Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of spices and dried fruits wafting in the air, I knew that the holidays were officially upon us. Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites are my go-to recipe for spreading holiday cheer. These delightful bite-sized treats not only capture the essence of festive flavors but also offer an effortless way to impress guests. With quick preparation and the ability to make them ahead of time, they’re perfect for gatherings, ensuring you can enjoy your celebrations without being stuck in the kitchen. Each bite delivers a chewy texture and a warm sweetness that evokes the cozy moments of tradition. Don’t you find yourself curious about how these little delights can elevate your holiday gathering? Why are Christmas Cake Bites a Must-Have? Easy Preparation: These Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites require minimal effort, making them a delightful addition to your holiday spread without the stress. Festive Flavors: Each bite bursts with the cozy warmth of dried fruits and a hint of brandy, evoking cherished holiday memories. Make Ahead: Prepare these treats in advance—perfect for the busy holiday season! Store them easily, so they are ready to impress your guests at a moment’s notice. Versatile Serving: Whether at tea time, as party canapés, or alongside a festive spread, their charming presentation fits any gathering beautifully. Combine them with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy this crowd-pleaser that rivals even a classic Christmas cake! For more delightful ideas, don’t miss my recipe for Wrapped Mozzarella Bites. Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites Ingredients For the Cake Bites • Apricots – Provides sweetness and a chewy texture; soak in brandy for enhanced flavor. • Brandy – Adds depth and a festive kick; can substitute with orange juice for a non-alcoholic variant. • Butter – Creates a rich base for moisture; use unsalted for better control over saltiness. • Light Brown Sugar – Contributes sweetness and a slight caramel flavor; can be replaced with granulated sugar if needed. • Eggs – Binds and adds structure; ensure they are at room temperature for better mixing. • Plain Flour – Acts as the main structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. • Raisins – Adds natural sweetness and texture; replace with sultanas if desired. • Currants – Provides a tart contrast to the sweetness; can also use dried cranberries. • Cherries – Offers pop and sweetness within the bites; fresh cherries can substitute if in season. For the Glaze and Decorations • Apricot Jam – Used for glazing and enhancing flavor; substitute with warm marmalade if needed. • Golden Marzipan – Adds a traditional layer of flavor; use almond paste if marzipan is unavailable. • Ready-to-roll White Icing – Gives a smooth finish to the cakes; can skip for a more rustic look. Step-by-Step Instructions for Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Start by preheating your oven to 160ºC (or 140ºC for fan ovens). While the oven warms up, grease and line a 30 × 20 cm traybake tin with non-stick paper, ensuring it’s ready for your delicious Mary Berry’s Christmas cake bites. This initial step sets the foundation for that perfect, golden bake. Step 2: Soak the Apricots In a bowl, combine the chopped apricots with enough brandy to cover them and let them soak overnight. This allows the apricots to absorb the rich flavors of the brandy, enhancing the taste of your cake bites. The next day, you’ll have plump, flavorful pieces ready to mix into your batter. Step 3: Mix Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Then, add the soaked apricots along with any remaining brandy. Mix in the eggs, plain flour, and other dried fruits, ensuring a uniform blend; you’ll notice the delightful colors and textures come together beautifully. Step 4: Bake Pour the cake batter into your prepared tin, spreading it out evenly and leveling the top with a spatula. Place the tin in your preheated oven and bake for 1 to 1¼ hours until the cake is golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Watch for a delightful golden-brown hue indicating it’s perfectly baked. Step 5: Cool and Glaze Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for about 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. After cooling, brush the top with warm apricot jam, which gives a shiny glaze and adds another layer of flavor to your Christmas cake bites. Step 6: Add Marzipan and Icing Roll out the golden marzipan on a surface dusted with icing sugar until it’s large enough to cover the cake. Lay it over the cooled cake, smoothing it out gently. Next, roll out the ready-to-roll white icing and place it over the marzipan for a smooth finish. This creates a festive facade for your delightful treats. Step 7: Slice and Serve Once the icing has set slightly, it’s time to slice your Mary Berry’s Christmas cake bites into small squares. These bite-sized delights are perfect for serving at holiday gatherings or alongside your favorite tea. Arrange them on a decorative platter for an inviting presentation that will surely impress your guests. Make Ahead Options Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites are ideal for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday preparations! You can soak the apricots and prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; just be sure to refrigerate the mixture to maintain freshness. Once baked and cooled, you can cover and ice the cake bites up to 2 days ahead of serving—just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful. When it’s time to impress your guests, simply slice the cake into squares and arrange them on a festive platter for a delightful presentation. With this make-ahead approach, you’ll enjoy all the holiday cheer without the last-minute rush! Variations & Substitutions for Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites Customize these delightful bites to reflect your festive spirit and taste buds! Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil for a similar richness without the dairy. Gluten-Free: Swap the plain flour for a gluten-free blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy these festive treats without worry. Fruit Mix: Play with dried fruits; try using figs, cranberries, or even tropical pineapple for a unique twist. Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for an aromatic twist that will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer. Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bites for an indulgent sweet touch. Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the mix for an extra layer of flavor and crunch in each bite. Zesty Kick: Add the zest of an orange or lemon for a refreshing citrus note that balances the rich sweetness. Vanilla Punch: Enhance the flavor with a teaspoon of vanilla extract; it beautifully complements the dried fruits and creates a warm, inviting aroma. For more scrumptious inspiration, why not check out my recipe for Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee Cake? The warm spices can really enhance your holiday baking! How to Store and Freeze Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites Room Temperature: Store cake bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, ensuring they stay fresh and retain their delightful chewy texture. Fridge: If you prefer a cooler treat, you can keep the cake bites in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Mary Berry’s Christmas cake bites without marzipan and icing for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: Thaw frozen bites in the fridge overnight, then serve at room temperature for a delightful holiday treat that captures all the festive charm! What to Serve with Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites? The holidays become even more magical when delightful treats like these cake bites accompany your festive celebrations, creating a cherished atmosphere filled with warmth and joy. Warm Spiced Tea: A fragrant cup adds comfort and highlights the festive flavors within the bites, enhancing the holiday spirit. Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich and indulgent, this drink offers a cozy complement to the sweetness of the cake bites, ideal for chilly nights. Cheese Platter: Combining assorted cheeses creates a savory contrast, balancing the sweet bites and elevating your gathering’s flavor profile. Candied Nuts: These crunchy bites provide a delightful texture and nutty flavor, making for a perfect pairing that guests won’t resist. Fresh Cranberry Sauce: A zesty dollop adds tartness and liveliness to each sweet bite, refreshing the palate with every taste. Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Seasonal fruits dipped in chocolate provide a luxurious addition, enticing those with a sweet tooth. Miniature Fruit Tarts: Their light, flaky texture and fruity flavors make for an elegant side that beautifully complements the cake bites. Mulled Wine: This warmth-infused drink brings your gathering together, filling your home with an inviting, festive aroma. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside cake bites creates a classic pairing, bringing both warmth and chill in every bite. Expert Tips for Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites Soak Appropriately: Ensure apricots soak overnight in brandy for maximum flavor infusion, elevating your Mary Berry’s Christmas cake bites. Cool Before Glazing: Allow your cake to cool completely before applying jam and icing to prevent melting, ensuring a beautiful finish. Uniform Size: Cut your cake bites into even squares to promote a festive presentation for your holiday gatherings, making them ideal canapés. Advance Prep: Remember, these treats can be baked and iced up to two days ahead, allowing for smoother party planning during the busy season. Experiment with Fruit: Don’t hesitate to mix in different dried fruits based on your preference; this can add a personal touch to your Mary Berry’s Christmas cake bites. Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe ingredients for these cake bites? Absolutely! For the best results, choose plump, moist apricots free from dark spots. The fruit should feel slightly soft to the touch. When selecting dried fruits like raisins and currants, look for those that are shiny and not overly dried out to ensure a tender bite. What’s the best way to store Mary Berry’s Christmas cake bites? You can store the cake bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you need them to last longer, you might opt to keep them in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to reach room temperature before serving for the best flavor! Can I freeze Mary Berry’s Christmas cake bites? Yes, you definitely can! To freeze, wrap the cake bites tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored without marzipan and icing for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, and they will taste just as festive as the day you made them. What if my cake bites turn out dry? Very! If you’ve discovered that your cake bites have dried out, they might need a bit more moisture. You can brush them with a little warm apricot jam or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or custard on the side to add a delectable touch of moisture and flavor. Are these cake bites suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Indeed! For a gluten-free option, simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend. If you’re considering allergies, it’s always wise to check that the dried fruits do not contain any added nuts or allergens. You can also omit the brandy and use orange juice instead, making them suitable for non-drinkers as well! Mary Berry's Christmas Cake Bites for Festive Gatherings No ratings yet Mary Berry's Christmas cake bites are delightful treats that capture festive flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes minsCooling Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins Servings: 12 bitesCourse: DessertCuisine: BritishCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake Bites200 g apricots soaked in brandy100 ml brandy or orange juice for non-alcoholic250 g unsalted butter softened200 g light brown sugar or granulated sugar if needed3 units eggs room temperature250 g plain flour or gluten-free option150 g raisins or sultanas100 g currants or dried cranberries100 g cherries fresh if in seasonFor the Glaze and Decorations100 g apricot jam for glazing250 g golden marzipan or almond paste250 g ready-to-roll white icing optional for rustic look Equipment 30 × 20 cm traybake tinMixing BowlSpatulaWire Rack Method Preparation StepsPreheat your oven to 160ºC (or 140ºC for fan ovens). Grease and line a 30 × 20 cm traybake tin with non-stick paper.Combine chopped apricots with enough brandy to cover them and let them soak overnight.Cream together the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 4-5 minutes). Add soaked apricots and any remaining brandy, mix in the eggs, plain flour, and the other dried fruits.Pour the batter into the prepared tin, spread evenly and level the top. Bake for 1 to 1¼ hours until golden and a skewer comes out clean.Once baked, cool in the tin for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Brush the top with warm apricot jam.Roll out golden marzipan and place it over the cooled cake. Smooth it out gently, then roll out the ready-to-roll white icing and place it over the marzipan.Slice the cake into small squares to serve, arranging them on a decorative platter. Nutrition Serving: 1biteCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThese bites can be made up to two days ahead and are perfect for holiday gatherings. Experiment with different dried fruits for a personal touch. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
