The Cake Merchant

  • Home
  • About
  • recipes
  • Contact

The Cake Merchant

  • Home
  • About
  • recipes
  • Contact

Mini Mocha Layer Cake

08.21.14

Mini Mocha Cake

One of the best things about my wedding was seeing family members that I hadn’t seen in years. My family is spread out all over the world, and they came from California, Canada, Australia, and India among other places. My grandmother’s 89th birthday just so happened to be two days after my wedding, and with so many family members still around, I had the perfect reason to bake a great big chocolate cake. I didn’t get a chance to take a picture of it since it was gobbled up so quickly, but the cake I am sharing with you today is a miniature version of what I made for my family.

My grandmother doesn’t eat eggs, even in cake. This used to be quite an ordeal for me when I tried to bake her birthday cakes growing up. The lack of eggs along with the fact that her tiny little oven only has 2 settings (off and incinerate) made for some interesting cake like concoctions. Having a good eggless recipe comes in handy not only when baking for my grandmother, but also when trying to pair a recipe down for a mini cake. Have you ever tried to use 1/3 of an egg? It’s kind of a pain. Recipes are so much easier to make tiny when there is no egg involved.

Mini Mocha CakeMini Mocha Cake

For my first recipe after a long hiatus, I just couldn’t resist doing a mini layer cake. They are just too cute, and the perfect size for two (or one if you’re really hungry). I used a 4-inch cake pan and then sliced the cake into three layers, because I wanted more room for frosting. You can also slice it into two, or just leave it as one layer if you like. I also added a shot of espresso to the frosting to give it a mocha flavor, but you can easily leave it out and add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder for a rich chocolate frosting.

Mini Mocha Cake

Print
Mini Mocha Layer Cake

Yield: One 3 layer 4-inch cake

Ingredients

    For the Cake:
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk (non-dairy milk is fine)
  • 1/4 teaspoon white or cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the frosting:
  • 1/2 cup (110 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (115 grams) confectioner's sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ounce (30 ml) espresso, cooled to room temperature
  • pinch of salt
  • For the Whipped Cream:
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream, chilled
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • cocoa powder for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. For the Cake:
  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
  3. Grease and line a 4-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and vinegar and set aside for a few minutes to curdle.
  5. Add the sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract and whisk together until the mixture becomes foamy.
  6. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  7. Whisk together until combined.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 20-23 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack, and then turn the cake out onto the wire rack and cool completely.
  10. For the frosting:
  11. With an electric mixer, beat the butter, sugar, and cocoa powder together on low until just combined.
  12. Turn the mixer up to medium and continue beating for 2-3 minutes.
  13. Add the vanilla extract, espresso, and salt and beat to combine.
  14. For the whipped cream:
  15. With an electric mixer or the whisk attachment on your stand mixer, beat the cream until stiff peaks are about to form.
  16. Add the sugar and vanilla extract and beat until stiff peaks have formed.
  17. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
  18. To Assemble the Cake:
  19. Slice the cake into 3 even layers.
  20. Place the bottom layer of the cake on a cake board or plate and spread about 2 tablespoons of frosting on top.
  21. Do the same with the second layer.
  22. Place the last layer on top and apply a thin coat of frosting around the top and the sides of the cake to crumb coat it.
  23. Put the cake in the fridge and let the frosting set for 30 minutes.
  24. Once the crumb coat has set, spread a thicker layer of frosting on the top and sides of the crumb coat to create a smooth finish.
  25. Place the whipped cream in a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe the whipped cream on top of the cake.
  26. Dust with cocoa powder.
3.1
https://cakemerchant.com/2014/08/21/mini-mocha-layer-cake/

Notes:

The frosting makes enough for a 3 layer cake with a crumb coat and a little left over. If you don’t plan to divide your cake into layers or crumb coat, you can cut the frosting recipe in half.

You can make this recipe vegan by using non-dairy milk in the cake, replacing the butter in the frosting with margarine and/or shortening, and omitting the whipped cream.

Cake recipe adapted from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World

Share
Share on Facebook
Tweet
Tweet this
Pin
Pin this

39 Comments · Cake

Comments

  1. Pallavi says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:16 pm

    The perfect little cake – precious!

    Reply
    • Natasha says

      August 28, 2014 at 9:04 am

      🙂

      Reply
  2. Jessica @ Sweet Menu says

    August 21, 2014 at 11:28 pm

    Awww how cute is this little cake! Its decorated beautifully and i love the perfect little layers!

