Chocolate Mini Cakes with Rich Fudge Frosting Recipe

If you have a serious sweet tooth that loves a perfect blend of rich chocolate and melt-in-your-mouth texture, then this Chocolate Mini Cakes with Rich Fudge Frosting Recipe is going to become your absolute favorite. These little beauties bring together a moist, deeply chocolatey mini cake and an indulgent fudge frosting that’s silky, intense, and just pure happiness in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just spoiling yourself on a random Tuesday, these mini cakes deliver that cozy, comforting dessert experience with a fun, elegant twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chocolate Mini Cakes with Rich Fudge Frosting Recipe plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the Dutch processed cocoa powder that gives a deep chocolate color and nuanced bitterness, to the brown and white sugars that bring just the right amount of sweetness and moisture—each one is essential.

• 195 grams plain flour: The backbone of your cakes, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• 55 grams Dutch processed cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate color and smooth, less acidic chocolate flavor.
• 1.75 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cakes rise beautifully and become delightfully fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the chocolate flavors.
• 170 grams melted unsalted butter: Brings moisture and a velvety texture to the cake.
• 150 grams white granulated sugar: Sweetens while keeping the crumb light.
• 150 grams packed brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and richness to the flavor.
• 3 large eggs: Acts as a binding agent and adds richness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic sweetness that complements chocolate perfectly.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Contributes tanginess and tenderness, making the cake moist and soft.
• 180 grams dark chocolate (for frosting): The star of the fudge frosting, delivering deep chocolate intensity.
• 115 grams unsalted butter (frosting): Ensures the frosting is luscious and smooth.
• 80 milliliters whole milk: Adds creaminess to the fudge frosting.
• 55 grams Dutch processed cocoa powder (frosting): Reinforces that rich chocolate flavor in the frosting.
• Pinch of fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate in the frosting.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (frosting): Adds a complementary depth of flavor.
• 325 grams icing sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully.

How to Make Chocolate Mini Cakes with Rich Fudge Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan and Oven

The first step to success is setting your oven to 180°C (350°F) and greasing your mini cheesecake pan carefully. This ensures your little cakes come out perfectly shaped and won’t stick, making for a smooth baking experience from start to finish.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Take a bowl and whisk together the plain flour, Dutch processed cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This mix forms the dry base of your cake batter and ensures even distribution of the rising agent so your mini cakes bake evenly.

Step 3: Mix Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter with both white granulated sugar and brown sugar. The melted butter blends seamlessly, coating the sugars and helping to create a moist and tender crumb in your cakes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time for stability and richness, then add vanilla extract to infuse every bite with its aromatic sweetness that beautifully complements the chocolate notes.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to your butter and sugar mix, stirring just until everything is combined. This careful folding keeps your batter light and tender, not overworked.

Step 6: Fill Cake Pans

Fill each prepared compartment of your mini cheesecake pan about two-thirds full. This level is perfect for the cakes to rise without spilling over, resulting in neat little rounds.

Step 7: Bake the Mini Cakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This marks that the cakes are perfectly baked — moist yet set.

Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Fudge Frosting

While your cakes cool, melt together dark chocolate, unsalted butter, whole milk, Dutch cocoa powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a saucepan over low heat. This slow melting process ensures a smooth and rich fudge base.

Step 9: Cool the Chocolate Mixture

Pour the melted chocolate mixture into a bowl and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Cooling prevents the powdered sugar from melting instantly and turning the frosting runny.

Step 10: Add Icing Sugar

Beat in the icing sugar until fully incorporated into the frosting. This sweetens and thickens the fudge, transforming it into a luxurious, pipeable texture.

Step 11: Let the Frosting Set

Set the frosting at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes until it becomes firm enough to pipe. Patience here is key to achieving those perfect frosting swirls on your mini cakes.

Step 12: Prepare Mini Cakes for Assembly

Once completely cooled, slice off the domed tops of your mini cakes or halve them horizontally if you want mini layered cakes—either way works beautifully.

Step 13: Frost and Assemble

Spread or pipe the chocolate fudge frosting generously onto each mini cake. This step is where these little cakes truly transform into irresistible delights ready for sharing or savoring solo.

How to Serve Chocolate Mini Cakes with Rich Fudge Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance these mini cakes with a sprinkle of crushed nuts, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even delicate edible gold flakes for an extra touch of elegance and texture contrast that makes each bite even more special.

Side Dishes

Pair these delightful mini cakes with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream, fresh berries for a fruity freshness, or a dollop of whipped cream to add lightness to the rich chocolate experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these mini cakes on a beautiful tiered dessert stand, arrange them on individual dessert plates with drizzled raspberry coulis, or wrap them up as charming gifts for friends and family—the possibilities are endless and always enticing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover mini cakes refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and keep the frosting firm and luscious.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted mini cakes in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature before frosting and serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm mini cakes gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds before frosting if desired warm, but be careful to avoid overheating and melting the cakes or frosting too much.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch processed cocoa powder?

Yes, but keep in mind that Dutch processed cocoa is less acidic and has a smoother flavor, so the taste and color might be slightly different with regular cocoa powder.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil and use a dairy-free milk alternative with a splash of vinegar instead of buttermilk.

Can I make these cakes larger instead of mini cakes?

Definitely! Just adjust the baking time accordingly—larger cakes will take longer to bake, so keep an eye on the toothpick test.

How do I know when the fudge frosting is ready to pipe?

The frosting should be thick and hold its shape when you lift the spatula. If it’s too runny, let it cool a bit longer at room temperature.

Can I use this frosting on other cakes or cupcakes?

Yes, this rich fudge frosting is incredibly versatile and works beautifully on a variety of chocolate or even vanilla cakes and cupcakes.

Final Thoughts

There is something utterly joyful about creating these Chocolate Mini Cakes with Rich Fudge Frosting Recipe from scratch—each bite delivers a luxurious chocolate experience that’s both tender and decadently rich. Whether for a special celebration or just because, I encourage you to try this recipe and watch it instantly become a cherished favorite in your dessert rotation. Baking these little cakes is pure happiness, and sharing them is even sweeter.

Print