The holidays are a time for festive cheer and delicious treats that bring warmth and joy to our homes. One delightful Italian Christmas baking recipe that perfectly captures the spirit of the season is the Babà Di Natale Rum Soaked Mini Cakes. These charming little cakes are infused with the rich flavors of rum and make for a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. Enjoyed by both young and old, these miniature delights are sure to impress your guests and become a favorite tradition in your family celebrations.
**Babà Di Natale Rum Soaked Mini Cakes**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup golden raisins
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup rum
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Fold in the golden raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a mini cake pan with butter or non-stick spray.
8. Gently spoon the dough into the mini cake pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
9. Bake the mini cakes in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. While the cakes are baking, heat the rum in a small saucepan over low heat until warm.
11. Once the mini cakes are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
12. Carefully release the cakes from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
13. Using a toothpick or skewer, poke several holes in the top of each mini cake.
14. Slowly drizzle the warm rum over the cakes, allowing it to soak in and infuse them with its delicious flavor.
15. Let the Babà Di Natale Rum Soaked Mini Cakes cool completely before dusting them with powdered sugar.
16. Serve these delightful treats as a sweet ending to your Christmas feast or wrap them up as thoughtful homemade gifts for loved ones.
These Babà Di Natale Rum Soaked Mini Cakes will surely add a touch of Italian charm and festive flair to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy the delightful combination of soft, rum-soaked cakes with a hint of sweetness from the golden raisins. With every bite, you’ll be transported to a cozy Christmas kitchen in Italy, where the aroma of freshly baked treats fills the air. Whether you share them with friends and family or savor them by the fireside with a warm drink, these mini cakes are the perfect way to spread joy and create lasting memories this holiday season.
