Mini Christmas Cakes: 5 Irresistible Recipes for Joyful Holidays

novembre 25, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these delightful mini Christmas cakes! They’re the perfect bite-sized treats to bring to any holiday gathering. I mean, who doesn’t love a little festive sweetness that’s just the right size for sharing? These mini Christmas cakes are packed with rich flavors from mixed dried fruits, warm spices, and a splash of brandy that just scream holiday cheer. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for busy days filled with holiday prep. Trust me, once you bake these up, your friends and family will be raving about them all season long!

Ingredients for Mini Christmas Cakes

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these festive treats. Here’s what you’ll need to create your delicious mini Christmas cakes:

200g mixed dried fruit: This is the star of the show! A mix of raisins, currants, and sultanas adds that sweet, chewy texture we love. You can even throw in some chopped apricots or cranberries for a twist!
100g unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature. This helps create that rich, moist crumb that will make your cakes irresistible.
100g brown sugar: I love using brown sugar for its deep caramel flavor. It adds a wonderful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices.
2 eggs: These will help bind everything together and give your cakes that lovely fluffy texture.
150g all-purpose flour: This is the base of your batter. It helps create structure in your cakes, so don’t skip it!
1 tsp baking powder: This little helper makes your cakes rise beautifully, ensuring they’re light and airy.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Ah, the warm, cozy scent of cinnamon! It’s a must for that holiday flavor we all crave.
50g chopped nuts: I often go for walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Feel free to leave these out if you prefer.
50ml orange juice: This adds a zesty brightness that balances the sweetness of the fruit and sugar.
1 tbsp brandy: Just a splash to deepen the flavor and give your cakes that festive kick. Don’t worry, it cooks off a bit during baking!

With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create mini Christmas cakes that will spread joy and cheer at your holiday gatherings!

How to Prepare Mini Christmas Cakes

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—baking these delightful mini Christmas cakes! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying your festive treats in no time. Ready? Let’s go!

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). This is crucial for ensuring your cakes bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
Melt the butter and sugar: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter and brown sugar together. Stir occasionally until it’s all combined and smooth. It should take just a few minutes—don’t rush it!
Add the fruit and liquids: Once your butter mixture is melted, toss in the mixed dried fruit, orange juice, and brandy. Stir it all together until the fruit is well coated. Wow, that smells good already!
Let it cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. This step is important because you don’t want to scramble the eggs in the next step!
Mix in the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat your eggs and then add them to the fruit mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. You’ll see that rich, beautiful color coming through!
Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts. This will help evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices.
Mix wet and dry: Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cakes to stay light and fluffy!
Fill the molds: Pour the batter into your mini cake molds, filling each about three-quarters full. This allows room for them to rise without spilling over. Yum!
Bake: Pop those mini cakes into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and remove: Once baked, let the cakes cool in the molds for about 10 minutes. Then, gently remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Patience is key here!

And there you have it! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of mini Christmas cakes that will fill your home with holiday cheer and delicious aromas. Enjoy them as they are or get creative with icing and decorations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these mini Christmas cakes in no time—perfect for those busy holiday weeks!
Full of Flavor: The combination of mixed dried fruits, spices, and a splash of brandy creates a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress everyone at your gathering.
Perfect for Sharing: These adorable little cakes are just the right size for sharing, making them a hit at holiday parties, gift exchanges, or even just cozy family gatherings.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the fruits or spices to cater to your taste, letting you create a unique version that reflects your personality.
Improves with Time: These cakes actually get better as they sit! Making them a few days in advance allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
Festive Presentation: The mini size looks so cute on a dessert table, and with a little icing or decoration, they can be a stunning centerpiece!

Tips for Success with Mini Christmas Cakes

Want to make sure your mini Christmas cakes turn out absolutely perfect? Here are some of my tried-and-true tips that will help you achieve the best results every time!

