Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These mini cakes bring together the classic flavors of chocolate and strawberries in a perfectly portioned dessert. Moist chocolate cake layers are paired with strawberry filling or fresh berries, then finished with a glossy chocolate coating or ganache. They’re as visually stunning as they are flavorful, and they’re ideal for special occasions or gifting. Plus, they can be made ahead and customized to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Cocoa powder

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Sugar

• Eggs

• Milk

• Vegetable oil or melted butter

• Vanilla extract

• Hot water or brewed coffee (for enhanced chocolate flavor)

• Fresh strawberries (sliced or diced)

• Strawberry jam or compote (optional for filling)

• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (for coating or ganache)

• Heavy cream (for ganache, if using)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sheet pan or mini cake pan with parchment paper.

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

3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then slowly mix in the hot water or coffee until smooth.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Allow the cake to cool completely, then use a round or heart-shaped cutter to create mini cake layers.

7. Stack two cake layers with strawberry jam or fresh berries in between.

8. For the coating, melt chocolate and cream together to make ganache, or use melted chocolate alone.

9. Dip each mini cake or pour ganache over the top to coat, then chill until set.

10. Garnish with a slice of strawberry or drizzle with extra chocolate, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8–10 mini cakes, depending on the size of your cutter.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Assembly and chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

• Use white chocolate for the coating for a different look and flavor.

• Add a whipped cream layer for extra creaminess.

• Infuse the strawberry filling with a splash of liqueur for an adult twist.

• Make gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.

• Use a boxed chocolate cake mix to save time.

Storage/Reheating

Store the mini cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best flavor and texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. These are not ideal for freezing once assembled, as the strawberries may release moisture upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use a boxed cake mix?

Yes, a boxed chocolate cake mix can be used to save time.

Do I have to use ganache for the coating?

No, melted chocolate or even chocolate frosting can be used as an alternative.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake and prep the strawberries a day in advance, then assemble before serving.

What’s the best way to shape the mini cakes?

Use a cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to make uniform rounds or hearts.

Can I fill them with something other than strawberries?

Yes, try raspberry jam, cream cheese filling, or whipped cream.

Will these hold up at room temperature?

They’re best served chilled or slightly cool, especially if using ganache or fresh fruit.

How can I make them look more decorative?

Top with a fresh strawberry half, a drizzle of white chocolate, or edible gold flakes.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk, oil instead of butter, and dairy-free chocolate.

Can I make a single large cake instead?

Absolutely. You can bake as a full cake, then layer and frost as desired.

Do they need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the fresh fruit and ganache, they should be stored in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes are the perfect combination of romance, indulgence, and elegance. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these mini delights offer all the beauty and flavor of a gourmet dessert with the simplicity of a homemade recipe. Each bite delivers the rich taste of chocolate and the fresh sweetness of strawberries—pure dessert bliss in mini form.

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