I still remember the exact moment when I nailed these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache. It was a chilly December evening, the kitchen buzzed with Christmas tunes, and I was elbow-deep in flour and cocoa, hunting for that perfect flavor punch. What surprised me the most was how these little cakes packed all the festive cheer into every single bite—rich, moist, and dripping with glossy ganache that set tongues wagging. That sweet and slightly bitter ganache paired with the tender cake was unforgettable, bursting with holiday spices and sugar-kissed warmth. This recipe is pure Cuba Queen magic—bold, unapologetic flavor that turns your holiday baking from mild to wild.
These Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache are everything I stand for—big flavor explosions in small, individual Christmas cakes that everyone fights over. The charm of a mini Christmas dessert is getting that perfect slice of joy without any waste or fuss. Each cake is like a holiday gift on its own, stacked with layers of spice, sweetness, and that signature ganache glaze that seals the deal. I’ve tested countless holiday ganache cakes, but these little gems deliver that wow factor consistently. I’m beyond excited to share the recipe that changed my festive baking game forever. Get ready to own your holiday kitchen like the flavor adventurer you are!
Since you love bold, satisfying flavors, this Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache will be your next obsession. Think of these cakes as tiny celebrations, rich enough to satisfy but small enough to keep you coming back for more. And if you want a taste adventure beyond these, you NEED to check out the mini banana pudding cheesecakes on my site—they’re a flavor explosion too! Ready to dive into festive holiday baking with a recipe that’s as show-stopping as it is delicious? Let’s roll up those sleeves!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
This Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Here’s what you’ll grab:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for that light crumb!)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (your cakes’ rise party starter)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (the festive soul)
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg – freshly grated if you want to flex
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (because we’re not shy on flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to balance the sweet)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (splurge on real butter for richness)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (the sweet backbone)
- 3 large eggs (for that tender crumb)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (the flavor lift)
- ¾ cup whole milk (or almond milk for a twist)
- 8 oz bittersweet chocolate (70% cacao is my go-to for epic holiday ganache cakes)
- ¾ cup heavy cream (dreamy ganache magic)
Now here’s the game-changer for your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache: swapping standard vanilla for Madagascar bourbon vanilla intensifies that vanilla warmth without overpowering spices. You’ll find your best ingredients like freshly ground spices and top-tier chocolate at specialty markets or gourmet grocery stores—don’t skimp here, it makes ALL the difference.
Budget-friendly hack? Use store-brand spices and semi-sweet chocolate; the cake still shines, but I promise this recipe does its best work when you go all-in. Pro tip: soften butter to room temp and measure flour precisely for baking perfection. If you’re prepping ahead, toast your spices lightly to unlock deeper flavors and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks—your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache deserves nothing less!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with festive cupcake liners—the small size means your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache will bake perfectly and look adorable.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This spice combo is the backbone for these mini Christmas desserts, so don’t rush this step.
- In your stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat softened butter and sugar on medium-high until fluffy and pale—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache start here with a luscious batter, so don’t rush!
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract. If your batter looks a little curdled now, no worries—this is normal.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry. Mix on low speed just until combined. Over-mixing will toughen your festive holiday baking masterpiece.
- Use a teaspoon or small scoop to fill each mini cupcake liner about two-thirds full. Resist the urge to overfill and risk a cakey volcano.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs—your cue that these individual Christmas cakes are perfectly baked.
- Cool your cakes in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. They should feel springy and smell like a warm holiday hug.
- Making the ganache: chop bittersweet chocolate finely and place in a heat-proof bowl. Bring heavy cream just to a simmer, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir slowly until glossy and smooth.
- Spoon or drizzle the ganache over each mini cake while slightly warm for the perfect shiny finish. Your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache will transform into pure magic in front of your eyes.
Don’t stress—your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache is going to be incredible! Here’s where most people mess up holiday ganache cakes: overheating the cream or not stirring enough. Keep your heat low and stir gently for that perfect silky glaze. While these beauties bake, grab your camera—this is Instagram gold! For another festive option, if you’re hungry for a crowd-pleaser, try the Christmas cookies with orange juice recipe on Cuba Queen—it’s a flavor bomb worth tasting side-by-side.
PRESENTATION:
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve these Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache at holiday parties. Mini Christmas desserts like these scream celebration—small, elegant, and packed with personality. Stack them on a tiered dessert tray, sprinkle some edible gold dust or crushed peppermint on top, and you’ve got a showstopper.