    Reply
    • Natasha says

      August 28, 2014 at 9:03 am

      Thank you, Jessica!

      Reply
  3. Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com says

    August 24, 2014 at 1:58 am

    This is so darling! I love your mini cakes. And you’re right–eggs are the WORST when trying to reduce recipes, you’re a genius for figuring out a way around it. 🙂

    Reply
    • Natasha says

      August 28, 2014 at 9:04 am

      Thanks, Elizabeth! I know, I’ve totally tried to divide an egg in 4 before. Doesn’t work to well…

      Reply
  4. Nancy @ gottagetbaked says

    August 27, 2014 at 5:15 pm

    Natasha, your mini mocha cake is so adorable! I’ve been wanting to buy six inch and four inch cake pans for a long time but I’ve been too cheap to make the investment. Seeing how beautiful this is makes me want to press “order” in my Amazon account! I love the way you dotted the whipped cream over top. Beautiful photos, lady!

    Reply
    • Natasha says

      August 28, 2014 at 9:05 am

      Thanks, Nancy! I’m actually pretty cheap when it comes to pans, too. That’s why I didn’t divide the layers into different pans- I only have one 4-inch pan!

      Reply
  5. Cate @ Chez CateyLou says

    September 2, 2014 at 10:08 am

    You are so right, mini cakes are TOO CUTE! I love this cake, it looks so delicious and so adorable! I need to try a mini cake!

    Reply
  6. Holly says

    September 10, 2014 at 5:10 pm

    How great to have an egg-free recipe. My best friend’s husband is allergic, so I keep a few recipes for eggless cake up my sleeve, but I will be sure to try this one out- perhaps for their imminent baby shower cake! The cake looks beautiful too 🙂 Holly

    Reply
  7. Erika says

    September 13, 2014 at 12:35 pm

    Ugh, this is the CUTEST!!! (I love the appropriately sized saucer to go with this mini cake slice ;)) Also, so cute to imagine you trying to bake an eggless cake for your grandma! Have you ever tried Sweetapolita’s vegan dark chocolate cake recipe? I’ll have to compare hers to this one to see if its the same…that is by far my favorite vegan cake recipe that I’ve found so far!

    Reply
    • Natasha says

      September 15, 2014 at 10:24 am

      Thanks, Erika! I haven’t tried Sweetapolita’s recipe, but the proportions are almost exactly the same as this one from VCTOTW. I do want to try her vegan chocolate frosting though.

      Reply
  8. Maggie says

    September 15, 2014 at 8:58 pm

    Is the cake moist? It’s so adorable! I love your recipes they’re absolutey delicious! Love your website<3
    I don't have a 4 inch cake pan, can i bake it in a big cake pan and then cut out 4 inch circles? Please reply! Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  9. keona says

    September 16, 2014 at 8:16 pm

    This are the cutestest thing ever! Is the cake moist? my moms birthdayday is coming up and i was looking for a mini cake recipe and when i saw yours i knew she would love it. Please reply! i love your website<3

    Reply
    • Natasha says

      September 16, 2014 at 10:11 pm

      Thanks, Keona! It is moist, as long as you don’t over bake it. Just watch closely near the end of the baking time.

      Reply
  10. Lisa says

    February 23, 2015 at 4:11 am

    I tried this recipe today and I absolutely love the frosting! It tastes amazing! But I also noticed that you forgot to mention when to add in the milk to the mixture. I obmitted the baking soda as well because I couldn’t find any at the moment, the cake turned out fine but not fluffy. I’m gusessing it’s becuse of the baking soda? But I would definitely make this again! Thank you for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
    • Natasha says

      February 25, 2015 at 10:08 am

      Thanks, Lisa! Glad you liked the frosting and I’ll update the cake recipe.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 25, 2015 at 10:23 am

        I checked the recipe and the milk is in step number 4. You should add everything else into the milk mixture. The baking soda is necessary in the recipe because it reacts with the vinegar and causes the cake to rise.

        Reply
  11. tonya says

    November 12, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    What is the depth of the cake pan you used? I have 4 x 3 in pans and a 4 x 1 3/4 in springform pan. Which could I use and how should I adjust the temp and baking time?

    Reply
    • Natasha says

      November 16, 2015 at 4:24 pm

      I used a 2-inch pan, but you can use a 3-inch pan without adjusting the baking time.

