MINI SPONGE CHRISTMAS CAKES RECIPE! * *

*     Incrediblly simple and easy for all the family to make at this special time.   *    *                                                                                   

Ingredients     *                         *

175g butter, softened

175g light soft brown sugar  *

3 eggs, beaten

175g self-raising flour

½tsp baking powder

2tsp ground mixed spice

115g mixed dried fruit

2tbsp brandy or orange juice          *

115g icing sugar

1-2tbsp hot water

12 glace cherries

Holly leaves, to decorate   

Method      *

1.Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Thoroughly grease a non-stick 12-hole muffin tray and place a circle of baking paper in the base of each hole.

2.Place the butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder and mixed spice in a large bowl and beat with an electric hand-held mixed for 3-4 mins until pale and creamy. Fold in the dried mixed fruit and brandy or orange juice.

3.Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tray. Bake for 25-30 mins until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into one of the cakes comes out clean. Leave in the tray for 3-4 mins then turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

4.Sift the icing sugar into a bowl and stir in enough of the warm water to make a smooth and thick icing. Spoon the icing onto the top of the cakes, letting it slowly drizzle down the sides. Top each cake with a glace cherry and a couple of holly leaves. Leave to set.

For smaller cakes divide the mixture between 2 x 12-hole buns trays and bake for 20-25 mins.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!     *

HO HO HO!

Enjoy! * 

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