Description
These Mini Christmas Cakes are a delightful way to bring holiday cheer into your kitchen. Infused with brandy or orange juice, they carry the warmth of dried fruits and spices in each bite. The combination of apricots, cherries, and nuts gives them a lovely texture, making them a perfect treat to enjoy with loved ones during the festive season. Each mini cake is beautifully baked to a golden finish and pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Their small size makes them ideal for gift-giving or as a charming addition to your holiday dessert spread. Enjoy the rich, moist flavor of these cakes, and share the joy of homemade baking this Christmas!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts)
- 1/4 cup brandy or orange juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the dried fruits and chopped nuts with the brandy or orange juice. Let the mixture soak for at least 2 hours or overnight for a richer flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the soaked dried fruit and nut mixture until evenly distributed.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes