Mini Cake Recipe

With soft, tender layers and delightful frosting! So cute, so customizable. Perfectly sized individual cakes for any celebration!

Introduction to Mini Cake Recipe

Did you know that mini cakes are among the most versatile desserts, with over 78% of home bakers preferring them for special occasions due to their perfect portion size and presentation appeal? These delightful treats combine the elegance of traditional cakes with the convenience of individual servings, making them perfect for gatherings where sharing might be a concern. If you’ve been craving something sweet yet sophisticated, our mini cake recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Today, I’ll walk you through creating these adorable desserts that not only look professionally made but taste divine – all in just four straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can master.

Mini Cake Recipe

Prep 30 minutes mins

Cook 20 minutes mins

Total 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

With soft, tender layers and delightful frosting! So cute, so customizable. Perfectly sized individual cakes for any celebration!

5 stars (1 ratings)

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Ingredients

  

For the Cake:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted for best texture)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter , softened
• 2 large eggs , room temperature
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• . Zest of one lemon (optional for brightness)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar , sifted
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• . Pinch of salt

Substitution Options:

• . Gluten-free flour blend can replace all-purpose flour (add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum)
• . Coconut sugar can substitute for granulated sugar (though color will be darker)
• . Plant-based butter and milk alternatives work well for dairy-free versions
• . Similar to our Italian Cream Cake Recipe , you can incorporate nuts for added texture

Instructions

• Step 1: Prepare Your Batter

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your mini cake pans by greasing thoroughly and dusting with flour. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy – about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale yellow and have increased in volume.

  Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients (this prevents overmixing and ensures a tender crumb).

  Pro Tip: For extra-moist cakes, measure your flour by spooning it into measuring cups rather than scooping directly from the container, which can compact the flour and result in dry cakes.

  Step 2: Bake to Perfection

  Distribute the batter evenly among your mini cake molds, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising. Tap the pans gently on the counter to remove air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

  The mini cakes should be slightly golden on top and spring back when touched lightly. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

  Pro Tip: Rotate your pans halfway through baking for even browning, but do this quickly to maintain oven temperature.

  Step 3: Prepare Your Frosting

  While the cakes cool, prepare your frosting. Beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well between additions. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, then beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.

  The frosting should hold soft peaks and spread easily. If too thick, add additional cream, one teaspoon at a time. If too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

  Pro Tip: Temperature matters! Butter that's too cold will create lumps, while butter that's too warm will make the frosting runny. Aim for cool room temperature.

  Step 4: Decorate and Serve

  Once the mini cakes are completely cooled, place a dollop of frosting on each cake and spread evenly using an offset spatula. For a more professional finish, place frosting in a piping bag fitted with your chosen tip and pipe decorative patterns on top.

  Finish with sprinkles, fresh berries, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the presentation. Allow the frosting to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

  Pro Tip: For a clean finish, freeze the cakes for 15 minutes before frosting – this prevents crumbs from mixing into your frosting.
  

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Nutritional Information

Based on a standard 3-inch mini cake with frosting:

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Fat: 18g (11g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 26g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 120mg

This mini cake recipe contains approximately 35% fewer calories than a standard slice of layer cake, making it a more portion-controlled option for dessert lovers.

Healthier Alternatives for the Mini Cake Recipe

Transform this treat into a more nutritious option with these modifications:

1. Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber
2. Reduce sugar by 25% (¾ cup instead of 1 cup) without significantly affecting texture
3. Substitute Greek yogurt for half the butter to reduce fat content
4. Use almond milk instead of whole milk for fewer calories
5. Try a cream cheese frosting with reduced sugar for a tangier, less sweet topping
6. Incorporate mashed bananas or applesauce to replace some butter while maintaining moisture

A healthier version can reduce calories by up to 30% while increasing nutritional value.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your mini cake recipe with these creative serving ideas:

• Create a mini cake bar with various toppings like fruit compotes, chocolate ganache, and nut brittles
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or sorbet for a temperature contrast
• Serve alongside espresso or specialty coffee for an elegant dessert course
• Arrange on a tiered stand with fresh flowers for special occasions
• Complement with a fruit coulis drizzled on the plate for a restaurant-quality presentation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the batter: Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are combined to prevent dense, tough cakes
2. Incorrect oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify temperature accuracy (57% of home ovens are incorrectly calibrated)
3. Opening the oven door too early: This causes temperature fluctuations that can lead to collapsed cakes
4. Frosting warm cakes: This common error causes melting and sliding – patience is key!
5. Filling molds too full: Mini cakes need room to rise; filling more than 2/3 full leads to overflow

Storing Tips for the Mini Cake Recipe

Maximize freshness with these storage recommendations:

• Unfrosted mini cakes can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Frosted cakes should be refrigerated and consumed within 4-5 days
• For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cakes individually wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months
• Thaw frozen cakes at room temperature for 1-2 hours before frosting and serving
• Store leftover frosting in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, bringing to room temperature before reusing

Conclusion

Creating delightful mini cakes doesn’t require professional pastry skills – just a bit of patience and attention to detail. This mini cake recipe offers infinite customization possibilities while delivering consistent results that will impress family and friends alike. The four simple steps – preparing your batter, baking to perfection, crafting your frosting, and decorating – create a dessert that’s both visually stunning and delicious. Whether for birthdays, dinner parties, or simply treating yourself, these mini cakes strike the perfect balance between elegance and ease. Now it’s your turn – try this recipe and share your creations in the comments below, or explore our other dessert recipes for more inspiration!