Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes

Introduction

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes are the perfect combination of rich chocolate and sweet, juicy strawberries, all in a cute, bite-sized form. These decadent mini cakes feature layers of moist chocolate cake, a creamy filling, and a luscious chocolate coating, all topped with a fresh strawberry. The result is a delightful dessert that combines the indulgence of chocolate with the freshness of fruit, making it a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event, hosting a party, or simply craving something sweet, these mini cakes will surely satisfy.

I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. Everyone was so impressed by how cute and elegant they looked, and the combination of chocolate and strawberry was a huge hit. What I love about these mini cakes is how they elevate any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations. They’re easy to make but feel so luxurious, and the burst of fresh strawberry on top adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate. Whether I’m making them for a party or just to treat myself, these mini cakes never fail to impress!

Perfect for:

• Special celebrations
• Dinner parties
• Chocolate and strawberry lovers
• Treat trays
• Holiday gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes will quickly become a favorite:

• Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of a decadent chocolate cake with a smooth, glossy chocolate coating makes these mini cakes irresistible.
• Fresh Strawberries: The sweet, juicy strawberries on top provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chocolate.
• Elegant Presentation: These mini cakes are perfectly sized for individual servings, making them ideal for fancy gatherings or dessert tables.
• Versatile Toppings: You can customize the toppings with different fruit or even drizzle extra chocolate or caramel for added flair.
• No Special Equipment Needed: With just a few simple tools, you can easily make these elegant mini cakes at home.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling and chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 mini cakes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup boiling water

For the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Topping:

• Fresh strawberries (1 per mini cake)
• Optional: Shredded coconut, sprinkles, or extra chocolate drizzle for decoration

Ingredient Highlights

• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder ensures a deep, rich chocolate flavor for the cake.
• Cream Cheese: The creamy, slightly tangy filling balances the sweetness of the chocolate and complements the strawberries.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Ideal for the glossy coating that adds a beautiful finish to the mini cakes.
• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries provide a burst of flavor and color to each mini cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to both the cake and the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes:

Prepare the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and combined.
4. Add Boiling Water: Slowly add the boiling water to the batter and mix until the batter is smooth (it will be thin, which is normal).
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Prepare the Filling:

6. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
7. Add Vanilla and Cream: Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, and beat until the filling is light and fluffy. Set aside.

Assemble the Mini Cakes:

8. Cut the Cake into Circles: Once the cake has cooled completely, use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out mini cake circles.
9. Fill the Cakes: Use a piping bag or a spoon to place a generous amount of the cream cheese filling in the center of each mini cake.
10. Top with Strawberry: Place a fresh strawberry on top of each filled cake.

Prepare the Chocolate Coating:

11. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth and glossy.
12. Coat the Cakes: Dip the top of each mini cake (with the strawberry) into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. You can also drizzle chocolate over the top if preferred.

Chill and Set:

13. Chill the Cakes: Place the coated mini cakes on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set.

Serve and Garnish:

14. Serve: Once the chocolate is set, serve the mini cakes chilled. Optionally, you can garnish with additional chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, or shredded coconut for a fun touch.

How to Serve

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• As a Dessert Platter: Arrange them on a platter for a visually stunning dessert at any party or celebration.
• With a Side of Fruit: Serve with extra fresh strawberries or berries for a fruity balance to the richness of the cake.
• For a Sweet Gift: These mini cakes make a lovely homemade gift for special occasions like birthdays or Valentine’s Day.
• With a Hot Beverage: Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a decadent treat.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes turn out perfectly:

• Let the Cake Cool Completely: Make sure the cake is completely cooled before cutting into circles to prevent it from falling apart.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature.
• Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, firm strawberries for the best flavor and appearance. Pat them dry before placing them on the cakes to avoid excess moisture.
• Customize the Filling: Add a little lemon zest or a splash of vanilla extract to the filling for a personalized twist.

Recipe Variations

Here are 5 variations you can try for Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes:

• Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Mini Cakes: Swap the strawberries for fresh raspberries for a tangy twist.
• Chocolate-Covered Blueberry Mini Cakes: Add fresh blueberries to the top or mix them into the filling for a fruity flavor combination.
• Mini Cakes with Whipped Cream: Use whipped cream instead of cream cheese for a lighter filling.
• Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cake Pops: Use the same recipe to make mini cake pops, perfect for kids’ parties.
• Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Trifles: Layer the chocolate cake, filling, and strawberries in small cups for an elegant dessert presentation.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These mini cakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover mini cakes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes easier:

• Round Cookie Cutter: A round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter is essential for cutting uniform mini cake circles.
• Piping Bag: A piping bag is useful for filling the cakes with cream cheese filling neatly.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate and butter together smoothly.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading the chocolate coating evenly on the mini cakes.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
   Yes, dark chocolate can be used for a richer, slightly less sweet coating.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the mini cakes and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day before serving.
3. Can I use a different fruit?
   Absolutely! You can substitute the strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even bananas.
4. Can I make these without the filling?
   Yes, you can skip the cream cheese filling for a simpler version of the mini cakes.
5. Can I freeze these mini cakes?
   Yes, these mini cakes freeze well. Just wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Print

Conclusion

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes are a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolate, fresh fruit, and a creamy filling in a perfectly sized bite. With their beautiful presentation and irresistible taste, they are perfect for any occasion, from celebrations to casual treats. Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with variations, these mini cakes will always impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

With their moist, fluffy cake base, topped with luscious chocolate ganache and a fresh strawberry, each bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. These mini cakes are easy to make and customizable, allowing you to add your own creative twist, whether it’s using white chocolate, adding a drizzle of caramel, or experimenting with different fillings.

I’d love to see your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes come to life! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your gorgeous creations. Happy baking!