I have a new obsession and YOU ARE LOOKING AT IT. Its name is a mini cake and it is perfectly portioned, decorated, and ready to be devoured.
The thing about mini cakes is that the way they are structured feels extra special. Its form. Its layers. Its cuteness. That is what will have you daydreaming at 3pm. They are great for birthdays, picnics, potlucks, and more!
1. Mini Rum Cake
Rich, tender, and just the right amount of boozy. I first fell hard for rum cakes on a trip to Jamaica, and I’ve been making them ever since! This recipe is dangerously simple; all it really takes is a yellow cake mix that gets a generous topping of rum.
The result is so moist and tender, it’s just ridiculously good. A little dusting of powdered sugar and a cherry on top? Delish!
2. Mini Bundt Cakes
Bundt cakes are always a showstopper, and it’s all because of those super fun baking pans. But these mini versions? They are something else entirely! You can find mini bundt pans that are fluted, which gives the sponge a really nice finish.
Then you whip up a batch of these little vanilla cakes that have a delicious chocolate swirl oozing into every single bite. You can leave them as is or get creative with some chocolate ganache or a sugar glaze. YUM!
3. Mini Peanut Butter Cake
Go find that 4-inch cake pan you forgot you had and say hello to this peanut butter mini cake! It’s the absolute perfect cake for impressing a party of two, especially when you don’t want any leftovers hanging around.
With peanut butter in both the cake and the frosting, it’s about as nutty and sweet as you can get. This mini creation is definitely reserved for the peanut butter fanatics you know (which is pretty much everyone, right?).
4. Swedish Almond Cake
If you’ve ever had European cakes, you know they aren’t usually covered in glazes and frosting. But that does not mean they’re dry. In fact, it’s quite the opposite!
This Swedish almond cake is just so soft and fluffy, with the most amazing blend of spices. That mix of almond and cardamom is just to die for. And the cake itself? It couldn’t be easier to whip up!
5. Caramel Apple Mini Cakes
If pumpkin has overstayed its welcome this fall, it’s time for something new! These caramel apple mini cakes totally capture the essence of autumn and let pumpkin have the night off.
Tart apples really shine in this sweet and fragrant cake, which is infused with cinnamon, honey, and pecans. They are so ridiculously moist, you won’t even believe it. That caramel topping just oozes into every little nook and cranny, making these guys pretty hard to say no to.
6. Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
These pineapple upside-down cakes look like they came straight out of a magazine, but they are deceptively easy to pull off. A box of yellow cake mix, a can of pineapple rings, and some maraschino cherries are basically all you need.
They are so incredibly moist and get a tart little zing from the pineapple. Plus, you don’t have to ruin the beautiful effect by slicing into a big cake!
7. Praline Mini Cakes
If pecan pie is your go-to for Thanksgiving, you are going to fall in love with these sweet and nutty praline mini cakes from the very first bite. They’re super tender, nutty, and moist, all thanks to pecans, toffee bits, and brown sugar.
The sponge is lovely all by itself, but that brown sugar icing just takes them completely over the top!
8. Mini Funfetti Cake
Speaking of great color, does it get any more colorful than funfetti? This one is a seriously great option for a small birthday celebration for one or two.
You will absolutely love the sweet vanilla cake and silky frosting. Just add sprinkles to the batter and throw some more on top, and you’re all set.
9. Mini Coffee Cake
Dessert for breakfast, anybody? If you love those little single-serving Hostess coffee cakes, you are going to go completely gaga for this homemade version.
It pairs a simple, moist yellow cake with a sweet brown sugar crumble. As the name suggests, these little cakes are just perfect with a morning cup of coffee.
10. Mini Chocolate Icebox Cake
I just love a good icebox cake. And this recipe really captures all that magic without needing to make massive portions. You only need four simple ingredients for this: whipped cream, powdered sugar, chocolate wafers, and vanilla.
That’s it! After chilling in the fridge, those crispy wafers get a cake-like consistency that will just melt in your mouth.
11. Mini Apple Cider Cakes
Are you on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert to take to your next holiday party? Not only do these mini apple cider cakes look like something from Martha Stewart’s Instagram, but they taste just as good as they look!
The sponge has bright flavors of apple, nutmeg, and cinnamon. And that cinnamon sugar coating? My mouth waters just thinking about it.
12. Super-Moist Mini Red Velvet Cakes
Just as the name says, this recipe gives you super-moist red velvet cakes that are so moist, your fork will glide through them just like butter.
Bright and tart, you’ll use buttermilk and apple cider vinegar to make sure the crumb is both tender and flavorful. Pair that with some homemade cream cheese frosting, and just watch them disappear right before your eyes.
13. Mini Lime Pound Cakes
This isn’t your grandma’s pound cake unless your grandma likes to get a little boozy. These mini lime pound cakes are like a beachy cocktail in cake form. Need I say more?