Pair these individual Christmas cakes with a cup of spiked eggnog or a robust cup of Cuban coffee—the bitterness cuts through the sweetness beautifully. If you’re thinking seasonal twists, I’ve tested adding a dash of chili powder to ganache or swirling in some cranberry compote inside the cakes before baking—both kill it!
Save leftovers? No problem. Chop leftover Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache and fold into vanilla ice cream. Hello, dessert remix heaven! For a stunning holiday table, place your cakes near greens or poinsettias for color contrast that pops. Guests often say these holiday ganache cakes taste like a luxury bakery hit but with a comforting homemade vibe.
If you love stacking flavor surprises, you need to peek at my Christmas salad with honey mustard dressing next—it’s a perfect fresh balance to your sweet bites. And if you want your Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache in a kit, check out this DIY Christmas cake kit available locally in Las Vegas for an easy festive win.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache spicier?
A: Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra ground cloves to your dry mix for a slow-building heat that’ll surprise your taste buds. I’ve done this for taste testers, and the reaction was “Wow, that kick was unexpected!”
Q: What if I don’t have bittersweet chocolate for my ganache?
A: No worries, semi-sweet or dark chocolate works great. Avoid milk chocolate—it’s too sweet and won’t have that rich ganache depth. I once used leftover baking chocolate, and it turned out great after adding a touch of espresso powder.
Q: How do I know when my Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache is perfectly done?
A: Check for a toothpick with moist crumbs, a gentle spring when you press the top, and that unmistakable warm Christmas spice smell filling your kitchen. If your cakes sink or crack, you probably overbaked—timing is everything here.
Q: Can I prepare these cakes ahead?
A: Yes! Bake them a day ahead, store airtight at room temperature, then drizzle ganache just before serving for that freshly glazed wow factor. For longer storage, freeze baked cakes without ganache and thaw before finishing.
Q: Any gluten-free tweaks?
A: Substitute an equal blend of gluten-free flours with xanthan gum. I recommend testing small batches for crumb texture. Many community bakers have loved this swap!
Q: What variations of Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache do I love?
A: I’ve tested orange zest and cranberry bits inside the batter, espresso ganache dipping, and even mini layers with caramel filling. My personal fave—the classic spiced cake with dark chocolate ganache—gets the biggest reaction hands-down.
Q: Where else can I network with flavor adventurers making these cakes?
A: Join the lively conversation and share your creations here on the “Made these Christmas theme mini cakes” Facebook group. The community buzz over Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache is fire!
CONCLUSION:

Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache are everything Cuba Queen stands for—bold, joyful, mouthwatering flavor adventures wrapped in bite-sized celebrations. My Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache Power Tips:
- Always use fresh spices toasted lightly for flavor depth
- Trust a slow pour of hot cream over chocolate for ganache that shines
- Timing is key; don’t overbake—mini cakes come out perfect at 15 minutes with my oven
Beyond the classic, try variations like cranberry-ginger infusion, chili-chocolate ganache, or a boozy rum-soaked cake base. Each version delivers a flavor story that thrills. The one that gets the loudest cheers? The classic with thick ganache gloss. It’s a standout star for your holiday menus.
Turn this Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache recipe into your holiday signature—it’s your tool for flashy, unforgettable desserts that feel personal. I promise you’ll get rave reviews and mouthy “where did you get this?” questions. I’m amped to see the memories you create—post your creations and join the flavor fiesta!
If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try the Yule Log Cake Recipe from Stress Baking for another showstopper with ganache sparkle. Trust me, your festive holiday baking adventures are about to get seriously next-level!
Ingredients Visual Reference

Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache
These Festive Mini Christmas Cakes with Ganache are moist, spiced treats perfect for holiday celebrations, topped with a rich chocolate ganache and festive decorations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried mixed fruits (raisins, cherries, apricots)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- For Ganache:
100g dark chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup heavy cream - Edible gold stars or festive sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour 6 mini cake molds or cupcake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in chopped dried fruits and nuts.
- Divide batter evenly among prepared molds, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- To make ganache, heat heavy cream until just simmering and pour over chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Pour ganache over cooled mini cakes and decorate with edible gold stars or festive sprinkles.
- Let ganache set before serving.
Notes
For extra festive flair, add a small piece of candied orange peel on top of each cake before the ganache sets.

