Christmas Mini Cakes
Christmas Mini Cakes – a delicacy that weaves festive flavors with a fine texture, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. These little sweet gems are ideal for bringing the holiday spirit into your home. Whether you serve them at the Christmas table or give them as gifts, these mini cakes will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour
Number of servings: 12-15 mini cakes
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 large eggs
- 250 g granulated sugar (reserve 3 tablespoons for the egg whites)
- 250 g soft margarine
- 150 ml milk
- 280 g flour
- 2 packets baking powder
- 100 g raisins
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon candied orange peel
- 1 teaspoon candied lemon peel
- Zest of one orange (about 1 tablespoon)
- Zest of one lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon Amaretto liqueur
- 100 g frozen berries
- 10 cherries (from compote or frozen)
For the glaze:
- 200 g powdered sugar
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1 teaspoon almond flakes
Preparation
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients you will use. Make sure the margarine is soft by letting it reach room temperature before you start. This way, it will blend more easily into the mixture.
2. Mixing the egg yolks: In a food processor or large bowl, add the yolks from the 3 eggs and the 250 g of granulated sugar (reserving 3 tablespoons for the egg whites). Turn the processor on to high speed for 10 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale and frothy.
3. Adding the margarine: Cut the margarine into cubes and add it to the egg yolk mixture. Continue mixing for 5 minutes, until the margarine is fully incorporated.
4. Incorporating the milk and liqueur: Reduce the processor speed to medium and gradually add the milk and Amaretto liqueur. Ensure that the ingredients are well blended.
5. Adding the flavors: To the egg yolk mixture, add the raisins, grated orange and lemon zest, ginger, cinnamon, and berries. Mix briefly, just to combine the ingredients.
6. Preparing the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the 3 tablespoons of sugar you reserved until you achieve a firm foam. This will give a light texture to the mini cakes.
7. Combining the ingredients: To the egg yolk mixture, add the flour mixed with the baking powder. Gently fold with a spatula, then add the beaten egg whites, being careful to incorporate them without losing the air in the mixture.
8. Filling the molds: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Use special molds for mini cakes or small muffin tins. Fill each mold with the prepared mixture, making sure to leave a little space for rising.
9. Baking: Place the molds in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the mini cakes cool in the molds for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Preparing the glaze: In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the lemon juice. Gradually add water, stirring continuously until you achieve a creamy, thick consistency.
11. Glazing the cakes: Once the mini cakes are completely cool, pour the glaze over each one. Decorate with a cherry, a raspberry, blackberries, or a few red grape berries. Top with almond flakes and a sprinkle of orange and lemon zest.
Serving suggestions: These mini cakes are excellent alongside a fragrant fruit tea or mulled wine. You can serve them on an elegant platter, accompanied by a few sprigs of fir to add extra holiday magic.
Nutritional information: These mini cakes are moderately calorie-dense, thanks to healthy ingredients like fruits and spices. Each cake contains approximately 150-180 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used.
Ingredient benefits: Eggs are an excellent source of protein, and berries are rich in antioxidants, contributing to overall health. Cinnamon and ginger not only add flavor but also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Possible variations: You can experiment with other types of dried or candied fruits, such as apricots or figs. You can also replace the Amaretto liqueur with another flavored liqueur or vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.
These Christmas mini cakes are more than just a recipe; they are a way to bring joy and warmth into your home, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Don’t forget to enjoy every moment of the process, from preparing the ingredients to savoring these delicacies!
Ingredients: Ingredients: - 3 eggs - 250 g granulated sugar - 250 g soft margarine - 150 ml milk - 280 g flour - 2 packets baking powder - 100 g raisins - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger - 1 teaspoon candied orange peel - 1 teaspoon candied lemon peel - grated zest of one orange - grated zest of one lemon - 1 tablespoon Amaretto liqueur - 100 g berries (frozen) - 10 cherries (from compote or frozen) - 200 g powdered sugar - juice squeezed from 1/2 lemon - 1 tablespoon cold water - 1 teaspoon almond flakes
