Let’s bring some holiday cheer into your home with these adorable Mini Christmas Cakes! Perfect for festive gatherings or as thoughtful gifts for loved ones, these delightful treats are sure to spread joy and warmth this holiday season. Packed with traditional flavors and beautifully decorated, these Mini Christmas Cakes are a must-have for your holiday baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup milk
– ¼ cup rum or brandy (optional)
– 1 cup mixed dried fruit (such as cranberries, cherries, and apricots)
– ½ cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or almonds)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a mini cake pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk until well combined.
6. Fold in the rum or brandy, if using, dried fruit, nuts, and spices until evenly distributed.
7. Spoon the batter into the prepared mini cake pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the mini cakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, dust the tops of the mini cakes with confectioners’ sugar for a snowy effect.
These Mini Christmas Cakes are perfect for serving at holiday parties or for giving as festive gifts. Their individual size makes them great for sharing and enjoying with loved ones. The combination of dried fruit, nuts, and warm spices creates a cozy and comforting flavor profile that embodies the essence of the holiday season. Feel free to get creative with your decorations by adding a touch of icing, edible glitter, or miniature holiday-themed decorations on top. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these Mini Christmas Cakes that are both delicious and visually stunning. Happy baking and happy holidays!