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together more smoothly, leading to a better texture in your cakes.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they’re combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cakes, and we want them light and fluffy!
Check for Doneness: Don’t just rely on the baking time! Stick a toothpick in the center of a cake; if it comes out clean, they’re done. If it has batter on it, give them a few more minutes!
Let Them Cool: Once out of the oven, let the cakes cool in the molds for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.
Flavors Develop Over Time: If you can, make these a few days ahead of when you plan to serve them. The flavors will deepen and meld together beautifully, making them even tastier!
Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! Swap out the nuts for chocolate chips or add some zest from an orange or lemon for a fresh twist.

By following these tips, you’ll have mini Christmas cakes that are not only delicious but also look and feel like a festive masterpiece. Happy baking!

Variations on Mini Christmas Cakes

If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with these mini Christmas cakes! Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

Fruity Fiesta: Instead of the standard mixed dried fruit, why not use tropical dried fruits like pineapple, mango, or even papaya? They’ll add a unique and vibrant flavor that’s perfect for a holiday twist!
Spice it Up: Want to take the flavors to the next level? Add some ground ginger or nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a deeper spice profile. It’ll warm your heart and home!
Chocolate Delight: For all the chocolate lovers out there, mix in some mini chocolate chips or chunks into the batter. The chocolate melting into the cakes will create a rich, decadent treat!
Nutty Variation: Switch up the nuts! Use almonds or hazelnuts instead of walnuts or pecans. You can even toast them lightly before adding for an extra layer of flavor!
Citrus Burst: Add some lemon or lime zest to the batter for a fresh, zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fruits. You’ll love the bright flavor it brings!
Maple Sweetness: Try substituting the brown sugar with pure maple syrup. It’ll add a lovely depth of flavor and make your cakes even more festive!

These variations allow you to personalize your mini Christmas cakes and make them truly your own. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your creations! Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Mini Christmas Cakes

Now, let’s talk about how to keep those adorable mini Christmas cakes fresh and delicious! Proper storage is key to enjoying them for days to come. Here’s what I recommend:

Storage: Once your mini Christmas cakes have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their moisture and keep them from drying out. If you want to keep them extra fresh, you can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Room Temperature: These little gems can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight!
Longer Storage: If you want to keep your mini cakes for longer—say, for those unexpected guests or holiday cravings—pop them in the fridge! They’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing: You can also freeze these cakes! Wrap each mini cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.

As for reheating, I usually don’t recommend heating them up in the microwave, as it can make them a bit soggy. Instead, if you want a warm treat, pop them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help revive that fresh-baked taste without compromising their texture. Enjoy your festive mini Christmas cakes anytime they call your name!

Nutritional Information for Mini Christmas Cakes

Alright, let’s break down the estimated nutritional information for these delightful mini Christmas cakes! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect per mini cake:

Calories: Approximately 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g

These mini Christmas cakes are a delightful treat that balances indulgence with a bit of nutrition. Enjoy them as part of your holiday festivities, knowing they’re not just delicious but also have a little something to offer! Remember, these numbers are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients. Happy baking!

FAQ About Mini Christmas Cakes

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
While fresh fruit is delicious, I recommend sticking with dried fruit for this recipe. Dried fruit adds a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that really enhances the flavor of the mini Christmas cakes. Plus, fresh fruit can add too much moisture, which might affect the cake’s structure.

How can I make these mini Christmas cakes gluten-free?
No problem at all! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had success with brands that contain a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. Just be sure to check the baking powder as well to ensure it’s gluten-free!

Can I make these cakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I encourage it! These mini Christmas cakes taste even better after they’ve had a chance to sit for a few days. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.

What’s the best way to decorate mini Christmas cakes?
You can get as creative as you want! A simple dusting of powdered sugar gives a lovely snowy effect, or you can use royal icing to create festive designs. Adding some candied fruits or nuts on top also makes for a beautiful presentation!

Can I adjust the sweetness of the cakes?
Definitely! If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly. Just keep in mind that reducing the sugar may slightly alter the texture, but they’ll still be delicious!

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Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.