Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache have become one of my family’s most treasured holiday treats. It all started when my daughter, who’s usually picky about desserts, asked if I could make something special for our Christmas gathering that was both festive and chocolatey. I wanted a dessert she—and everyone else—would love, but easy enough to whip up on a busy December evening. After trying a few versions, I landed on these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache. The rich chocolate ganache frosting combined with the moist cake keeps everyone coming back for more.
When I brought these small-but-mighty cakes to our holiday table, the smiles and happy chatter made me realize just how much food can truly bring people together. There’s something magical about sharing miniature Christmas desserts that feel both special and approachable. These cakes offer that perfect balance—just the right size for a sweet treat, with festive cake decorations that light up the table.
Making these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache became a new tradition in our home. They’re simple enough for weekday celebrations yet impressive enough for Christmas brunch or dessert. Most importantly, they get everyone talking—and eating! And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert baker to pull them off. Over time, I discovered kitchen tips that took these cakes from good to memorable. I’m excited to share all of it so you can add these miniature Christmas desserts to your own family’s favorites.
If you love chocolate, holidays, and family moments, these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache are a must-try. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe year after year, just like we do. Let’s jump in so you can get started making your own.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the ingredient list that makes these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache come together easily. Trust me, this list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – I recommend using a good quality, unbleached flour for the best texture in your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Regular sugar works great here, and it helps the chocolate shine through.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Choose a Dutch-processed cocoa if you can; it deepens the chocolate taste in your holiday mini cakes.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk – My family prefers whole milk for extra richness in our Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache, but 2% will work too.
- ½ cup vegetable oil – Oil keeps these cakes moist and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup boiling water – Helps bloom the cocoa for a moist crumb.
For the chocolate ganache frosting:
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped – Quality chocolate really makes all the difference for the chocolate ganache frosting.
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
You’ll find all these ingredients at your regular grocery store, especially this time of year. If you need to swap, this Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache is forgiving: you can use almond milk instead of dairy milk or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil without losing much flavor.
Here’s a Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache secret that makes all the difference: let your cocoa powder and chocolate come to room temperature before mixing. It helps everything blend smoothly for a silky chocolate ganache frosting every time.
How to Make It
Making these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache is easier than you might think. Here’s how I do it step-by-step—follow along, and you’ll have a kitchen filled with the irresistible smell of chocolate holiday mini cakes in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a mini muffin pan with festive paper liners or lightly grease for easy cake removal.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This even distribution helps your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache rise nicely.
- Combine wet ingredients. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then add milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
- Blend wet and dry. Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry. Your batter will be thick and rich.
- Add boiling water. Carefully pour in the boiling water and stir until smooth. Don’t worry if the batter looks thin—that’s perfect for moist Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache.
- Fill muffin cups. Pour the batter evenly into 18 mini muffin liners, about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the tops spring back to touch.
- Cool completely. Transfer the cakes to a wire rack for cooling while you prepare the ganache.
- Make the chocolate ganache frosting. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir gently until glossy and smooth. This is the chocolate ganache frosting that makes your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache shine.
- Frost the mini cakes. Once the cakes are cool, use a small offset spatula or spoon to spread the ganache over each cake. For extra festive cake decorations, add sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or edible glitter before the ganache sets.
This Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache typically takes me about an hour from start to finish, including baking and frosting. Your kitchen will smell amazing while these holiday mini cakes cook, filling the air with sweet chocolate goodness.
I used to mess up my Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache by overbaking, which made them dry. Now I always set a timer for 18 minutes and check early to keep them soft and moist.
Serving Ideas
Everyone reaches for seconds when these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache come out with their shiny chocolate ganache frosting glistening under holiday lights. Perfect for Christmas parties, these miniature Christmas desserts fit nicely on buffet tables or as part of individual place settings.
For a simple presentation, arrange your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache on a festive platter with fresh holly or rosemary sprigs around the edges. They also pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache works well as an afternoon treat with tea or coffee, too. For leftovers, tightly cover them and refrigerate; they keep best for 3-4 days. Just bring to room temperature before serving again.
If you want to try variations, my family loves adding orange zest to the batter for a citrus twist or sprinkling chopped nuts over the chocolate ganache frosting. You’ll find inspiration in places like Molly’s Cupcakes Des Moines for fancy decorating ideas or from this lively discussion on Kids’ Christmas cake chocolate ganache frosting.
For those who enjoy holiday sides, this Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache reminds me of another family favorite, Christmas salad with honey mustard dressing, which balances sweet and savory perfectly for holiday meals.
Your Questions Answered
Here are answers to home cooks’ most common questions about Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache to help you feel confident making these miniature Christmas desserts.
- Can I make this Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the mini cakes up to two days ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Apply the chocolate ganache frosting the day you plan to serve to keep that glossy finish fresh. - What if I don’t have heavy cream for the chocolate ganache frosting?
You can substitute evaporated milk or full-fat coconut milk in a pinch. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious. - How do I store leftover Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache?
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge. - Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
Absolutely. Semi-sweet works well, but dark or milk chocolate can be used depending on your family’s taste. - How do I get a smooth chocolate ganache frosting?
Make sure your chopped chocolate is fine and the cream is hot but not boiling before pouring. Stir gently without rushing until smooth—patience pays off! - Are these mini cakes suitable for kids?
Definitely! The size is perfect for little hands, and the chocolate flavor is always a winner with kids. If you’re worried about nuts or certain decorations, skip those or substitute accordingly. - Does this Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache recipe require special equipment?
No special gear needed. A mini muffin pan, bowls, and a spatula will do. If you don’t have a mini pan, you can use a standard muffin pan—bake times will adjust accordingly.
For more easy festive treats, check out Christmas cookies with orange juice and ghost mini taco pies. Plus, there’s a fun online conversation where fans have shared how they made these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache with festive spin: Made these Christmas theme mini cakes.
The Final Word
Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache have earned a permanent spot in my recipe box because they bring joy without fuss. They work for any holiday meal and make the dessert table feel special and inviting.
My Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache Tips:
– Always check the mini cakes a couple of minutes before baking time ends to avoid dryness.
– Use the best-quality chocolate you can find for the ganache frosting; it makes a difference.
– Let the ganache cool slightly before frosting so it sets perfectly while still spreading easily.
I’ve tried variations like adding a hint of cinnamon or swapping regular cocoa for spiced cocoa powder—each brings a fun twist. My youngest loves the classic chocolate version, while my husband prefers the orange zest twist. My extended family always requests these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache, and now I hope your family will adore them too.
Making these cakes feels like wrapping the holiday spirit into every bite. They’re definitely worth making your own and sharing with the people you love.
If you’re interested in other holiday treats to serve alongside, this dessert pairs well with the Christmas salad with honey mustard dressing, or try some Christmas cookies with orange juice for a sweet contrast.
Here’s to your next family meal win with Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache!
Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache
Delight in these festive mini Christmas cakes topped with rich chocolate ganache, perfect for holiday celebrations or gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease mini cake pans or muffin tins.
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts gently.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared mini cake pans and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream until just simmering and pour over chocolate chips; let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Drizzle or spread the ganache over the cooled mini cakes and let set before serving.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, garnish the ganache with edible gold flakes or crushed candy canes.