Description

This Mini Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist, easy recipe that delivers big chocolate flavor in a small package. Perfect for a quick dessert, easy birthday treat, date night sweet, or small batch baking project, this homemade cake is topped with smooth chocolate frosting and comes together with simple pantry staples. If you are looking for dessert ideas, chocolate cake recipes, easy recipe inspiration, and small cake food ideas that feel special without extra work, this one is hard to beat.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 6-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

5. Pour in the hot coffee or hot water and mix gently until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.

6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 22 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy.

9. Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

10. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and swirl the top with a spoon or offset spatula before serving.

Notes

Use hot coffee for a deeper chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

Let the cake cool completely before frosting so the topping stays thick and smooth.

For an extra special finish, top with berries, chocolate curls, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 285
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 38mg