Miniature Christmas Fruit Cakes
Miniature Christmas Fruit Cakes are rich, flavorful treats packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings and festive celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup molasses ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) box raisins ⓘ
- 1 pound candied fruit, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine molasses, water, and vanilla; bring to a boil.
- Add raisins and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in candied fruit; cool.
- In a mixing bowl, cream margarine and sugar.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture alternately with milk.
- Stir in the cooled fruit mixture.
- Mix well.
- Fold in chopped nuts.
- Spoon batter into paper-lined muffin cups, filling almost to the top.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest in place of some of the water. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. For a nut-free option, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Serving Suggestions
These miniature Christmas fruit cakes make delightful holiday treats on their own. Serve them alongside a warm cup of spiced cider or tea for a cozy pairing. For a festive touch, consider drizzling them with a simple glaze or serving with a scoop of whipped cream. They also pair beautifully with Caramel Pie(Real Good) for a sweet dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the miniature fruit cakes to cool completely before storing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerated for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply warm them in a microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Miniature Christmas Fruit Cakes contains roughly 516 calories, with 6g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 652mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of candied fruit?
While fresh fruit can add a unique flavor, it may alter the texture and moisture content of the cakes. If you choose to use fresh fruit, consider reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe to compensate for the added moisture. Dried fruits like apricots or cranberries can be a good alternative as well.
How can I make these fruit cakes more festive?
To make these cakes more festive, you can add a sprinkle of edible glitter on top before serving or use a combination of red and green candied fruits. Additionally, consider serving them on a decorative platter with holly leaves or cranberries for a holiday-themed presentation.
Can I freeze these miniature fruit cakes?
Yes, these miniature fruit cakes freeze well! After baking and cooling, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).