Chocolate Bonbons Mini-Cakes

Chocolate Bonbons Mini-Cakes are rich, bite-sized desserts that bring the elegance of fine confections into a soft, moist mini cake form. With a tender chocolate base, silky ganache center, and a glossy chocolate shell, these treats are as impressive to look at as they are delicious to eat. Perfect for parties, holiday platters, or an indulgent personal treat, they strike the perfect balance between beauty and indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent chocolate flavor in every bite
• Moist cake with a creamy ganache filling
• Elegant presentation ideal for special occasions
• Easy to customize with flavors, toppings, or coatings
• Can be made ahead and stored for later

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the mini chocolate cakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Large egg
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Boiling water

For the ganache filling:

• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
• Heavy cream

For the chocolate coating:

• High-quality dark chocolate or candy melts (tempered if possible)

Directions

this recipe

1. Make the cakes:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with liners or grease well.
   • In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
   • Add egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
   • Stir in boiling water slowly until batter is thin and smooth.
   • Fill muffin cups ¾ full and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
2. Make the ganache:
   • Heat cream in a small pan until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl.
   • Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth. Cool until thick but pipeable.
3. Fill the cakes:
   • Use a melon baller or paring knife to scoop a small hole in each mini cake.
   • Pipe or spoon ganache into the center. Chill cakes for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
4. Coat the cakes:
   • Melt and temper chocolate or use candy melts for easier handling.
   • Dip each chilled mini cake into the chocolate to coat fully. Let set on parchment paper.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 mini cakes
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 15 minutes
• Chill & Set Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add a touch of espresso powder for a mocha flavor
• Use flavored ganache (orange, raspberry, mint)
• Top with crushed nuts, sprinkles, or edible gold leaf
• Swap dark chocolate for white or milk chocolate coating

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
• Freezing: Freeze uncoated cakes; thaw and coat in chocolate before serving
• Reheating: Not recommended—best served chilled or at room temperature

FAQs

Can I use a boxed cake mix?

Yes, to save time. Choose a rich chocolate mix for best results.

How do I temper chocolate for coating?

Melt two-thirds of your chopped chocolate, then stir in the remaining third to bring the temperature down before reheating gently.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin pan?

Use silicone molds or shape the cake into balls after baking and cooling, like cake pops.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?

Absolutely—use your preferred chocolate type for the coating and ganache.

How long do they keep?

They stay fresh in the fridge for about 5 days. Best texture is within 3.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze before coating, then coat in chocolate once thawed.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the cake recipe.

How can I add flavor to the ganache?

Add extracts, liqueurs (like Chambord or Grand Marnier), or a touch of sea salt.

What’s the best way to dip the cakes?

Use a fork or a candy dipping tool to lower into melted chocolate and let excess drip off.

Can I serve these warm?

No, they’re best served cool or room temp to maintain structure and coating.

Conclusion

Chocolate Bonbons Mini-Cakes are the ultimate miniature indulgence—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. With their rich center, moist cake, and crisp chocolate coating, they deliver the full chocolate experience in a fun and elegant form. Make a batch for your next celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth—you won’t be disappointed.

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