Mini chocolate cakes

Mini Chocolate Cakes Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup hot water

For the Ganache:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings
• Powdered sugar

Instructions:

For the Cakes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a mini cake pan or use a silicone mini cake mold.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Add Hot Water: Carefully add the hot water to the batter, mixing until smooth. The batter will be thin.
6. Fill the Molds: Pour the batter into the prepared mini cake molds, filling each mold about two-thirds full.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Ganache:

1. Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
2. Add Chocolate: Remove the cream from the heat and add the chopped chocolate, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
3. Add Butter: Stir in the butter until the ganache is glossy and smooth.

Assemble:

1. Glaze the Cakes: Once the cakes are completely cool, spoon the ganache over the top of each mini cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
2. Add Toppings: If desired, top with fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
3. Serve: Let the ganache set for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious mini chocolate cakes!