Description
Delightful individual Christmas fruit cakes inspired by Mary Berry rich, moist, and full of festive flavor, perfect for gifting or holiday parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas, chopped cherries)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) brandy, sherry, or orange juice
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups (225g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice (or pumpkin pie spice)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp milk
- Apricot jam (for glazing)
- Marzipan and fondant icing (optional, for decorating)
Instructions
- 1. Place dried fruit in a bowl, pour over brandy (or juice), cover, and let soak overnight.
- 2. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a muffin tin with deep paper cases or use mini cake tins.
- 3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- 4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- 5. Fold in flour, baking powder, spices, and zests.
- 6. Stir in soaked fruit and milk until evenly combined.
- 7. Spoon mixture evenly into the prepared tins, filling each about three-quarters full.
- 8. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 9. Cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 10. Brush tops with warm apricot jam and, if desired, decorate with marzipan and fondant icing for a festive touch.
Notes
- Store the cakes in airtight containers for up to 3 weeks, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- You can brush with extra brandy every few days for a richer flavor.
- Decorate with royal icing, holly, or festive sprinkles for gifting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Mary Berry, mini Christmas cakes, fruit cake, holiday baking, festive treats