Yum! Cream & chocolate filled mini cakes sound delicious! 😋 Here’s a simple recipe to help you make them:
Ingredients
For the Mini Cakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour mini cake pans or use silicone molds.
- Make the Mini Cakes:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix until well combined.
- Fill each mini cake pan about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip!
- Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat, then add the chocolate chips. Let sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Assemble the Mini Cakes:
- Once the mini cakes are completely cool, cut a small cone from the top of each cake to create a “pocket.”
- Fill each pocket with the whipped cream mixture and place the top back on.
- Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of each mini cake.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the ganache set for a few minutes before serving. These mini cakes are perfect for a delicious treat! 🍰🍫
More Details About Cream & Chocolate Filled Mini Cakes🎂✨
Recipe Breakdown
1. Ingredients Explained:
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base for the mini cakes and provides structure.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the cakes their rich chocolate flavor and color.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cakes rise.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors in the cake and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cakes.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle flavor that complements the chocolate.
- Buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tanginess. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk.
2. Equipment Needed:
- Mini Cake Pans or Silicone Molds: To shape the cakes. Mini muffin tins can also work if you don’t have dedicated mini cake pans.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: For beating the cream and mixing the batter.
- Piping Bag: Optional, but great for filling the cakes with cream neatly.
- Spatula: For mixing and transferring batter.
3. Detailed Instructions:
- Baking the Cakes:
- Make sure to mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa, etc.) thoroughly before adding wet ingredients to avoid lumps.
- Avoid over-mixing once you add the wet ingredients, as it can lead to a dense cake.
- Cooling Tips:
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before filling them to prevent the cream from melting.
- If the cakes have a dome shape after baking, you can carefully trim the tops to create a flat surface for filling.
- Filling the Cakes:
- Once you cut the cone out of the top, use a small spoon or piping bag to fill the cavity with whipped cream.
- Replace the top piece of cake to hide the filling and create a neat appearance.
4. Chocolate Ganache Details:
- Consistency: If you want a thicker ganache, let it cool longer before drizzling. For a thinner consistency, use it while it’s still warm.
- Variations: You can add a pinch of sea salt to the ganache for a salted chocolate flavor or even a splash of liqueur for added complexity.
5. Serving Suggestions:
- Decorate with additional whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries for a beautiful presentation. 🍓
- These mini cakes can be served at parties, as dessert after dinner, or even as a sweet treat for a special occasion.
6. Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You might want to add the ganache just before serving to keep it from setting too thick.
Enjoy Your Mini Cakes! 🥳
These Cream & Chocolate Filled Mini Cakes are not only tasty but also visually stunning! They are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.
Benefits of Cream & Chocolate Filled Mini Cakes
Cream & Chocolate Filled Mini Cakes are a delightful treat, and while they are definitely indulgent, they can also offer some benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Here are a few reasons why these mini cakes can be a positive addition to your dessert repertoire! 🍰💖
1. Portion Control:
- Mini Size: Being smaller in size helps with portion control, allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging. This makes it easier to enjoy a treat while maintaining balance in your diet.
2. Versatile Ingredients:
- Customization: You can customize the recipe to include healthier alternatives. For instance, you can use whole wheat flour, reduce sugar, or make a whipped cream alternative using lighter ingredients.
3. Emotional Satisfaction:
- Mood Booster: Chocolate is known to release endorphins and serotonin, which can enhance your mood. Enjoying a small dessert can contribute to feelings of happiness and satisfaction! 🍫✨
4. Special Occasions:
- Celebration Treat: Mini cakes are great for celebrating special moments like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. They can bring joy and create memories when shared with family and friends. 🎉
5. Nutritional Benefits:
- Cocoa Health Benefits: Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and can have health benefits when consumed in moderation, such as improving heart health and reducing inflammation.
6. Boost Creativity:
- Baking as a Hobby: Making these cakes can be a fun and creative activity. Baking can reduce stress and allow for self-expression, especially when you decorate or customize your cakes. 🎨👩🍳
7. Social Connection:
- Sharing with Others: Baking and sharing treats can foster social connections and strengthen relationships, whether it’s during family gatherings or among friends.
8. Balancing Flavors:
- Combination of Flavors: The contrast of rich chocolate and light cream creates a satisfying flavor experience, making these mini cakes a more enjoyable treat compared to simpler desserts.
Conclusion
While it’s essential to enjoy sweets in moderation, Cream & Chocolate Filled Mini Cakes can provide not just a delicious treat but also opportunities for creativity, connection, and emotional satisfaction. Indulging in life’s little pleasures is part of a balanced lifestyle! Enjoy baking and sharing your delicious creations! 🎂💖✨