Mini cakes with mulled wine and goji berries

Mini Cakes with Mulled Wine and Goji Berries: A Flavorful Treat for Cold Winters

Who would have thought that wine could become the secret ingredient of a delicious dessert? This recipe for mini cakes with mulled wine and goji berries not only combines the warm flavors of wine with the sweetness of the fruits, but also offers a unique culinary experience. The dish is perfect for chilly winter days when we crave a dessert that brings a touch of joy in every bite. Let me guide you step by step to achieve these delicious mini cakes that will impress everyone at your next gathering.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini cakes

Ingredients

For the mulled wine:
- 500 ml sweet red wine (preferably homemade for an authentic taste)
- 4 tablespoons raw sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 piece of star anise

For the cake:
- 120 g butter, at room temperature
- 4 eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 g raw sugar
- 270-300 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 80 g goji berries

For decoration:
- 100 g milk chocolate
- Chocolate shavings for decoration

Nutritional information (per estimated serving)
- Calories: approximately 180 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g

Recipe history

Cakes with wine have a long tradition, being appreciated in many cultures as a way to transform a common ingredient like wine into a delicacy. By simmering the wine with spices, a sweet and aromatic syrup is obtained, giving a deep and complex flavor to pastry dishes. The addition of goji berries, superfoods known for their nutritional benefits, makes this recipe not only delicious but also healthy.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the mulled wine
- Start by pouring the red wine into a pot. Add the raw sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the volume is reduced by half. This process will intensify the flavors and turn the wine into a delicious syrup.

2. Cooling the wine
- Once the wine has reduced, remove the spices and add the goji berries. Allow the mixture to cool completely. You can leave it warm, but not hot.

3. Preparing the batter
- In a large bowl, mix the soft butter with the raw sugar until you obtain a creamy and fluffy composition.
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add the yolks to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.

4. Combining the dry ingredients
- In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Add this combination to the butter mixture, alternating with the mulled wine syrup, mixing on low speed to avoid lumps.

5. Incorporating the egg whites
- Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the batter using a spatula, mixing gently with up-and-down motions to keep the batter airy.

6. Baking
- Preheat the oven to 170°C. Prepare the cake molds with paper or a regular cake pan, greasing it with a little butter and flour if you don't have paper molds.
- Fill the molds with batter up to 2/3 full. Place them in a tray for even baking.
- Bake the mini cakes for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cooling and decorating
- Once baked, remove the mini cakes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Meanwhile, melt the milk chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Decorate each mini cake with melted chocolate and add chocolate shavings for an elegant look.

Helpful tips
- Wine: Choose a sweet red wine that you enjoy drinking. Its taste will reflect in the dessert.
- Goji berries: If you don't have goji berries, you can use raisins or dried cranberries for a different flavor.
- Vegan option: You can replace the butter with vegan margarine and the eggs with a mixture of ground flaxseeds and water (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds + 3 tablespoons of water = 1 egg).
- Serving: These mini cakes are excellent alongside a cup of aromatic tea or coffee. You can also serve them with vanilla ice cream for a temperature contrast.

Frequently asked questions
- Can the mini cakes be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the mini cakes, but make sure they are completely cooled and well wrapped in plastic wrap.

- Can I use another type of wine?
Of course! You can experiment with white wine or even sparkling wine for a different flavor.

- How sweet will they be?
The sweetness depends on the type of wine you choose. Sweeter wines will make the dessert sweeter, while drier wines will provide a more interesting contrast.

These mini cakes with mulled wine and goji berries are not just a dessert, but also a culinary experience full of tradition and flavors. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Enjoy!