When I first tasted these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache, I was right in the middle of wrapping gifts by the twinkling lights of my little tree. The aroma instantly took me back to cozy winter evenings filled with laughter and warm mugs of cider. What surprised me wasn’t just the rich chocolate ganache frosting swirled perfectly over each cake, but how each bite felt like a tiny celebration—simple yet full of heart. These mini Christmas cakes captured everything I love about the holidays: sweetness, comfort, and a sprinkle of festive magic.
This recipe truly embodies my philosophy of approachable, comforting meals here at the Carmen Wausa Blog. It’s all about creating moments that feel special without adding stress. I wanted Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache to be easy enough for any fellow food lover to whip up, yet impressive enough to bring smiles to every holiday gathering. After some experimenting, I found the perfect balance between a tender, spiced mini cake and the smooth, glossy chocolate ganache that feels indulgent without being over the top.
I remember the first time I served these alongside my Creamy Turkey Pot Mini Pies during a family dinner. The way everyone’s eyes lit up when they took a bite was unforgettable. What this Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache taught me is that food doesn’t have to be complicated to create warmth and celebration. I’m genuinely excited to share this recipe with you because it’s a joyful, doable holiday dessert recipe that turns any kitchen into a festive celebration hub. You’ll find it as comforting and satisfying as I do—just the kind of festive cake idea that deserves a spot in your holiday dessert lineup.
If you love simple but beautiful desserts, you might also enjoy cozy breakfast ideas like my Christmas Morning Quiche, or explore more festive cake ideas with unique holiday twists. This recipe even reminds me of the delightful Maryland Crab Cakes recipe I often serve alongside festive spreads—it’s all about bringing loved ones to the table with food that feels like a warm embrace. For a fun twist on holiday treats, check out creative festive mini loaf cakes shared by fellow cake lovers in the Christmas Mini Loaf Cakes group on Facebook.
Ingredients
Here’s the ingredient list you’ll need for these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache. It’s surprisingly simple but full of flavors that celebrate the season.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (The secret to amazing Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache is using fresh, good-quality flour straight from the mill.)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (If you want to splurge on one Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache ingredient, make it high-quality butter for the best richness.)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk (For an accessible alternative, use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s tang.)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely chopped dried fruits and nuts (optional, for a classic festive touch)
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (for the ganache frosting)
- ½ cup heavy cream
You’ll find the best ingredients for this Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache at your local farmers market or specialty stores, especially the dried fruits and fresh spices. Feel free to customize the mini Christmas cakes by swapping the spices or mix-ins to suit your family’s tastes. For those preferring a nut-free dessert, simply omit nuts without losing any of that comforting flavor.
It’s handy to measure and prep your ingredients ahead, especially the dried fruit and nuts, to keep your workspace smooth and joyful. Storing your chopped dried fruits in advance helps the flavors blend beautifully in the cake.
Let’s Make This!
This step-by-step guide is here to walk your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache from batter to beautiful finished treat. Don’t worry—your kitchen is about to fill with the sweet scent of holiday magic, and your mini Christmas cakes will turn out beautifully!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini cake pan or line muffin tins with paper cups.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This mix of spices is what brings the festive warmth to these mini Christmas cakes.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Here’s a helpful tip for Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache success: take your time at this stage—it makes the cakes wonderfully tender.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract for that beautiful aroma.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the chopped dried fruits and nuts gently. This is where your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache transforms into something truly special.
- Divide the batter evenly among your prepared mini cake pans. In my kitchen, this Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache takes exactly 18-22 minutes to bake—check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- While your mini Christmas cakes are baking, prepare the chocolate ganache frosting. Chop the semi-sweet chocolate finely. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering, then pour over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy. This ganache frosting adds that rich, indulgent finish.
- Once the cakes are cool, spread or drizzle the ganache over each mini cake. Your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache is taking shape beautifully now!
If you notice the ganache is too thick to spread, warm it gently over a double boiler for a few seconds. This small touch helps it glide perfectly. If mini cakes stick to the pans, a quick warm towel on the outside usually loosens them without damage.
While baking, take a moment to enjoy that amazing aroma filling your home—it’s part of the joy of making this festive dessert recipe.
