Small Chocolate Cake Recipe [6-inch]

Making a small chocolate cake recipe is quick and easy, requiring basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

You won’t need any fancy equipment, just a bowl, whisk, and a small cake pan. With a few simple steps, you can whip up a moist, flavorful cake that’s packed with the intense taste of cocoa.

What I love about this recipe is that it offers all the deliciousness of a traditional chocolate cake but in a smaller, more manageable portion.

Plus, it’s highly versatile. You can add a touch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor, or top it with whipped cream, berries, or even a dollop of ice cream.

In this post, I’ll guide you through every step, ensuring you can bake the perfect small chocolate cake. Let’s get started with this deliciously simple chocolate cake recipe.

Why You’ll Make a Small Chocolate Cake Recipe?

Sometimes, you just don’t need a big cake. A small chocolate cake recipe is perfect for those moments when you want a quick dessert that doesn’t result in excessive leftovers.

This recipe also allows you to indulge in a delicious dessert without the commitment of a large cake, which can be tempting to overeat.

How To Prepare Chocolate Cake Small Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 230

Servings: 8

Equipment Needed

• 6-inch round cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

How To Make The Chocolate Cake Small Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Combine Mixtures:

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this ensures a moist cake.

5. Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool the Cake:

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare the Frosting:

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with milk, and mix until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.

8. Frost the Cake:

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the chocolate cream cheese frosting on top and sides as desired.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the cake and savor the rich chocolate flavor with friends or family!

Serving Suggestions For Your Small Chocolate Cake Recipe

1. Classic with Ice Cream: A timeless pairing, a scoop of vanilla ice cream atop a slice of warm chocolate cake is pure indulgence.

2. Decadent with Ganache: Drizzle rich chocolate ganache over the cake for a decadent and luxurious finish.

3. Fruity with Fresh Berries: Add a touch of tartness and sweetness by topping your cake with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries.

4. Nutty with Caramel and Pecans: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake and top with chopped pecans for a delightful crunch and a hint of saltiness.

5. Miniature Marvels: Cut the cake into small, bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings.

Tips For Making The Best Small Chocolate Cake:

✔ Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure your ingredients are precise, especially the flour and sugar, for consistent results.

✔ Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature to help them mix more easily and create a smoother batter.

✔ Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy texture.

✔ Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.

FAQs

Conclusion

This small chocolate cake recipe is the perfect go-to dessert when you’re in the mood for something rich, moist, and chocolatey, but don’t want to bake a full-sized cake.

It’s quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients, making it a great choice for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

The smaller portion size ensures just the right amount of indulgence without overwhelming leftovers.

I hope you enjoy baking and savoring this delightful small chocolate cake as much as I do. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep handy for any occasion when a little sweet treat is in order! Happy baking!