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Delicious small chocolate cake topped with creamy frosting and chocolate shavings

Small Chocolate Cake

A decadent yet compact chocolate cake that delivers big flavor in a small slice, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Bakery
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cake
  • 1 cup 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (100g) dark brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (120g) full-fat sour cream
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (60mL) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (120mL) boiling water
  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder* Optional but enhances chocolate flavor.
For the frosting
  • 1 cup 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups 2 cups (260g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons 1-2 tablespoons milk Adjust for desired consistency.

Method
 

Making the Cake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a small cake pan.
  2. In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix the sugars with eggs until creamy.
  4. Add sour cream, oil, and vanilla to the wet mixture, then slowly stir in the boiling water and espresso powder.
  5. Gradually fold in the dry mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing!
  6. Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Let it cool completely.
Making the Frosting
  1. Beat the butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually incorporate the sifted powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
  3. Add the vanilla and enough milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.
  4. Frost the cooled cake and enjoy your delicious creation!

Notes

Tip: Let the cake cool completely for the smoothest frosting application. This cake pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.