      Reply
  12. aya says

    October 9, 2018 at 10:57 am

    hi which number of plain tip did i use? please help thanks

    Reply
  13. AudemarsPiguetオーデマピゲ時計販売店 says

    September 13, 2021 at 1:02 pm

    4mm Vacuum Hose
    AudemarsPiguetオーデマピゲ時計販売店

    Reply
  14. Extra Large Clothes Drying Rack says

    September 14, 2021 at 11:23 am

    BottegaVenetaボッテガヴェネタバッグスーパーコピー
    Extra Large Clothes Drying Rack

    Reply
  15. Gucciグッチ財布コピー says

    September 14, 2021 at 5:50 pm

    100l Brite Tanks
    Gucciグッチ財布コピー

    Reply
  16. ブランド財布コピー代引き says

    September 15, 2021 at 9:52 am

    Flange Pipe Joint
    ブランド財布コピー代引き

    Reply
  17. ブランドBvlgariブルガリネックレスコピー代引き says

    September 15, 2021 at 1:31 pm

    60 Egg Holder
    ブランドBvlgariブルガリネックレスコピー代引き

    Reply
  18. NFT Checker says

    September 16, 2021 at 1:23 am

    Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clarity for your submit is simply cool and that i could suppose you’re an expert in this subject. Well with your permission let me to clutch your feed to keep up to date with impending post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please carry on the rewarding work.|

    Reply
  19. mudanças says

    September 16, 2021 at 9:32 am

    Good article! We will be linking to this particularly great content on our website. Keep up the great writing.|

    Reply
  20. tupalo.com says

    September 17, 2024 at 3:35 pm

    Terminated Reading a Blog Post: A Formal Reply to the Comment Section and
    an Invitation to Join “KING855”

    ‘After thoroughly reading the blog post, I would like to deliver the following feedback to the forum.

    Your opinions concerning the subject matter were quite thought-provoking .
    I was in consensus with a number of the ideas
    you brought up .

    It is gratifying to see such an lively dialogue taking place .

    If you are inclined in deeper delving into this issue , I would sincerely encourage you to become a
    member of the “KING855” group . There , you will have the chance
    to engage with like-minded members and dive deeper into
    these intriguing themes .

    I am convinced your participation would be a meaningful addition to the discourse
    .

    Appreciate your input , and I look forward to the possibility of continuing this
    enlightening conversation.

    Here is my web blog online casino withdrawal times
    (tupalo.com)

    Reply
  21. evocasino says

    September 18, 2024 at 10:58 pm

    “‘ การ ปรวนแปร ของ Evolution Gaming ‘”

    การ ปรับตัว และ ทันเหตุการณ์ เป็นเรื่องปกติในโลกของเทคโนโลยี และธุรกิจ ซึ่ง ‘Evolution Gaming’ เป็นหนึ่งในบริษัทที่สะท้อนแนวโน้มนี้อย่างชัดเจน

    Evolution Gaming เป็นบริษัทชั้นนำในอุตสาหกรรม เกมตามโอกาส
    ออนไลน์ โดย ก่อตั้ง ในปี 2006 และมีการ ขยายอิทธิพล อย่างต่อเนื่อง จนกลายเป็นหนึ่งในผู้นำด้านการให้บริการ เกมแห่งโอกาส สดแบบออนไลน์ที่ใหญ่ที่สุดในโลก

    ความ ความก้าวไกล ของ Evolution Gaming มาจากการ
    แปรเปลี่ยน และ ทันสมัย นวัตกรรมอย่างต่อเนื่อง บริษัทมีการ ใช้ เทคโนโลยีล่าสุดมาใช้ในการ
    พัฒนา เกมและการ ออกอากาศสด ผ่านแพลตฟอร์มออนไลน์ ทำให้ผู้เล่นสามารถ ได้รับประสบการณ์ประสบการณ์ การพนัน แบบ ออนไลน์แบบสด ได้อย่างสมจริง

    นอกจากนี้ Evolution Gaming ยังมีการ ขัดเกลาบุคลากรภายในองค์กรอย่างต่อเนื่อง โดยการ เสริมสร้าง ทักษะของ ผู้ปฏิบัติงาน เพื่อให้สามารถ จัดการ ความต้องการของ
    ผู้ใช้บริการ ได้อย่างมี ประสิทธิผล ซึ่งเป็นปัจจัยสำคัญที่ทำให้ Evolution Gaming สามารถ ดำเนินการต่อสู้ และเติบโต
    อย่างต่อเนื่องในตลาดที่มีการแข่งขันสูง

