Single Serve Red Velvet Cake Recipe for Your Sweet Tooth

Craving a red velvet cake but don’t want to make a full-sized one? This small red velvet cake recipe is perfect for you. It’s a moist, rich, and velvety mini red velvet cake that serves one or two people like my other Red Velvet Mug Cake.

This small red velvet treat is everything you love about the classic dessert but in an adorable 4-inch size. The red velvet small cake is topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, making it an ideal indulgence for special occasions or whenever you need a sweet fix.

Prep Time of Red Velvet Cake

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Category: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 1

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake

Gather these simple ingredients for your small red velvet cake. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s explore what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its tender crumb.

Flour: Forms the base of the mini red velvet cake, providing structure.

Cornstarch: Helps create a softer, more delicate texture.

Baking powder: Helps the small red velvet rise, creating a light texture.

Baking soda: Works with buttermilk to provide additional leavening.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the red velvet small cake.

Oil: Adds moisture and keeps the cake tender.

Butter: Provides richness and flavor to the cake.

Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Egg white: Binds ingredients and adds structure (whole egg option for richer texture).

Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.

Red food coloring: Gives the cake its signature vibrant red color.

Cocoa powder: Provides a subtle chocolate flavor and deepens the red hue.

Hot water: Helps bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying its flavor.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Butter: Provides structure and richness to the frosting.

Cream cheese: Gives the frosting its signature tangy flavor.

Powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting.

Vanilla: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake

Follow these steps to create your own small red velvet treat at home:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: sugar, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture: oil, melted butter, vanilla, egg white, buttermilk, and red food coloring. Gently whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

In a separate small bowl, bloom the cocoa powder by mixing it with hot water. Add this cocoa mixture to the cake batter and stir gently until incorporated.

Bake the Cake

Grease two 4-inch cake pans or use 4-inch cake rings on a silicone baking mat. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.

Bake for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter, room-temperature cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve a creamy frosting consistency.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are cooled, trim the tops if needed to create even layers. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.

Add the second layer and either frost the entire cake or decorate with frosting dollops as desired.

Tips for the Perfect Small Velvet Cake

Creating the ideal mini red velvet cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly:

Getting the Right Color

The signature red color of a velvet cake comes from food coloring. Use gel food coloring for the best results. Adjust the amount of cocoa powder and food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.

Choosing the Right Pan

For this small red velvet cake recipe, you’ll need two 4-inch cake pans. If you don’t have these, you can use 8-oz ramekins or 4-inch cake rings on a silicone baking mat.

Mixing the Batter

Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender small red velvet.

Storing Your Red Velvet Small Cake

Your red velvet small cake will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days if stored in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This small red velvet cake recipe is versatile. Here are some ways you can customize it:

Egg Substitution

If you’re out of eggs or prefer an eggless version, replace the egg white with 3 tablespoons of milk. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Buttermilk Alternative

No buttermilk? No problem. Mix 3 tablespoons of regular milk with 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar to make a quick buttermilk substitute.

Frosting Options

While cream cheese frosting is traditional for velvet cake, you can experiment with other frostings like vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache for a different twist.

This small red velvet cake recipe is perfect for satisfying your cake cravings without the commitment of a full-sized cake. Whether it’s for a special occasion or any moment, this mini red velvet cake will surely hit the spot.

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