, starting with 1 1/2 tablespoons and increasing as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Decorate the cakes: Dust the cooled cakes lightly with icing sugar for a festive look. Optionally, cover the cakes with Christmas fondant following the specific instructions for rolling and cutting decorative shapes. Spread or pipe the soft icing sugar frosting onto the cakes as desired to complete your festive mini Christmas cakes.
Notes
- You can substitute part of the apple juice with brandy for a boozier fruit flavor; this is optional and can be adjusted according to taste.
- Dark brown sugar will deepen the color and flavor of the cakes, providing a richer crumb.
- Molasses adds a traditional deep sweetness, but golden syrup can be used if preferred for a milder taste.
- Chopped walnuts are optional but add a pleasant crunch and nuttiness.
- Ensure the batter is not overmixed to maintain the cake’s tender texture.
- Baking at a low temperature for a long time ensures the cakes remain moist and develop complex flavors.
- The cakes can be made well in advance and stored in an airtight container or wrapped for gifting.
