Mini Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Mini Red Velvet Cake Recipe

There’s something irresistibly charming about mini red velvet cakes. Their rich, velvety texture, deep crimson color, and decadent cream cheese frosting make them a standout dessert for special occasions. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner for two, prepping for a Valentine’s Day surprise, or just want a perfectly portioned sweet treat, this recipe delivers on all fronts. 

Mini red velvet cakes are also a favorite for birthdays, anniversaries, bridal showers, and even upscale dinner parties. They look elegant, taste heavenly, and are surprisingly easy to make from scratch.

This recipe yields moist, soft, and flavorful cakes with the iconic hint of cocoa and tangy buttermilk undertone. Topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, each bite is a luxurious experience in flavor and texture. 

The best part? These cakes bake faster than full-sized versions, cool quicker, and are perfect for customizing.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe ?

Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this mini red velvet cake recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests or your sweetheart.

🧺 What Do You Need to Prepare Mini Red Velvet Cakes?

To make these little bites of bliss, you'll need basic baking ingredients plus a few red velvet essentials. Here's the full list:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 How to Make Mini Red Velvet Cake Step-by-Step Instructions ?

These mini red velvet cakes come together quickly and look absolutely stunning. Follow this step-by-step guide for the best results:

Mini Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Your Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour mini cake pans, ramekins, or use a muffin tin with parchment circles at the bottom.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, beat the egg, sugar, and oil until combined. Add in the buttermilk, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring. Mix until smooth and vibrant.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix—stop once no streaks remain.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared mini cake molds. Fill about ⅔ full. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow cakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Once cakes are cooled, frost each mini cake generously. Add decorations such as sprinkles, red velvet crumbs, or chocolate curls.

🍰 Variations

The classic mini red velvet cake is perfection, but here are some creative variations you might love:

• Stuffed Mini Cakes: Add a dollop of cheesecake or chocolate ganache in the center before baking.

• Red Velvet Lava Cakes: Insert a small chunk of chocolate truffle in the center before baking for a molten core.

• Vegan Version: Replace egg with applesauce or flaxseed meal, and use dairy-free milk and cream cheese.

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version.

• Layered Minis: Cut each mini cake horizontally and layer with frosting for an elegant mini layer cake.

• Heart-Shaped Pans: Use silicone heart molds for an extra festive look on Valentine's Day.

• Cupcake Style: Use cupcake liners and decorate like cupcakes for a grab-and-go version.

📝 Cooking Note

Red velvet cake relies on the interaction between acidic and alkaline ingredients to achieve its distinct flavor and tender texture. The vinegar and buttermilk in the batter react with baking soda to help the cakes rise while also producing that classic red hue when combined with cocoa powder and food coloring.

Don't skip the vinegar—it enhances the red color and balances the sweetness. For the richest flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder. While natural cocoa works, Dutch-processed gives the cake a deeper taste and color.

When preparing the frosting, ensure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened to avoid lumps. Sift your powdered sugar for a smoother finish.

Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. If you try to frost while warm, the cream cheese will melt and slide off.

If you’re using molds or ramekins, always test with a toothpick for doneness, as baking time may vary slightly depending on the pan's material and depth.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Mini red velvet cakes are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your presentation:

• Romantic Dessert Platter: Pair with strawberries and a glass of champagne.

• Holiday Display: Arrange on a tiered tray for a festive holiday table.

• Tea Party Treat: Serve with assorted teas and finger foods.

• Ice Cream Pairing: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy contrast.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a warm chocolate ganache drizzle over the frosting for extra indulgence.

Whether served on fancy china or paper dessert plates, these mini cakes are guaranteed to steal the show.

💡 Helpful Tips