Black Forest Mini Cakes

Introduction

Indulge in the rich flavors of Black Forest Mini Cakes, a delightful twist on the classic Black Forest cake in individual serving sizes. These mini cakes are perfect for special occasions or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy any day. Originating from the Black Forest region in Germany, this dessert is known for its layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream.

What sets these mini cakes apart is their cute presentation and convenient portion size. Each bite-sized cake is a burst of decadent chocolate, tart cherries, and creamy frosting, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk (120ml)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (60ml)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) cherry pie filling (400g)
• 1 tablespoon cherry brandy (optional)

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the cake.
3. Add milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and bake for 18-20 minutes.
5. Let the mini cakes cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Meanwhile, combine cherry pie filling with cherry brandy, if using, for the filling.
7. Once the cakes are cool, use a spoon to create a well in each cake and fill with cherry filling.
8. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form for the frosting.
9. Pipe or spread whipped cream on top of the mini cakes.
10. Garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh cherries before serving.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Serving Size: 12 mini cakes
• Difficulty: Medium

Tips & Variations

• For an alcohol-free version, substitute cherry brandy with cherry juice.
• Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before filling and frosting to prevent melting.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
• To reheat, briefly microwave individual cakes or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• You can assemble the components ahead and store them separately until ready to serve for convenience.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g

Conclusion

Experience the joy of Black Forest Mini Cakes with their delightful layers of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream. These mini indulgences are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings for a special treat. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and enjoy the luxurious flavors of this classic dessert in a miniature form!

Pair these mini cakes with a hot cup of coffee or a dollop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent experience. We hope you enjoy making and savoring these miniature delights. Share your creations with us and let us know how your Black Forest Mini Cakes turned out!