Go Back
Adam

Heavenly Mini Soft Cakes | Light, Fluffy & Perfect for Every Occasion

Imagine biting into a little cloud of sweetness—soft, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth. That’s exactly what you get with Heavenly Mini Soft Cakes. These delightful little treats are the perfect combination of fluffy sponge texture and gentle sweetness, making them ideal for afternoon tea, birthday platters, or as a light dessert after a hearty meal. Mini cakes are wonderful because they offer portion control without sacrificing indulgence. They’re easy to dress up with glazes, whipped cream, or fresh fruit, yet they’re equally satisfying plain. Their petite size makes them a hit at parties, lunchboxes, and holiday gatherings. The secret to their soft texture lies in the gentle folding of the batter, ensuring maximum airiness, and the precise balance of wet and dry ingredients. The result? A golden, tender crumb that practically melts on your tongue.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
bake time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 mini cakes
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fresh Products:
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup whole milk room temperature
Culinary Aids & Spices:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup powdered sugar optional, for dusting
Dairy Products:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¼ cup sour cream for extra tenderness

Equipment

  • Mini muffin tin or mini cake molds
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Small sifter (for dusting powdered sugar)

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly grease your mini muffin tin or mini cake molds, or line with paper cups.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Add Wet & Dry in Stages
  1. Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed.
  2. Pour in the milk and sour cream, mixing just until combined.
  3. Add the remaining dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula to avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Fill & Bake
  1. Spoon batter into mini cake molds, filling each about ¾ full.
  2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
  1. Let cakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  2. Dust with powdered sugar or top with a light glaze if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
Keep for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezer:
Freeze plain mini cakes for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and dust with sugar before serving.
Reheating:
Warm for 5 minutes in a 300°F oven for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
🥄 Variations
Citrus Mini Cakes: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter.
Berry Bliss: Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries before baking.
Chocolate Marble: Swirl in melted chocolate for a marbled look.
Nut Lovers’ Version: Add finely chopped pecans or almonds.
Glazed Finish: Drizzle with a simple lemon or vanilla glaze.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist.
Frosted Mini Cakes: Top with buttercream for party-ready treats.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make these without sour cream?
Yes—replace with plain yogurt or an extra ¼ cup milk.
2. Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, but omit baking powder and reduce salt.
3. How do I make them more moist?
Don’t overbake, and consider adding a tablespoon of oil to the batter.
4. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
5. Can I make them dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free yogurt.
6. Can I make them ahead for parties?
Yes—store in an airtight container and dust with sugar just before serving.
7. Can I bake them in regular muffin tins?
Yes—they will just be slightly larger and may need 2–3 more minutes of baking.
8. How do I add a filling?
Bake halfway, add a teaspoon of jam or cream, then cover with more batter.
9. Can I frost these?
Yes—cream cheese frosting or whipped cream works well.
10. Can I make them in a mini bundt pan?
Yes—just adjust baking time by a few extra minutes.
🏁 Conclusion
These Heavenly Mini Soft Cakes are the perfect bite-sized indulgence. With their fluffy, tender crumb and endless customization options, they fit right in at brunch, tea time, birthday buffets, or holiday dessert spreads. They’re quick to prepare, easy to store, and versatile enough to suit any flavor craving. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself baking them on repeat.