Name: Chocolate Mini Bundt Cakes with Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed; 2 large eggs; 1 Tbsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking soda; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup warm water; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 3/4 cup whipping cream; 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 8 reviews

If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for all things chocolate, then you are going to adore this Chocolate Mini Bundt Cakes with Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe. These little cakes are the perfect bite-sized indulgence, boasting a deep chocolate flavor that’s moist and tender with every forkful. Covered in a velvety, glossy ganache, they bring just the right amount of richness without overwhelming your palate. Whether you’re making them for an intimate gathering or a festive occasion, these delightful mini cakes will quickly become a beloved favorite because the balance of textures and flavors is truly spot-on. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to bake these gorgeous treats that promise pure chocolate happiness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view shows nine small black bowls and an old black jug with milk arranged on a rustic, light wood surface. The bowls contain different baking ingredients: dark brown cocoa powder at the top right, two brown eggs on the left side below the jug, white granulated sugar to the right of the eggs, light brown sugar below the white sugar, a dark liquid below the brown sugar, a square slab of light yellow butter to the right below the dark liquid, a small brown liquid in a tiny bowl to the right of the butter, white flour below the eggs, and white baking powder below the flour. A dark brown cloth loosely wraps around the right side of the bowls and jug, adding texture to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chocolate Mini Bundt Cakes with Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe is surprisingly simple when it comes to ingredients, yet every single one plays a vital role in achieving that irresistible taste and texture. From the rich cocoa powder that infuses deep chocolate flavor to the buttermilk which adds moisture and tenderness, each ingredient is chosen carefully for a reason.

Butter (1/2 cup unsalted, softened): brings richness and helps create a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): for sweetness and a light crumb texture.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup, lightly packed): adds subtle molasses notes and moisture.
Eggs (2 large): provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract (1 Tbsp): enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth.
Baking soda (1 tsp): leavens the cake for a light, airy texture.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): forms the base of the cake’s structure.
Cocoa powder (1 cup): packed with intense chocolate flavor and natural color.
Salt (1/2 tsp): balances sweetness and brings out the cocoa notes.
Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): keeps the cake moist and soft with a tender bite.
Warm water (1 cup): helps dissolve cocoa and blends the batter smoothly.
Buttermilk (1/2 cup): adds acidity for tender crumb and richness.
Whipping cream (3/4 cup): used for the luscious ganache glaze that’s silky and glossy.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (6 oz): melts into the ganache providing that decadent finishing touch.

How to Make Chocolate Mini Bundt Cakes with Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, spray your mini bundt pans generously with baking spray or grease them with shortening. This step ensures your cakes will come out cleanly with all those charming ridges intact. Setting your pans aside while you mix the batter keeps everything moving smoothly in the kitchen.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is key because it incorporates air into the batter, helping to create those wonderfully tender cakes that melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, whisk in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth. The eggs build structure while the vanilla adds a fragrant warmth that complements the chocolate perfectly.

Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Incorporate baking soda, flour, cocoa powder, salt, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and warm water into the wet mixture. Whisk everything together until the batter is silky smooth and lump-free. This part is where the magic happens — that silky batter holds the promise of rich chocolate flavor and moist texture.

Step 5: Bake the Mini Bundt Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared mini bundt pans. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Baking times might vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on your little cakes! Once done, let them cool in the pans for about 5 to 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Rich Chocolate Ganache

While your cakes cool, it’s time to make the ganache glaze. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the whipping cream until it just starts to boil. Remove from heat and pour the cream over the chocolate chips. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes before whisking until smooth and glossy. This ganache will add that luscious finish that every chocolate lover dreams about.

Step 7: Glaze the Bundt Cakes

Gently pour the warm ganache over each cooled mini bundt cake, making sure to coat every curve. Let the glaze cool and set slightly before serving. The ganache will harden just enough to give a slight snap as you bite in, contrasting beautifully with the moist cake beneath.

How to Serve Chocolate Mini Bundt Cakes with Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe

A close-up view of a silver metal baking tray filled with chocolate batter in six visible flower-shaped molds. Each mold is filled with a rich, thick, dark brown chocolate batter with a smooth and slightly swirled texture. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding the right garnish can turn these mini cakes from delicious to dazzling. Consider tossing some fresh raspberries or a few mint leaves alongside for a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the ganache can also add a lovely elegant touch.

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the richness of these mini bundt cakes perfectly. For a lighter pairing, some fresh berries or even a tangy berry compote provide a nice balance to the dense chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve each mini bundt cake on individual plates garnished with edible flowers for a charming presentation? Or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand to impress guests at a party. Wrapping each cake with a ribbon and placing them in small boxes works wonderfully if you want to gift these delightful treats to friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep these mini bundt cakes at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Storing them properly keeps the cake moist and the ganache glossy. Just be sure to protect the glaze from any mess to maintain that irresistible shine.

Freezing

These cakes freeze beautifully. Wrap each cooled cake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

To gently warm the cakes and refresh the ganache’s softness, microwave each cake for about 10 to 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as the ganache can become too soft or even melt completely. Slightly warmed, they taste like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for the ganache?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give a more intense, slightly bitter edge to your ganache which many chocolate purists love. Just make sure to adjust sweetness accordingly if you prefer a sweeter glaze.

What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles, then use as instructed. This adds the necessary acidity for tender crumb and rise.

Can I make these cakes in a regular muffin pan?

Yes, you can bake this batter in a muffin pan, but keep in mind the distinctive bundt shape and the way the ganache clings to the curves are part of the charm of these cakes. Adjust baking time accordingly, usually around 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Is there a way to make these cakes dairy-free?

You can swap butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk with a splash of vinegar as your buttermilk substitute. Use dairy-free chocolate chips for the ganache to keep all elements delicious and dairy-free.

How do I prevent the ganache from becoming grainy?

The key is to pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit undisturbed before whisking slowly. This allows the chocolate to melt evenly. Whisk just until smooth without overworking it, and make sure your cream is hot enough to melt the chocolate completely.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about this Chocolate Mini Bundt Cakes with Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe that makes it so easy to fall in love with. It’s a simple recipe that yields impressive, show-stopping results with intensely rich chocolate flavor, tender moist crumb, and that silky ganache glaze that truly sets it apart. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just as a treat for yourself, these mini cakes are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. You really can’t go wrong with this recipe, so grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to some chocolate bliss!