Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these chocolate covered strawberry mini cakes! They’re like little bites of heaven, perfectly combining the rich flavor of chocolate with the freshness of strawberries. I remember the first time I made these for a friend’s birthday party. The moment I pulled them out of the oven and topped them with those glossy, chocolate-dipped strawberries, I could hardly contain my excitement! Each mini cake is soft and moist, and that chocolate just takes it over the top. Trust me, when you take that first bite, you’ll be in dessert bliss! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a fancy gathering or just a cozy night in. You’re going to love making (and devouring) these delightful treats!
Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
How to Prepare Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes
Prepping the Batter
First things first, let’s get that batter ready! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, crack in those two large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, combining until just incorporated. You want to be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are totally okay! Once everything looks good, you’re ready to move on!
Baking the Mini Cakes
Now it’s time to bake those adorable mini cakes! Grease your mini cake pan with a bit of butter or non-stick spray to ensure they pop out easily later. Pour the batter evenly into the pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center of one of the cakes; if it comes out clean, they’re ready! Once baked, take them out and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the smell while they’re baking is simply heavenly!
Preparing the Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
While your mini cakes are cooling, let’s make those delicious chocolate-covered strawberries! In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Heat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat! Once you’ve got that luscious chocolate ready, take your hulled strawberries and dip each one into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat them well. Place the dipped strawberries on top of each mini cake while the chocolate is still warm so they’ll stick perfectly. Allow everything to set a bit, and then you’re all set for the grand reveal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Deliciously moist mini cakes that melt in your mouth.
- Beautifully topped with fresh, chocolate-dipped strawberries for that wow factor.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to fancy celebrations.
- Fun to make with kids or friends—everyone can join in on the dipping!
- Each bite is a delightful mix of rich chocolate and sweet strawberry.
Tips for Success
To make sure your chocolate covered strawberry mini cakes turn out perfectly, here are a few helpful tips! First, be sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this helps create that fluffy texture when creaming with sugar. Don’t skip the cooling step—letting the mini cakes cool completely is crucial before adding the chocolate-covered strawberries. If you want a shinier chocolate coating, add a tiny bit of vegetable oil to your melted chocolate—it makes a world of difference! And remember, fresh strawberries are key! Choose ones that are bright red and firm for the best flavor. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your chocolate covered strawberry mini cakes fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days! If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the mini cakes without the strawberries. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. I don’t recommend reheating them in the microwave, as they’re best enjoyed chilled. Just add fresh strawberries and a drizzle of chocolate when you serve—yum!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into these delightful mini cakes, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands, but here’s a typical breakdown for one chocolate covered strawberry mini cake:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
These mini cakes are a sweet treat, but remember to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Happy indulging!
FAQ About Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture on your mini cakes.
What if I don’t have a mini cake pan?
No problem! You can use a standard muffin tin as an alternative. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as they may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
How do I make the chocolate coating shiny?
To achieve that beautiful, glossy finish on your chocolate-covered strawberries, add a little vegetable oil or coconut oil to the melted chocolate. It makes a world of difference!
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake batter a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just give it a gentle stir before pouring it into the pan.
What’s the best way to store these mini cakes?
Store your chocolate covered strawberry mini cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to add the strawberries just before serving for the best taste!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this strawberry crunch cheesecake recipe or this chocolate cake with strawberries recipe!
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mini Cakes: 5 Sweet Delights
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious mini cakes topped with chocolate-covered strawberries.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients.
- Pour batter into a greased mini cake pan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes completely.
- Melt chocolate chips with vegetable oil.
- Dip strawberries in melted chocolate and place on top of each mini cake.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for freshness.
- Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Garnish with mint leaves for extra color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cake
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate covered strawberry mini cakes, dessert, mini cake, chocolate dessert
