Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How to Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

      How to Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with one of these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Food and Recipes
  3. Desserts
  4. Cakes
  5. 13 Mini Cakes That Prove Good Things Come In Small Packages

13 Mini Cakes That Prove Good Things Come In Small Packages

Mary Shannon Hodes, Associate Digital Editor at Southern Living
By Mary Shannon Wells
Skip gallery slides
FB
Buttermilk-Lime Mini Cakes with Vanilla-Mascarpone Buttercream
Credit: Greg DuPree

We've all been there: You're hosting Thanksgiving, the birthday party, or supper club. It's time for dessert, and you can't wait to dig into that big-batch sheet cake, elegant layered confection, or intricate Bundt creation. But because you're a gracious host, you stand at the sideboard and slice, slice, slice away for each guest until there's none left. The kids who complained that their sibling got a bigger piece were no help, either. Now you have to smile for everyone as you eat the store-bought cookies you bought as a backup dessert. But what if there was an easier way? What if there was a way every guest could get an equal serving of cake (including you)? With this mini cake recipes, there's no sharing required. Not only are these mini cake recipes the easiest way to serve (goodbye uneven slices!), but they're absolutely adorable! Individual cakes are also a smarter choice if you're aiming for the cleanest dessert experience. With recipes like carrot cake, red velvet cake, apple cider pound cake, and even firecracker cake, there are mini cake recipes for every holiday and season. Not to mention, decorating a mini cake is so much quicker and simpler than its larger counterpart. So make your next Friday night family dinner a special occasion—these tiny cakes make a big impact.

Start Slideshow

1 of 13

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Credit: Photographer: Alison Miksch Food Stylist: Erin Merhar Prop Stylist: Prissy Lee

Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Instead of standing by to slice dessert for each family member this Thanksgiving, serve these festive mini cheesecakes.

1 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 13

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Carrot-Pineapple Mini Bundt Cakes with Buttermilk-Vanilla Glaze

Carrot-Pineapple Mini Bundt Cakes with Buttermilk-Vanilla Glaze
Credit: Cedric Angeles; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Carrot-Pineapple Mini Bundt Cakes with Buttermilk-Vanilla Glaze

It wouldn't be Easter without carrot cake, and these pretty little Bundts are our new favorite way to serve it. Instead of decorating an intricate layer cake, all you have to do is drizzle our tangy glaze on top.

2 of 13

3 of 13

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Almond-Coconut Mini Cakes

Almond-Coconut Mini Cakes
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Almond-Coconut Mini Cakes

How gorgeous are these?! These rich chocolate cakes are garnished with flaked coconut, chopped almonds, and a sweet almond glaze.

3 of 13

Advertisement

4 of 13

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Blueberry Mini Cheesecakes

Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Blueberry Mini Cheesecakes

Make the most of abundant fresh summer blueberries with these adorable cakes you can prep the night before and pop in the refrigerator.

4 of 13

5 of 13

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mini Red Velvet Cakes

Mini Red Velvet Cakes
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Mini Red Velvet Cakes

Instead of classic cream cheese frosting, our Test Kitchen upped the ante with fluffy Mascarpone. For a holiday gathering, garnish these mini cakes with fresh whipped cream, berries, and mint.

5 of 13

6 of 13

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Praline Mini Cakes

Praline Mini Cakes
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Praline Mini Cakes

With chopped pecans and toffee bits in the batter and homemade brown sugar icing on top, no one will know this decadent recipe starts with a box of cake mix.

6 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 13

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mini Confetti Cake

Mini Confetti Cakes
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Mini Confetti Cake

Instead of frosting such tiny cakes, we topped these with homemade whipped cream and assorted edible flowers for a smooth, beautiful finish.

7 of 13

8 of 13

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Buttermilk-Glazed Mini Fig Cakes with Vanilla Hard Sauce

Buttermilk-Glazed Mini Fig Cakes with Vanilla Hard Sauce
Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Recipe: Buttermilk-Glazed Mini Fig Cakes with Vanilla Hard Sauce

You don't need a specialty pan for this pretty dessert—simply use your muffin tin! Topped with a glaze and a sauce, these tiny treats have so much flavor.

8 of 13

9 of 13

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mini Apple Cider Pound Cakes

Mini Apple Cider Pound Cakes

Recipe: Mini Apple Cider Pound Cakes

Pack all the fall flavors and spices you crave into tiny loaf pans to share with your friends and neighbors. Leave them as-is or top with one of three delicious glaze recipes.

9 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 13

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mini Bourbon-and-Cola Bundt Cakes

Mini Bourbon-and-Cola Bundt Cakes
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Recipe: Mini Bourbon-and-Cola Bundt Cakes

Take one of your favorite drink orders to the dessert table with this cute recipe that's ready for anything from the tailgate to Tuesday's game night. Top these mini Bundt cakes with a simple Bourbon-Cola Glaze and shaved chocolate.

10 of 13

11 of 13

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Buttermilk-Lime Mini Cakes with Vanilla-Mascarpone Buttercream

Buttermilk-Lime Mini Cakes with Vanilla-Mascarpone Buttercream
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Buttermilk-Lime Mini Cakes with Vanilla-Mascarpone Buttercream

Perfect for a bridal shower or luncheon with the girls, these gorgeous little cakes start with a sheet cake that's brushed with a tangy lime syrup and end with dainty garnishes like white chocolate curls, pearl sprinkles, and fresh berries.

11 of 13

12 of 13

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mini Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cakes

Mini Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cakes
Credit: Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Mini Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cakes

Our Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cake is one of our most popular cake recipes of all time, so it's no wonder we made it into a miniature recipe for each guest to enjoy a personal cake.

12 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 13

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mini Firecracker Cakes

Mini Firecracker Cakes Image

Recipe: Mini Firecracker Cakes

With an "exploding" Pop Rock center, this festive Fourth of July dessert is as fun to eat as it is to make. Plus, you only need a few store-bought ingredients.

13 of 13

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Mary Shannon Wells

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 13 Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
    2 of 13 Carrot-Pineapple Mini Bundt Cakes with Buttermilk-Vanilla Glaze
    3 of 13 Almond-Coconut Mini Cakes
    4 of 13 Blueberry Mini Cheesecakes
    5 of 13 Mini Red Velvet Cakes
    6 of 13 Praline Mini Cakes
    7 of 13 Mini Confetti Cake
    8 of 13 Buttermilk-Glazed Mini Fig Cakes with Vanilla Hard Sauce
    9 of 13 Mini Apple Cider Pound Cakes
    10 of 13 Mini Bourbon-and-Cola Bundt Cakes
    11 of 13 Buttermilk-Lime Mini Cakes with Vanilla-Mascarpone Buttercream
    12 of 13 Mini Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cakes
    13 of 13 Mini Firecracker Cakes

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    13 Mini Cakes That Prove Good Things Come In Small Packages
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.