Nothing says holiday cheer like the rich, boozy aroma of fruitcake, and our Spiced Rum Fruitcake Bites from Delights Bakery are the perfect festive treat for winter celebrations. These bite-sized holiday desserts pack the warm flavors of spiced rum, dried fruits, and cozy spices into a moist, flavorful mini cake. Ideal for holiday parties, gift-giving, or cozy nights by the fire, this festive mini cakes recipe is a modern twist on a classic tradition. Let’s dive into this Christmas desserts recipe and bring some boozy joy to your holiday table!

Why Spiced Rum Fruitcake Bites?

These mini cakes are a holiday must-have:

• Festive Flavors: Spiced rum and dried fruits create a warm, celebratory taste.
• Bite-Sized: Perfect for parties, easy to serve, and portion-controlled.
• Make-Ahead: Flavors deepen over time, ideal for busy holiday prep.
• Customizable: Swap fruits or spices to suit your taste.
• Giftable: Package in festive tins for a thoughtful holiday gift.

A Holiday Memory

Every winter, our Delights Bakery team gathers to bake fruitcakes, a tradition inspired by our founder’s grandmother, who soaked her cakes in rum for weeks. Her kitchen was filled with laughter and the scent of spices, and these boozy desserts capture that joy. We crafted these bites to share that nostalgic warmth, making them a hit at every holiday party we host.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Soak Time: 2 hours (optional)

Bake Time: 20-25 minutes

Total Time: 45-50 minutes (plus soaking)

Servings: 24 bites

Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried mixed fruits (raisins, cherries, apricots, chopped)
• 1/4 cup spiced rum
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Soak Fruits: In a small bowl, soak dried fruits in spiced rum for 2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor). Drain, reserving liquid.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin or line with paper liners.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and 2 tbsp reserved rum liquid.
5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Fold in soaked fruits and nuts.
6. Fill and Bake: Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool and Dust: Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Nutrition (per bite): ~120 calories, 2g protein, 15g carbs, 5g fat, 1g fiber, 8g sugar.

Storage: Store in an airtight container for 1 week or refrigerate for 2 weeks. Brush with extra rum for longer storage.

Recipe Timeline

Make It Your Own

• Fruit Swap: Use dried cranberries, figs, or dates for variety.
• Spice Twist: Add a pinch of cloves or ginger for extra warmth.
• Nut Options: Try almonds or hazelnuts for a different crunch.
• Glaze Finish: Drizzle with a rum-sugar glaze (1 tbsp rum + 1/4 cup powdered sugar).
• Non-Alcoholic: Replace rum with orange juice for a family-friendly version.

Baking Tips

• Soak for Flavor: Longer soaking (up to 24 hours) deepens the rum flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix batter just until combined to keep bites tender.
• Use Quality Rum: A good spiced rum enhances taste significantly.
• Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to ensure the center is cooked.

Avoid These Mistakes

• Overbaking: Remove when just golden to avoid dryness.
• Skipping Soak: Soaking fruits ensures moist, flavorful bites.
• Too Much Rum: Excess liquid can make batter too wet.
• Uneven Filling: Fill muffin cups evenly for uniform baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Party Platter: Serve with cheese and nuts for a festive spread.
• With Drinks: Pair with mulled wine or hot cocoa.
• Gift Idea: Wrap in festive boxes for holiday gifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Non-Alcoholic?

Yes, substitute rum with orange juice or apple cider.

How Do I Store Them?

Keep in an airtight container for 1 week or refrigerate for 2 weeks.

Can I Freeze Fruitcake Bites?

Yes, freeze for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.

What Rum Is Best?

Use a quality spiced rum for rich flavor, but dark rum works too.

Final Thoughts

Our Spiced Rum Fruitcake Bites are the ultimate holiday desserts for bringing festive cheer to your winter celebrations. At Delights Bakery, we love creating recipes that spark joy and tradition. Bake these boozy bites, share your holiday baking stories in the comments, and let us know how they lit up your party!