Super Bowl Desserts Mini Chocolate Layer Cakes

Name: Super Bowl Desserts Mini Chocolate Layer Cakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 mini cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup hot water; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Chocolate shavings; Fresh strawberries or raspberries

Highlighted under: Celebration Cooking

I absolutely love making these mini chocolate layer cakes for the Super Bowl! They're the perfect combination of rich chocolate and moist texture, making them a hit with everyone. I enjoy how easy they are to assemble, yet they look so impressive on the dessert table. Each bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, and they’re just the right size for football fans to enjoy during the game. Trust me, these little cakes will be the talk of the party!

Created by

Arden Whitlock

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:18:37.280Z

When I first decided to create mini chocolate layer cakes, I wanted to combine the excitement of dessert with the festivities of the Super Bowl. After experimenting with various recipes, I found that using oil instead of butter kept the cakes wonderfully moist and fluffy!

As I layered the chocolate ganache between the cakes, I realized that a dash of espresso powder really enhances the chocolate flavor. Each mini cake is a delightful explosion of taste, making them the perfect sweet treat to share while watching the game!

Why You'll Love These Mini Cakes
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate ganache is a rich, glossy topping that elevates these mini cakes. The key here is to use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips, as they will melt beautifully into a creamy mixture. When heating the heavy cream, monitor it closely; it should just start to simmer but not boil. Boiling can cause the ganache to separate, resulting in a less desirable texture. If it does separate, you can try whisking in a teaspoon of warm cream to help bring it back together.

Once combined, let your ganache cool slightly before spreading, as this will help it hold its shape when applied to the cakes. You want a pourable consistency for the outer layer, but slightly thicker for the filling between the layers. This difference in texture ensures that the filling stays put while the outer layer glides over the cake surfaces, creating a beautifully finished appearance.

Tips for Assembly and Decoration

When assembling your mini cakes, it’s essential to use a serrated knife to slice the cakes in half horizontally. This technique prevents crumbling, allowing for neat layers and a polished look. Make sure to slice them while they're completely cooled; otherwise, they may crack or break apart. For a precise cut, line the knife with dental floss—this avoids the mess of traditional cutting and gives you clean edges.

For decoration, I love using semi-sweet chocolate shavings for an elegant touch, which also reinforces that rich chocolate flavor throughout. If you're looking for freshness, opt for fresh strawberries or raspberries, which introduce a delightful tang that balances the sweetness of the cake. You can even mash the fruit slightly and layer it into the cakes for an added burst of flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your mini chocolate layer cakes:

For the Cakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup hot water

For the Chocolate Ganache

1 cup heavy cream
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration

Chocolate shavings
Fresh strawberries or raspberries

Make sure to have these ingredients ready for a delicious dessert experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your mini chocolate layer cakes:

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until well combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Finally, stir in the hot water until smooth.

Bake the Cakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a mini cake pan. Pour batter into each compartment, filling halfway. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Make the Ganache

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips and vanilla. Let sit for a few minutes, then whisk until smooth.

Assemble the Cakes

Once the cakes are cooled, slice each in half horizontally. Spread a layer of ganache on the cut side of one half, top with the other half, and then cover the entire cake with ganache. Repeat for each mini cake.

Decorate and Serve

Top each mini cake with chocolate shavings and fresh fruit. Serve them up at your Super Bowl party and watch them disappear!

Enjoy your delicious mini chocolate layer cakes and the game!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter. This enhances the chocolate richness without making the cake taste like coffee.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These mini chocolate layer cakes can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent option for a Super Bowl party. You can prepare the cakes and allow them to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This method not only saves you time on game day but can also enhance the flavors as the cakes sit.

Once decorated, these cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. If you have leftovers, avoid stacking them to maintain the decoration’s integrity; instead, keep them in a single layer. If you'd like to freeze them, do so unassembled without ganache; they can be frozen for up to a month and thawed in the refrigerator before decorating.

Variations and Customizations

While the rich chocolate flavor is hard to beat, there are numerous ways to customize these mini layer cakes to suit your taste. You can infuse the cake batter with flavors like espresso powder or coffee extract for a mocha twist. Alternatively, try adding a hint of peppermint extract for a festive variation that pairs well with chocolate.

Another fun variation is to switch up the ganache flavor; incorporating orange zest directly into the ganache provides a lovely citrus balance that complements the chocolate nicely. You could also experiment by adding crushed nuts or toffee bits in between the layers for added texture. Each variation brings a new twist, making these mini cakes a versatile option for any gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these mini cakes in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day ahead. Just ensure they are fully cooled and stored in an airtight container.

→ What if I don't have buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, let it sit for 5 minutes.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. You may want to cover them to keep them fresh.

→ Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream if you prefer.