Description
Mini Marsala Fruit Cakes are delightful individual-sized holiday treats made with rich dried fruits soaked in Marsala wine, warm spices, and buttery batter. Moist, aromatic, and full of festive flavor, they make the perfect edible gift or elegant dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas, chopped apricots, cranberries, etc.)
- 1/4 cup Marsala wine (or brandy/sherry)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk (or orange juice)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Glazed cherries or almonds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the dried fruits and Marsala wine. Stir and let soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the soaked fruits (including any remaining Marsala) and chopped nuts.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Top with glazed cherries or almonds if desired.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Brush warm cakes with a little extra Marsala for added moisture and flavor.
Notes
- These mini cakes taste even better after a day or two as the flavors develop.
- For a non-alcoholic version, soak the fruits in orange juice or apple juice instead of Marsala.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week or wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Perfect for gifting — wrap in parchment and tie with festive ribbon!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British