Serving & Presentation
When it’s time to serve your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache, presentation makes all the difference. These mini Christmas cakes are perfect for individual servings, creating charming moments at holiday brunches, family dinners, or as a thoughtful hostess gift.
Try arranging the mini cakes on a rustic wooden board sprinkled lightly with powdered sugar to mimic freshly fallen snow. Add sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly leaves for simple Christmas cake decorations that feel both natural and elegant.
Pair these cakes with a hot cup of spiced tea or creamy coffee to balance the chocolate ganache frosting’s richness. Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache shine at holiday celebrations and cozy gatherings alike. They have a way of bringing everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied sighs.
To enjoy leftovers, slice the mini cakes and lightly toast them for a delightful breakfast treat. Or dip bits in warm milk for a mini indulgence that stretches the joy.
For more holiday dessert recipes, these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache are a wonderful companion to the warm goodness of my Creamy Turkey Pot Mini Pies or even a classic Yule Log Cake recipe like the one featured on Stress Baking.
Don’t forget to check out the DIY Christmas Cake Kit for Sale in Las Vegas, NV, for those looking to add even more festive charm to their celebrations. And if you want festive mini loaf inspirations similar to these wonderful little cakes, the Christmas Mini Loaf Cakes Facebook group is full of creative ideas and friendly tips.
FAQs
A: Absolutely! These mini Christmas cakes actually taste better after resting overnight. Store them covered tightly at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best chocolate ganache frosting texture.
A: No problem. Use regular milk and stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s tang. This simple substitute works beautifully in these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache.
A: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cakes should spring back slightly when touched gently.
A: Yes! Freeze the cooled mini cakes before frosting. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then frost with the ganache when ready to serve.
A: Definitely! Swap the dried fruits for fresh berries or add orange zest for a citrus twist. These festive cake ideas are flexible and welcome your personal touch.
A: Use good-quality chocolate, and don’t overheat the cream when making the ganache. Stir gently until smooth and apply when slightly warm for effortless spreading.
A: Simple decorations like crushed peppermint, edible gold dust, or candied orange peel make beautiful accents. Fresh rosemary sprigs or tiny holly leaves add a lovely natural touch.
Many readers have shared how their families have fallen in love with this recipe. One fellow lover even uses a festive mini loaf shape for gatherings, which you can find inspiration for in the Christmas Mini Loaf Cakes group on Facebook. I always encourage you to trust your instincts with these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache.
Why This Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache Will Become Your New Favorite
These Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache represent everything I stand for at Carmen Wausa Blog—comforting food made simple, designed to bring loved ones together without fuss. Whether you’re baking for a big celebration or a cozy evening at home, this recipe invites you to create joyful, memorable moments with minimal stress.
My Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache Success Tips:
- Make sure your butter is soft but not melted for perfect creaming with sugar.
- Don’t skip the resting time if you add dried fruits—they develop deeper flavors.
- Warm your ganache gently before frosting to avoid cracking.
I’ve created beloved variations of this recipe, like a spiced gingerbread mini cake with chocolate ganache or a citrus-infused version topped with white chocolate ganache. The classic version with cinnamon and nutmeg brings the most smiles around my holiday table. And when I serve them with the Creamy Turkey Pot Mini Pies, we share moments filled with laughter and gratitude.
I encourage you to make these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache part of your holiday traditions. You’ll find the process approachable and the results beautiful every time. Don’t forget to share your delicious results and festive cake decorations with our community!
For other comforting festive dishes, check out my Christmas Morning Quiche or the Maryland Crab Cakes recipe, both filled with rich flavors and easy steps to delight your family.
Together, let’s make this holiday season full of warmth, joy, and beautiful Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache memories.
Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache
Delight in these festive mini Christmas cakes topped with rich chocolate ganache, perfect for holiday celebrations and gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 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 brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup dried mixed fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped dates)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100g dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Edible gold dust or festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a mini cake pan or use silicone molds.
- In a bowl, cream the unsalted butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the dried mixed fruit and chopped nuts evenly into the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the mini cake molds, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before removing from molds.
- To make the ganache, gently heat the heavy cream until just simmering and pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Pour or spoon the ganache over each cooled mini cake and spread evenly.
- Decorate with edible gold dust or festive sprinkles if desired. Let ganache set before serving.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, serve these mini cakes with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.