Bring holiday cheer to your table this season with these delightful Mini Christmas Drip Cakes featuring a luscious chocolate ganache and topped with delightful festive garnishes. As the holidays approach, there’s nothing quite like a beautifully crafted dessert that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also captures the eyes. These mini cakes present the perfect blend of rich flavors and festive spirit, making them a great centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
With a light and fluffy sponge, enveloped in a glossy chocolate layer, and adorned with charming decorations such as cranberries and cinnamon sticks, these cakes are nothing short of enchanting. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; even novice bakers can create a show-stopping dessert that brings the bakery experience right to their kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a family dinner, a workplace holiday party, or simply indulging in the spirit of the season, these Mini Christmas Drip Cakes are bound to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Mini Christmas Drip Cakes Recipe
These Mini Christmas Drip Cakes are a perfect treat for several reasons:
- Stunning Presentation: Dripping ganache and festive toppings create a visually appealing dessert that is sure to wow your guests.
- Deliciously Light: The sponge cake is airy and soft, offering a perfect base for the rich chocolate ganache.
- Customizable Decor: Add your favorite seasonal toppings or get creative with decorations that fit your holiday theme.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, anyone can whip these up quickly.
- Holiday Spirit: These cakes resonate with the essence of Christmas, making them ideal for celebrations.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into creating your Mini Christmas Drip Cakes, it’s important to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Ensure all your ingredients are measured and ready to go, as this makes the baking process smoother. You’ll need:
- Mini cake pans or a muffin tin to create those cute little cakes.
- A mixing bowl for combining the batter ingredients.
- A piping bag fitted with a star tip for whipping cream decoration.
- A saucepan to heat the cream for the ganache.
- A rubber spatula for folding and mixing.
Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you start baking. Greasing the pans beforehand is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup cold heavy cream (for whipped topping)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for whipped topping)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for whipped topping)
- ½ cup chopped dark chocolate (for ganache)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 tsp butter (optional, for shine in ganache)
- Festive garnishes: fresh cranberries, gold sugar pearls, cinnamon sticks, small rosemary sprigs, powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Mini Cakes
Begin your magical journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your mini cake pans or muffin tin by greasing them well to ensure your cakes come out easily. In a sizable mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow this by mixing in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into your wet batter, alternating with adding the milk. This helps create a smooth and well-combined batter. Once your batter is ready, divide it evenly among your prepared pans and bake for 15–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let your mini cakes cool completely in their pans.
Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream
While the cakes cool, it’s time to prepare the delightful whipped cream topping. Take a mixing bowl and pour in the cold heavy cream. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract before beating the mixture with a mixer until stiff peaks form. The cream should hold its shape well when piped. Once ready, transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a star tip to elegantly decorate your cakes later on.
Step 3: Prepare the Ganache
With your cakes cooling and whipped cream ready, it’s time to make the chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream until it simmers but does not boil. Once steaming, pour the cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for about one minute to soften the chocolate, then stir until you achieve a silky smooth ganache. If you want a glossy finish, mix in the butter. Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens a bit for a perfect drip effect.
Step 4: Assemble the Cakes
Now comes the fun part—assembly! Start by placing your cooled mini cakes on a decorative platter or tray. Carefully spoon the ganache over each cake, allowing it to drip down the sides to create that captivating drip effect everyone loves. Once the ganache is in place, take your piping bag filled with whipped cream and pipe beautiful swirls in the center of each cake. To finish off these gorgeous desserts, get creative with your festive toppings! Add fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary sprigs for a traditional touch, or sprinkle on some gold sugar pearls for a touch of elegance. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add an enchanting snowy effect.
Variations
- Protein: For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of eggnog to the cake batter or using flavored whipped cream such as peppermint.
- Vegetables: Integrate finely grated carrots or zucchini into the cake batter for an unexpected twist and added moisture.
