Mini Red Velvet Cakes | Sweet Valentine’s Day Treats

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There’s something magical about Valentine’s Day that makes even a simple dessert feel special. These Mini Red Velvet Cakes bring that magic home moist, ruby-red layers with a silky cream filling, each bite soft and rich with love. They’re simple to make, bake in under 30 minutes, and yield eight adorable treats perfect for sharing.

Why You’ll Love These Mini Red Velvet Cakes

Perfect for Valentine’s Day and Special Occasions

These cakes are just right for intimate dinners or sweet surprises. Because they’re small and elegant, they make any table feel festive. The deep red hue paired with creamy white filling instantly sets a romantic tone.

Small, Elegant, and Easy to Serve

No slicing or fuss here. Each mini cake stands on its own, layered neatly and ready to impress. You can even wrap them individually for gifting they hold up beautifully after chilling.

Classic Red Velvet Flavor with a Luxurious Cream Filling

You’ll taste that subtle cocoa warmth, balanced with the tang of buttermilk. The cream cheese and mascarpone blend creates a filling so smooth, it feels indulgent but not heavy. Every layer complements the other, making each bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Mini Red Velvet Cakes

You’ll need 250 g all-purpose flour, 125 g unsalted butter, 250 g sugar, 2 large eggs, 240 ml buttermilk, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp red food coloring, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tsp vanilla powder.
If you don’t have buttermilk, simply mix full-fat milk with 1 tsp white wine vinegar and let it sit for 15 minutes. It’ll thicken and develop that familiar tangy note.

For the Cream Filling

Use 125 g cream cheese (Philadelphia), 125 g mascarpone, 100 g softened butter, and 100 g powdered sugar. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This step keeps the cream silky and easy to pipe. If you only have one type of cheese, use the total amount for both — it’ll still taste fantastic.

For the Toppings

Fresh strawberries or raspberries work best here. They bring a light, tart contrast to the sweet cream. Add fresh mint leaves just before serving for a lovely color pop and refreshing aroma.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Mini Red Velvet Cakes

Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Sift flour, cocoa, salt, and vanilla powder into a bowl. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time. Then, in a small dish, mix a little batter with red food coloring and a tablespoon of buttermilk this ensures the color blends evenly later. Combine the wet and dry mixtures gradually, alternating with the remaining buttermilk. Mix gently and stop once the flour disappears.

Bake the Cake Sheet

Pour the batter into the prepared tray and spread evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The cake should feel soft but spring back slightly when touched.

Cool and Cut the Cake

Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. Use a 7 cm round cutter to create 16 small circles. Keep the scraps for trifle or cake pops nothing goes to waste here.

Make the Cream Filling

Beat the Butter and Sugar

In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until pale and smooth. This creates the creamy base for your filling.

Combine the Cheeses

In a separate bowl, stir the cream cheese and mascarpone together until creamy. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture airy.

Pipe and Prepare for Assembly

Combine both mixtures gently, then transfer to a piping bag fitted with a 6 mm round tip. Keep it chilled if your kitchen is warm.

Mini red velvet cakes with piped cream cheese frosting on a rack
Piping smooth cream cheese frosting onto mini red velvet cakes a step toward perfect layers.

Assemble Your Mini Red Velvet Cakes

Layer with Cream

Pipe cream on eight cake rounds, then top each with another cake layer. Press gently to secure, then add a final swirl of cream on top.

Mini red velvet layer cakes with cream frosting and strawberries
Stacking soft red velvet cake layers with creamy frosting — a sweet step toward perfect mini cakes.

Chill for Best Texture

Refrigerate for at least two hours. This helps the flavors meld and keeps the structure firm.

Garnish and Serve

Before serving, bring the cakes to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Top with fresh berries and mint. They’ll glisten beautifully and taste like pure joy.

Expert Tips for Perfect Mini Cakes

Ingredient Temperature and Mixing Notes

Always use room temperature butter and cheese for a smoother, lump-free filling. Mix gently to keep the batter soft and airy.

How to Substitute Buttermilk When Needed

If you’re short on buttermilk, mix milk with white vinegar or lemon juice it’s a quick, reliable swap. Let it sit to curdle slightly before using.

Scaling the Recipe for Larger Cakes or Extra Servings

Want a full-size three-layer cake? Double the cream filling and bake in two 8-inch round pans instead.

Storage and Make-Ahead Guidance

Refrigeration Tips

Store the assembled cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful.

Serving from the Fridge vs. Room Temperature

Serve slightly chilled for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.

How Long Mini Cakes Stay Fresh

They taste best within 48 hours but can be enjoyed up to three days if stored properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cupcakes and mini cakes?

Mini cakes are layered and filled like traditional cakes, while cupcakes are baked individually in liners with a single top frosting.

What exactly is red velvet cake?

It’s a soft cocoa-based cake made with buttermilk and red food coloring. The texture is moist, with a light chocolate flavor and a gentle tang.

Why do people like red velvet cake?

Because it feels both nostalgic and luxurious. It’s sweet but balanced, creamy yet light perfect for celebrations.

Are mini cakes good for parties?

Absolutely. They look elegant on dessert tables and make portioning effortless.

More Such Recipes

Mini red velvet cakes with cream frosting and strawberries on a rack
Mini red velvet cakes topped with smooth cream frosting, fresh strawberries, and a dark blue napkin for contrast.

Conclusion

These Mini Red Velvet Cakes are tiny love letters baked into edible form soft, creamy, and unforgettable. They turn ordinary moments into memories, whether shared after dinner or wrapped as sweet gifts. Share your creations with me on Pinterest or join our kitchen conversations on Facebook.

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Mini red velvet cakes with cream cheese frosting and strawberries

Mini Red Velvet Cakes | Sweet Valentine’s Day Treats


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 40 minutes plus cooling
  • Yield: 8 mini cakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Moist, soft, and creamy Mini Red Velvet Cakes perfect for Valentine’s Day or any romantic occasion. These mini cakes feature layers of cocoa-infused red sponge with rich mascarpone and cream cheese filling, topped with fresh berries and mint.


Ingredients

Scale

250 g all-purpose flour

125 g unsalted butter

250 g sugar

2 large eggs

240 ml buttermilk

1 tsp baking powder

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp red food coloring

1 tsp vanilla powder

Cream Filling:

125 g cream cheese (Philadelphia)

125 g mascarpone

100 g softened cow’s butter

100 g powdered sugar

Toppings:

Fresh strawberries or raspberries

Fresh mint leaves


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 170°C (338°F). Line a 40×42 cm (16–17 inch) tray with baking paper.

2. Sift flour, cocoa, salt, and vanilla powder together.

3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

5. Combine 2 tbsp batter with red food coloring and 1 tbsp buttermilk; set aside.

6. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three batches, alternating with buttermilk. Mix gently.

7. Spread batter evenly in tray and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cool completely on a wire rack.

9. Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth for the cream base.

10. In another bowl, mix cream cheese and mascarpone until creamy.

11. Combine both mixtures and transfer to a piping bag with a 6 mm round tip.

12. Cut out 16 circles (7 cm diameter) from cooled cake.

13. Pipe cream on 8 circles, top with remaining 8, and add cream on top.

14. Refrigerate for several hours to chill.

15. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

16. Garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves.

Notes

Yield: 8 mini cakes (7 cm diameter each)

Prep and cook time: ~20 minutes baking + cooling/assembly

Storage: Refrigerate, then bring to room temperature 15 minutes before serving.

If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute with milk + 1 tsp white wine vinegar.

Use room temperature butter and cheese for best mixing.

Double the cream filling for a larger three-layer cake.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini cake
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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