They are infused with rum and coconut oil and topped with a tart lime icing for the perfect balance of sweet and tart. I made a batch of these last weekend, and they were gone in the blink of an eye!
14. Mini Strawberry Chiffon Cake
Chiffon cake is a lot like angel food cake, but a little more buttery and fatty. Yes, please! If you want to whip up a cake for just one or two people, this mini strawberry chiffon cake is an absolute must-try.
The crumb is light and airy and just begs for a soft vanilla whipped cream icing. It’s so summery and pretty, and you don’t even have to share if you don’t want to!
15. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Pumpkin cheesecake is just a wonderful way to celebrate all the fragrant flavors of autumn. These taste like an extra-rich pumpkin pie, but with the creamy and crunchy textures of a cheesecake. What’s not to love about that?
Nutmeg and cinnamon make sure that every single bite is warm and sweet. At the same time, the classic cracker crust adds a delightful crunch. For a presentation that’s a total showstopper, top each one with whipped cream and a little dusting of cinnamon.
16. Texas Sheet Cake Bites
Texas sheet cake is usually pretty huge, making it ideal for bringing to parties and potlucks. But how seriously cute are these little bites? They are impossibly tender, thanks to the buttermilk.
And because you bake the batter in mini muffin tins, you don’t have to worry about cutting portions. Getting the glaze on these can be a bit messy, but they are more than worth the effort!
17. Mini Chocolate Cake
Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re planning to celebrate at home, this chocolate cake for two is just the ticket. It’s like one of those mini cakes they serve at a fancy restaurant.
Two forks and the perfect end to a lovely meal. You’ll be pairing a rich chocolate cake with tart raspberries *and* a decadent chocolate frosting. It comes together in a flash, giving you more than enough time to get creative with your decorations.
18. Mini Pumpkin Cake
Looking for a total star centerpiece for Thanksgiving? Don’t let the impressive decorations fool you; these lightly spiced pumpkin cakes are a total cinch to recreate.
This scrummy cake is filled with a tart cream cheese frosting, so it tastes just like a pumpkin roll. To take them completely over the top, pipe orange buttercream all around the whole thing. It might take some practice, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time!
19. Salted Caramel Mini Layer Cakes
Before you make another batch of cookies this weekend, you need to check out this recipe for salted caramel mini layer cakes. They have a delightfully light vanilla sponge with a salted caramel syrup that is just out of this world.
And the cherry on top? A delicious caramel buttercream!
20. Mini Triple Chocolate Mousse Cakes
Calling all chocolate addicts! Nothing can tame that chocolate sweet tooth quite like these triple chocolate mousse cakes. You’ll be pairing decadent layers of chocolate mousse on top of a chewy brownie crust.
They are creamy, light, and the perfect chocolate dessert for dinner parties or holiday feasts. Serve them up with some whipped cream and chocolate-covered strawberries!
21. Baby Sweet Potato Cakes with Sticky Caramel Sauce
Want to celebrate fall flavors but aren’t a fan of pumpkin and apple? Or maybe you’re just looking for something a little unique? Either way, these baby sweet potato cakes with their sticky caramel sauce will make you forget all about that pumpkin spice latte.
The cakes are impossibly moist, and that drizzle of caramel will have your mouth watering. Pair these warm cakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a wonderful treat after a long day of raking leaves.
22. Mini Lemon Blueberry Cheesecakes
What I love most about these mini lemon and blueberry cheesecakes is that they aren’t overly sweet. The cheesecake itself is light and tart, thanks to an infusion of fresh lemons.
And even though the blueberry swirl is sweet, it’s also fruity and tart, which makes these beautifully balanced. Plus, you just can’t beat that color on top!
23. Mini Vanilla Cake
This mini vanilla cake is another delightful option for an anniversary or birthday. And it’s for all of us on Team Vanilla! I love chocolate cake as much as the next person, but sometimes it can be a little overwhelming.
In contrast, vanilla is lightly sweet and warm, with just the right amount of sugary goodness to finish your day. So let’s celebrate the humble vanilla bean with a light and airy cake topped with even more vanilla frosting.
The best part? You don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen since this cake comes together in under an hour.
24. Mini Strawberry Cake
Sheet cakes are the holy grail of simple baking. But the downside is that you have to make a whole sheet… or do you? This mini strawberry sheet cake recipe gives you the perfect amount of batter for an 8×8-inch square pan.
And with a roasted strawberry puree mixed in, it is just overflowing with fruity flavors.
25. Mini Banana Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
It’s like banana bread but in a mini sheet cake form! What’s not to love about that? This simple banana cake is so deliciously moist that it doesn’t even need frosting. But we are going to frost it anyway!
And if you aren’t a fan of chocolate and banana, feel free to use vanilla, caramel, or peanut butter frosting instead. It’s delectable no matter what!