- Spices: Elevate the holiday spirit by adding warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger directly into the cake batter.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure that the butter is softened but not melted, as this affects the cake’s texture.
- For best results, chill your mixing bowl and whisk before whipping cream to encourage fluffiness.
- Pay close attention to your oven during baking, as mini cakes can bake quickly and may overbake if left in too long.
- Allow the ganache to cool before pouring; this will help achieve a thicker drip effect.
- Feel free to prepare the components in advance. The cakes can be made a day ahead, and the ganache can be stored in the fridge, just reheat it before use.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these delightful cakes alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa or spiced holiday tea for the ultimate festive experience.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
Tips
- For easier removal of the cakes from the pans, consider lining them with parchment paper in addition to greasing.
- Experiment with different chocolate types; milk chocolate or white chocolate can create different flavors and looks.
- Use food-safe decorations sparingly to keep the focus on the delicious cake!
- To avoid a mess, place the cakes on a cooling rack before pouring ganache to catch any drips.
- Encourage guests to decorate their own cakes with toppings for an interactive dessert experience!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 per cake
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I make these cakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day or two in advance, and store them covered at room temperature. Assemble with ganache and whipped cream just before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of heavy cream for the ganache?
You could use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream substitute if you’re looking for alternatives. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
How can I make these cakes more festive?
Consider decorating your mini cakes with colored candies, edible glitter, or themed decorations appropriate for your holiday festivities!
Is it necessary to chill the whipped cream before whipping?
Yes, chilling the cream and the bowl will help achieve a better whipped texture, resulting in a fluffier topping.
Conclusion
These Mini Christmas Drip Cakes with Chocolate Ganache and Festive Toppings are not just desserts; they are little pieces of holiday magic that bring joy to any occasion. Their stunning appearance and indulgent flavors will surely delight both adults and children alike. So, why not try making them for your next holiday gathering? The simple process and customizable nature will have everyone talking and coming back for more. Don’t forget to share your variations and experiences in the comments—let’s celebrate the season together with delicious treats!
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Mini Christmas Drip Cakes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Bring holiday cheer to your table with these delightful Mini Christmas Drip Cakes featuring a luscious chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup cold heavy cream (for whipped topping)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for whipped topping)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for whipped topping)
- ½ cup chopped dark chocolate (for ganache)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 tsp butter (optional, for shine in ganache)
- Festive garnishes: fresh cranberries, gold sugar pearls, cinnamon sticks, small rosemary sprigs, powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Begin your magical journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your mini cake pans or muffin tin by greasing them well to ensure your cakes come out easily. In a sizable mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow this by mixing in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into your wet batter, alternating with adding the milk. This helps create a smooth and well-combined batter. Once your batter is ready, divide it evenly among your prepared pans and bake for 15–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let your mini cakes cool completely in their pans.
- While the cakes cool, it’s time to prepare the delightful whipped cream topping. Take a mixing bowl and pour in the cold heavy cream. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract before beating the mixture with a mixer until stiff peaks form. The cream should hold its shape well when piped. Once ready, transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a star tip to elegantly decorate your cakes later on.
- With your cakes cooling and whipped cream ready, it’s time to make the chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream until it simmers but does not boil. Once steaming, pour the cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for about one minute to soften the chocolate, then stir until you achieve a silky smooth ganache. If you want a glossy finish, mix in the butter. Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens a bit for a perfect drip effect.
- Now comes the fun part—assembly! Start by placing your cooled mini cakes on a decorative platter or tray. Carefully spoon the ganache over each cake, allowing it to drip down the sides to create that captivating drip effect everyone loves. Once the ganache is in place, take your piping bag filled with whipped cream and pipe beautiful swirls in the center of each cake. To finish off these gorgeous desserts, get creative with your festive toppings! Add fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary sprigs for a traditional touch, or sprinkle on some gold sugar pearls for a touch of elegance. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add an enchanting snowy effect.
Notes
To achieve the perfect drip effect, allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 3 g