    การ ปรับตัว ของ Evolution Gaming ไม่เพียงแต่สะท้อนถึงความ ความก้าวไกล ขององค์กรเท่านั้น แต่ยังเป็นตัวอย่างที่ดีของการ แปรเปลี่ยน และพัฒนา นวัตกรรมในโลกธุรกิจ ซึ่งเป็นปัจจัยสำคัญที่จะนำไปสู่ ความทันสมัย และ ความมั่นคง ในอนาคต

    my blog post … evocasino

    Reply
  22. gambling data analytics says

    September 20, 2024 at 1:17 pm

    Superb Remark to Personal Site Critique

    Brilliant piece! I’m truly delighting in the information on this site.
    Obtain you in the past pondered concerning procuring
    in electronic gambling venue casino games? Evolution Gaming Platform is
    a brilliant provider including a wide choice of first-rate engaging gaming specialist products.
    The complete venture is so enthralling and authentic, it seems like you’re precisely within the casino
    in the gambling venue.

    Should you’re curious regarding attempting the
    platform further, I’d be delighted to happy to give the referral website address.
    The Evolution features a great registration reward to latest
    players. It is undisputedly helpful considering
    further should you’re yearning for a changed
    cyberspace betting affair.

    Acknowledgment once more to the website information. Preserve the the excellent
    labor!

    Feel free to surf to my web site; gambling data analytics

    Reply
  23. vivarocasino says

    September 21, 2024 at 12:59 am

    Graciously fellow commentator ,

    I discovered the insights shared in this blog post to be remarkably
    enlightening . The writer’s skill of the topic
    is undeniably commendable.

    If you are desiring a captivating and advantageous web-based gaming venture ,
    I would eagerly encourage you to investigate the offerings
    of VIVARO CASINO.

    With its extensive diversity of mesmerizing diversions , generous bonuses , and hassle-free environment ,
    VIVARO CASINO offers an matchless leisure scene that
    suits both novice and proficient players
    analogously.

    I exhort you to experience VIVARO CASINO and discover the
    buzz that lies in store you. I am convinced you
    will deem the venture to be particularly pleasurable .

    Cordial wishes

    Also visit my website: vivarocasino

    Reply
  24. Kurtis says

    September 21, 2024 at 1:45 am

    Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a
    amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you!

    By the way, how can we communicate?

    Reply
  25. Professional Circular Knitting Machine says

    September 21, 2024 at 9:52 am

    Directional Control Valve 4WE 10 D for Rexroth
    Single Circular Knitting Machine
    http://www.gataquenha.com
    Directional Control Valve 4WE 10 J for Rexroth
    Leadsfon Rib Interlock Circular Knitting Machine
    Jersey Making Machine
    グランドラグジュアリー
    Knitting Machine Company
    Poppet Directional Valve M-SEW 6
    Directional Control Valve 4WE 10 E for Rexroth
    Directional Control Valve WH
    Professional Circular Knitting Machine

    Reply
  26. cheap jordan shoes online free shipping says

    September 25, 2024 at 4:21 am

    The color scheme is inspired by Chicago Bulls and is similar to the classic “Bred” color scheme, but with minor adjustments to the details, it also has its own characteristics.The upper uses a bright red mesh as the basis and a black suede overlay. The white Jumpman Logo appears on the tongue and heel, which contrasts strongly with the black upper underneath.The midsole uses red and black as alternate treatments, and a small part of the translucent Air cushion is exposed at the back of the midsole. A Variety Of Colors, High Quality And Lowest,Wholesale Jordan Shoes- Cheap Prices For The New Jordans,Latest Wholesale Jordans Shoes Hot Sale Online Now! All The New And Future Jordans Shoes For Sale With Unique Design, A Variety Of Colors, High Quality And Lowest,Cheap Jordan Shoes with 60% OFF Disc,We are A professional and reliable Jordan Shoes Shop Online, supplying a variety of hot selling Air Jordan shoes at cheap prices and free shipping globally -Cheap Air Jordan Shoes Shop – Air Jordan 4 Cement, Air…

    Reply
  27. gambling sites says

    September 26, 2024 at 11:49 am

    Salutations, colleague reader. I must compliment the author for their thoughtful and eloquently-crafted
    blog post. The content was both illuminating and thought-provoking, leaving
    me with a heightened understanding of the issue at hand.

