Mini Christmas Drip Cakes with Chocolate Ganache is the dessert that will make your holiday season sparkle like tinsel on a tree. Picture this: soft, fluffy cake layers drizzled with rich chocolate ganache that flows down the sides like a winter wonderland melt. delicious cherry cheesecake fluff The aroma wafts through the house, inviting everyone to gather around, eyes wide and mouths watering in anticipation of a sweet treat.
These delightful mini cakes are not just a feast for the eyes; they carry the warmth of nostalgia, evoking memories of family gatherings where laughter mingles with the scent of freshly baked goods. no bake carrot cake bites They’re perfect for holiday parties, cozy get-togethers, or simply when you want to indulge yourself. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have you dreaming of sugarplums!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Mini Christmas Drip Cakes are simple yet impressive, making them perfect for holiday entertaining
- The combination of moist cake and silky chocolate ganache creates an irresistible flavor explosion
- Their charming size makes them visually appealing and ideal for portion control
- Plus, you can customize these cakes with different toppings to suit your festive theme!
I remember the first time I made these cakes; my family’s expressions were priceless as they took their first bites—pure joy mixed with chocolate-induced bliss!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cake Flour: Use cake flour for a light and airy texture; it truly makes a difference in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar works best for sweetness; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
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Baking Powder: Ensure your cakes rise beautifully by using fresh baking powder; check the expiration date before using.
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Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter to create a smooth batter and enhance flavor.
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Milk: Whole milk adds richness; feel free to substitute with buttermilk for added tanginess.
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Eggs: Large eggs provide structure and moisture; ensure they are at room temperature for best results.
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Dark Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips for a decadent ganache; it makes all the difference in flavor.
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Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is essential for creating that luscious ganache; don’t use anything lighter!
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile; avoid imitation versions if possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. savory potato gratin. savory hummus toast.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your mini cake pans with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Your Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients while alternating with milk until combined smoothly.
Pour Into Pans and Bake: Evenly distribute your batter into prepared mini cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
Cool Down Your Cakes: Once baked, remove from oven and let them cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Make Your Ganache Delightfully Decadent: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s just about to simmer. Pour over dark chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for two minutes before stirring until smooth.
Assemble Your Mini Cakes: Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and spread some ganache on top. Add another layer of cake on top and repeat until you’ve stacked all layers. Drizzle remaining ganache over the top allowing it to drip down the sides.
Enjoy watching everyone’s faces light up as they take their first bite!
Now you’re ready to impress at any holiday gathering with these Mini Christmas Drip Cakes with Chocolate Ganache. Happy baking! For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake recipe.
You Must Know
- The secret to mini Christmas drip cakes is ensuring your ganache is perfectly smooth
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor
- These adorable cakes are not only festive but also a delightful treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, bake your mini cakes first, then prepare the chocolate ganache while they cool. This way, everything comes together seamlessly for a tasty treat.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these mini Christmas drip cakes with different flavors! Swap vanilla extract for peppermint or add festive sprinkles on top for added cheer during the holidays.
Storing & Reheating
Store your mini Christmas drip cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To enjoy later, let them come to room temperature before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better rise
- Always sift your dry ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure even mixing
- For a shinier ganache, add a tablespoon of butter after melting the chocolate
Sharing this recipe reminds me of my first attempt at baking mini cakes. My friends devoured them and praised my “culinary skills,” which were more luck than skill at that time!
FAQ
What type of chocolate is best for ganache?
Use high-quality dark chocolate for a rich flavor in your ganache.
Can I make these cakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How do I prevent my ganache from being too thick?
Adjust the cream-to-chocolate ratio by adding more cream if needed.
Mini Christmas Drip Cakes with Chocolate Ganache
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 6 mini cakes 1x
Description
Mini Christmas Drip Cakes with Chocolate Ganache are the perfect festive dessert to elevate your holiday celebrations. These charming, individual-sized cakes feature moist layers drizzled with silky chocolate ganache that cascades down like a winter wonderland. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy indulgences, they evoke warmth and nostalgia, ensuring smiles all around. Customize them with your favorite toppings for a personal touch, and let their delightful flavors transport you to a sugarplum dream!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cake flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line mini cake pans with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- In another bowl, whisk cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients, alternating with milk until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- For ganache, heat heavy cream until simmering; pour over chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
- Assemble cakes by stacking layers with ganache in between and drizzle remaining ganache on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cake (75g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
