Christmas Cake (150 g Mini Cake) – Very Long Detailed Recipe
Ingredients
For the Fruit Mixture
20 g raisins
15 g sultanas
10 g currants
10 g chopped candied peel
5 g chopped glacé cherries
15 ml orange juice
10 ml lemon juice
5 ml vanilla extract
For the Cake Batter
40 g unsalted butter, softened
35 g brown sugar
1 small egg (about 25 g beaten egg)
50 g all-purpose flour
10 g almond flour
1 g baking powder
1 g cinnamon powder
A pinch of nutmeg
A pinch of cloves powder
15 ml milk
For Decoration (Optional)
20 g marzipan
20 g white fondant
A few sugar decorations
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Fruits
Place the raisins, sultanas, currants, candied peel, and glacé cherries into a bowl. Pour in the orange juice, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until all fruits are coated.
Cover the bowl and leave for at least 2 hours. For a richer flavor, leave overnight. The fruits will absorb the liquid and become soft, juicy, and fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Equipment
Preheat the oven to 150°C.
Grease a small cake tin suitable for a 150 g cake. Line the base and sides with baking paper. This prevents the cake from drying out and helps it bake evenly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl.
Add the brown sugar.
Beat together until pale, creamy, and fluffy. This process introduces air into the mixture, creating a lighter texture.
Continue beating for several minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add the Egg
Gradually add the beaten egg.
Mix slowly after each addition.
If the mixture begins to curdle, add a teaspoon of flour and continue mixing.
Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl combine:
All-purpose flour
Almond flour
Baking powder
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Cloves
Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the flour.
Step 6: Make the Batter
Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture.
Fold gently using a spatula.
Add the milk.
Mix lightly.
Add the remaining flour mixture.
Fold until no dry flour remains.
Avoid overmixing because this can make the cake dense.
Step 7: Add the Soaked Fruits
Add all the soaked fruits together with any remaining liquid.
Fold carefully into the batter.
Ensure the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
The batter should be thick and heavily loaded with fruit.
Step 8: Fill the Cake Tin
Transfer the batter into the prepared tin.
Level the surface gently using the back of a spoon.
Create a slight dip in the center. This helps the cake rise more evenly during baking.
Step 9: Bake the Cake
Place the tin in the center of the oven.
Bake at 150°C for approximately 45–60 minutes.
The exact baking time depends on the shape and depth of the tin.
Check after 45 minutes.
Insert a skewer into the center.
If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
If not, continue baking and check every 5 minutes.
Step 10: Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven.
Leave it in the tin for 10 minutes.
Transfer carefully to a wire rack.
Allow the cake to cool completely.
Never decorate a warm cake because the decorations may melt.
Step 11: Mature the Cake for Better Flavor
For a traditional Christmas flavor, wrap the cooled cake tightly in baking paper and foil.
Store in an airtight container.
Leave for several days before serving.
The flavors become deeper, richer, and more balanced over time.
Step 12: Add Marzipan Layer (Optional)
Roll the marzipan into a thin sheet.
Brush the cake lightly with a small amount of warmed apricot jam.
Place the marzipan over the cake.
Trim the edges neatly.
Allow it to dry for several hours.
Step 13: Add Fondant Layer (Optional)
Roll the white fondant thinly.
Place it over the marzipan layer.
Smooth the surface carefully with your hands.
Trim excess fondant.
Decorate with sugar shapes, snowflakes, holly leaves, or festive designs.
Step 14: Serving
Slice the cake with a sharp knife.
Serve with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or warm milk.
Although small in size, this 150 g Christmas cake has a rich texture, deep fruit flavor, warm festive spices, and a traditional holiday aroma that makes it perfect for individual gifting or a small Christmas celebration.