    I would want to extend an proposal to be a part of the respected PUSSY888 group.
    This place offers a realm of recreation and excitement, accommodating
    those who appreciate the finer things in existence.
    I urge you to explore the wide-ranging choices and immerse yourself in the electrifying explorations that
    lure you. Your contribution would be particularly cherished,
    and I await with excitement the chance to dialogue with you at length within this illustrious online realm

    Feel free to visit my page … gambling sites

    Reply
  28. เว็บคาสิโนออนไลน์ที่มีอัตราการจ่ายรางวัลสูงที่สุดในประเทศไทย says

    September 26, 2024 at 11:53 pm

    การ พนัน “หวยฮานอย” เป็นอีกทางเลือก
    หนึ่งที่ได้รับ ความปรารถนา จากคนไทย ในการ ลุ้นรับโชค เมื่อเทียบ
    การ ลุ้น หวยรัฐบาลหรือ”หวยลาว”
    ความน่าสนใจ ของ”หวยฮานอย”คือ การ จัดการรอบรางวัล ทุกวัน ส่งผลให้ผู้ เสี่ยง สามารถลุ้นรับ ได้บ่อยครั้ง และมีโอกาส สร้าง รายได้ใหม่ จากการ ซื้อ หวย

    อย่างไรก็ตาม การ พนัน “หวยฮานอย” ก็ไม่ ปลอดจาก เนื่องจากผู้เล่น บางรายอาจ เล่น
    มากเกินไปหรือ ป่วยเป็น การพนัน ซึ่งอาจ ส่งผลเสียตามมา ต่อ สุขภาพ นอกจากนี้ ยังมี โอกาส
    เรื่อง การถูกฉ้อราษฎร์บังหลวง
    จากผู้ที่ ต้องการผลตอบแทน โดยมิชอบ

    เพื่อให้การ ซื้อ “หวยฮานอย” เป็นเพียงการ เล่นเพื่อความมุ่งหวัง เพื่อ ความเพลิดเพลิน และ ไม่ทำให้เกิดผลเสีย จึงควรมีการ ตรวจสอบ และ ควบคุม
    อย่างใกล้ชิด เช่น การ ตั้ง
    ระยะเวลา ในการ ทำ
    ที่ เพียงพอ รวมถึงการ
    ตัดสิน ผู้ ทำผิดกฎระเบียบ ทั้งนี้เพื่อให้การ เสี่ยง “หวยฮานอย” เป็นส่วนหนึ่งของการ ใช้ชีวิต อย่าง
    ระมัดระวัง และ ไม่ทำให้เกิดปัญหา ชีวิต ของผู้ ซื้อ

    My web blog เว็บคาสิโนออนไลน์ที่มีอัตราการจ่ายรางวัลสูงที่สุดในประเทศไทย

    Reply
  29. best customer service in online casinos says

    September 27, 2024 at 2:30 am

    The provided substance of this blog post is extremely fascinating .
    I liked the way you analyzed the various issues so extensively and lucidly .
    You assisted me acquire fresh viewpoints that I never considered before.
    Thank you for communicating your knowledge and competence – it has allowed me to
    acquire knowledge even more.
    I particularly relished the ground-breaking perspectives you presented ,
    which expanded my understanding and cognition in valuable
    trajectories . This blog is coherent and enthralling, which is paramount for information of this caliber .

    I wish to peruse further of your creations in the days to come , as
    I’m certain it will continue to be illuminating and assist
    me persist in developing . I convey my thankfulness!

    My web-site: best customer service in online casinos

    Reply
  30. wm casino says

    September 27, 2024 at 7:18 am

    I discovered your blog post to be a stimulating and wise examination of the current state of the domain .
    Your appraisal of the principal changes and challenges
    tackling companies in this sector was remarkably convincing .

    As an enthusiastic supporter of this theme , I would be to
    continue this debate more extensively . If you are keen , I would
    cordially invite you to venture into the enthralling choices
    available at WM CASINO.
    Our space features a modern and safe realm for interacting
    with like-minded individuals and gaining a abundance of knowledge to enhance your awareness of this ever-changing
    industry . I await with excitement the opportunity of
    cooperating with you in the approaching future

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About Me

Welcome to the Cake Merchant! I’m Natasha, the cake maker behind this blog. Here, I share my favorite cakes, baking tips, dessert experiments, and the occasional picture of my dog... READ MORE

Keep In Touch

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

Subscribe

Small Batch Favorites

  • Vegan Blueberry Almond Crumb Muffins for Two
    Vegan Blueberry Almond Crumb Muffins for Two
  • Teeny Tiny Chocolate Cake for One
  • Double Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie for Two
  • Mini One Bowl Yellow Cake with Malted Chocolate Frosting
  • Birthday Cakes in a Jar
  • Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

© Copyright 2025. The Cake Merchant. All Rights Reserved. Design by Oh Wild.

Cleantalk Pixel