These Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Mini Cakes are festive, delicious, and perfect for the holiday season. Vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free, these mini cakes feature a luscious chocolate base filled with a tangy cranberry chia jam and topped with a rich chocolate ganache. They are an elegant addition to any holiday table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ¾ cup brown rice flour (110 g)
- ½ cup quinoa flour (60 g)
- ¼ cup arrowroot (30 g)
- ¼ cup cacao powder (30 g)
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of sea salt
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (80 ml)
- ⅓ cup olive oil (80 ml)
- ¼ cup aquafaba (60 ml)
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup rice milk (120 ml)
For the Cranberry Chia Jam:
- 1 cup cranberries (100 g)
- ¼ cup orange juice (60 ml)
- Zest of an orange (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Small cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
For the Coating:
- 3.5 ounces dark vegan chocolate (100 g)
- ¼ cup rice milk (60 ml)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Fresh or dried cranberries for decoration
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9” x 9” baking tin with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown rice flour, quinoa flour, arrowroot, cacao powder, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, aquafaba, apple cider vinegar, vanilla, and rice milk. - Combine Ingredients:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth and pourable but not too thin. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan. - Cut the Cakes:
Place the cooled cake on a flat surface and use a 2” round cutter to cut out 11-12 shapes. - Make the Cranberry Jam:
In a pot, combine cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, and the cinnamon stick. Heat gently for about 10 minutes until the cranberries pop and soften. Remove the cinnamon stick, mash the mixture with a fork, and stir in the chia seeds. Cool before using. - Assemble the Cakes:
Sandwich two cake rounds together with a generous dollop of cranberry jam. - Prepare the Ganache:
Finely chop the chocolate and place it in a small bowl. Heat the rice milk until just boiling, then pour it over the chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy. Add maple syrup and mix. - Decorate:
Pour the ganache over the mini cakes, smoothing it to drip down the edges. Decorate with fresh or dried cranberries.
Nutrients
- Calories: 539
- Total Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 76 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 38 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Why Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Mini Cakes are Special
These mini cakes are not just another dessert—they are a thoughtful creation designed to impress and satisfy:
- Perfect for the Holidays: With festive flavors like chocolate and cranberry, these cakes are tailored for Christmas celebrations.
- Dietary-Friendly: They are vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free, making them inclusive for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Visually Stunning: The glossy chocolate ganache and cranberry decorations make these cakes a feast for the eyes.
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of rich chocolate and tart cranberry creates a perfectly balanced dessert that’s not overly sweet.
- Individual Portions: Their mini size makes them ideal for serving at parties or as individual gifts.
The Ingredients that Bring Holiday Magic
The success of these cakes lies in the thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating their unique taste and texture:
- Brown Rice and Quinoa Flours: These gluten-free flours provide structure and a subtle nutty flavor to the cake base.
- Cacao Powder: Adds the rich chocolatey depth that makes the cakes indulgent and satisfying.
- Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas acts as an egg replacer, ensuring the cakes are light and fluffy.
- Cranberries: Their tartness cuts through the richness of the chocolate, creating a delightful contrast.
- Chia Seeds: Used in the cranberry jam, they thicken the mixture while adding a boost of fiber and omega-3s.
- Dark Vegan Chocolate: The key to the luscious ganache coating that elevates these cakes to a gourmet level.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Mini Cakes
These mini cakes can be served in various ways to make your holiday celebrations even more special:
- Festive Plating: Arrange the mini cakes on a tiered dessert stand or a holiday-themed platter for an eye-catching display.
- Gifting Idea: Wrap individual cakes in decorative cellophane bags with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Accompaniments: Pair with a hot cup of cocoa, mulled wine, or a spiced tea to complement the flavors of the cake.
- Decorative Touch: Sprinkle crushed candy canes, edible gold dust, or coconut flakes for an extra festive feel.
- Dessert Buffet: Include these cakes as part of a larger dessert spread featuring other holiday treats like cookies and truffles.
Health Benefits of Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Mini Cakes
While these mini cakes are a treat, they also offer some surprising health benefits:
- Gluten-Free Grains: Brown rice and quinoa flours are nutrient-rich alternatives to traditional flours, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- Antioxidants: Cacao powder and cranberries are both high in antioxidants, supporting overall health and combating oxidative stress.
- Low-Glycemic Sweetener: Maple syrup offers a natural sweetness with a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugars.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: The olive oil used in the recipe provides monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health.
- Dietary Inclusivity: Vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free, these cakes are suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions.
Tips for Making the Perfect Mini Cakes
Follow these tips to ensure your Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Mini Cakes turn out perfectly every time:
- Measure Accurately: Gluten-free baking requires precise measurements for the best texture and structure.
- Use Fresh Cranberries: If possible, opt for fresh cranberries for the jam to enhance the flavor and vibrancy.
- Chill the Cakes: Let the cakes cool completely before assembling to avoid melting the ganache or softening the jam.
- Smooth Ganache: Stir the ganache continuously until it’s completely smooth and glossy for an elegant finish.
- Customize Sizes: Use different-sized cutters for varying portions, from bite-sized treats to larger mini cakes.
Creative Variations of Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Mini Cakes
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted in numerous ways to suit different tastes:
- Orange Infusion: Add orange zest to the cake batter for a citrusy twist.
- Nutty Toppings: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or hazelnuts on top for added crunch and flavor (if not making nut-free).
- Alcohol-Infused Ganache: Stir in a splash of Grand Marnier or Baileys into the ganache for an adult-friendly version.
- Berry Blend: Replace some cranberries with raspberries for a mixed berry jam.
- Spiced Cake Base: Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the batter for extra holiday warmth.
Storing and Freezing Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Mini Cakes
These mini cakes can be made ahead and stored for convenience:
- Refrigeration: Store the assembled cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual cakes in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Ganache Tips: If freezing, add the ganache after thawing for the best texture and appearance.
Conclusion: A Sweet Celebration of the Holidays
Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Mini Cakes are more than just desserts—they’re a celebration of the holiday season. With their rich chocolate base, tangy cranberry chia jam, and glossy ganache coating, these cakes are a testament to the joy and indulgence of Christmas. Their dietary inclusivity and festive appearance make them an excellent choice for sharing with loved ones or gifting to friends and family.
Add this recipe to your holiday repertoire and watch it become a cherished tradition. With their perfect balance of flavors, these mini cakes are sure to bring warmth, happiness, and a touch of elegance to your festivities.