If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s quick and delicious, Mary Berry’s Mincemeat Loaf Cake is a must-try. This light and moist fruit cake is a classic Christmas favorite that’s perfect for sharing or gifting during the holidays. With just a few minutes of prep time, this one-bowl wonder is a breeze to make, making it an ideal choice for busy bakers.
Mary Berry’s recipe for Mincemeat Loaf Cake is not only incredibly easy but also incredibly tasty. The mincemeat adds a delightful moistness to these little loaf cakes, making them a delightful holiday indulgence. Whether you bake them in your oven or opt for the air fryer for even quicker results, this recipe is sure to become a festive staple in your home.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 175g self-raising flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 150g golden caster sugar
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 100ml milk
- 200g high-quality mincemeat
- 2 medium free-range eggs
- Grated zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional, makes a less crumbly cake)
- 50g blanched almonds or halved glace cherries for decoration
Equipment Needed
When preparing Mary Berry’s Mincemeat Loaf Cake, you’ll need to ensure you have the right equipment ready to create this festive delicacy. Here’s a list of essential kitchen tools you’ll need:
- Loaf Tin: A small loaf tin measuring approximately 19×6 cm or 7.5×2.5 inches is ideal for this recipe. If you have a larger tin, consider adjusting the ingredient quantities accordingly to maintain the right cake consistency.
- Mixing Bowls: Have a couple of mixing bowls ready for combining the ingredients. One bowl can be used for dry ingredients like flour and sugar, while the other can be used for wet ingredients like eggs and butter.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: A whisk or an electric mixer will come in handy for mixing the cake batter. Ensure that your batter is well combined for a perfect loaf cake texture.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, allow your loaf cake to cool properly by placing it on a cooling rack. This helps prevent the cake from becoming soggy by allowing airflow around it.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature before baking. A well-heated oven ensures even baking and a properly risen cake.
Having these essential kitchen tools and equipment ready will streamline your baking process and help you achieve a delicious and festive Mincemeat Loaf Cake that everyone will enjoy.
Preparation Steps
Before diving into the baking process, let’s make sure we have everything prepared just right for our delicious Mincemeat Loaf Cake. Below are the detailed steps for preparing the mincemeat and cake pan efficiently.
Preparing the Mincemeat
- Measure out 225g of mincemeat and ensure it’s at room temperature.
- If the mincemeat seems a bit dry, consider soaking it in some orange juice or alcohol for added juiciness, though this step is optional.
- Cut 100g of glace cherries in halves or quarters to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a deep round 18cm (7in) cake tin, lining it with parchment paper.
- Prepare two small loaf tins by misting them with cake release and lining the sides with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Clip the paper to the pans, especially if using an air fryer for baking.
- Having the pans ready beforehand helps streamline the baking process.
Baking the Loaf Cake
To create the perfect mincemeat loaf cake, it’s crucial to pay attention to the mixing process and baking specifics. Here’s how to ensure a successful outcome.
Mixing the Ingredients
- Begin by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature.
- In a mixing bowl, combine self-raising flour, mixed spice, golden caster sugar, and any optional ingredients like marzipan or white chocolate chunks for added flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and margarine (or softened unsalted butter) until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, gently folding everything together until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
- Once the batter is ready, gently fold in the mincemeat until evenly distributed. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Pour the batter into prepared loaf tins lined with parchment paper, smoothing the top for even baking.
- Place the filled loaf tins in the preheated oven or air fryer, ensuring they are positioned in the center for even heat distribution.
- Bake at the recommended temperature for the specified time, usually until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Keep an eye on the cakes towards the end of the baking time to prevent overcooking.
- Once fully baked, carefully remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tins for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating with apricot glaze, blanched almonds, and glacé cherries. Enjoy the delightful mincemeat loaf cake either warm or at room temperature.
Glazing and Decorating
Preparing the Glaze
To prepare the glaze for the mincemeat loaf cake, heat apricot jam in a saucepan until it becomes smooth and liquid. Stir the jam to ensure a consistent texture for glazing the cakes.
Decoration Ideas
When it comes to decorating the mincemeat loaf cakes, consider topping them with halved glacé cherries for a festive touch. You can also add blanched almonds for an extra decorative element. Let the cakes dry for a few minutes after decorating with the glaze and toppings to enhance their presentation.
Serving and Storage
After baking your delicious Mary Berry’s Mincemeat Loaf Cake, here are some tips on serving and storing this festive treat:
How to Serve
Once your mincemeat loaf cake is cooled, slice it into thick, generous pieces. This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee on a cold winter day. Serve it with a dollop of cream cheese or butter for an extra indulgent touch.
Storage Tips
To keep your mincemeat loaf cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best to consume it within a few days to enjoy its full flavor. If you want to prolong its shelf-life, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Conclusion
Creating a delicious Mincemeat Loaf Cake using Mary Berry’s recipe is a delightful experience. The blend of flavors from the self-raising flour, mixed spice, and golden caster sugar, combined with the richness of the mincemeat, results in a delectable treat. By following the detailed preparation steps and baking instructions, you can enjoy a moist and flavorful cake that is perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to add your personal touch with decorative toppings like apricot glaze, almonds, and cherries. Whether served with cream cheese or butter, this cake is sure to impress your guests. Remember to store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness. Happy baking!