Ingredients (makes 4 mini cakes, 4-inch each)

For the chocolate sponge:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1/2 tsp vinegar)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water

For the chocolate ganache drip:

• 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped

• 3/4 cup heavy cream

• 1 tbsp butter

For the whipped cream topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled

• 3 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For decoration:

• Chocolate curls/shavings

• Golden sugar pearls

• Crushed cookies or praline

• Optional: metallic chocolate balls for a festive touch

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Instructions

1. Make the sponge cakes

   • Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line four 4-inch mini cake pans.

   • Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

   • Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

   • Stir in hot coffee last. Batter will be thin.

   • Pour into pans and bake 18–22 minutes. Cool completely.

2. Prepare the ganache

   • Heat cream until steaming, pour over chocolate, let sit for 1–2 mins.

   • Stir until smooth and glossy. Add butter. Let cool slightly until it thickens enough to drip.

3. Whip the cream

   • Beat chilled cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag with a star nozzle.

4. Assemble mini cakes

   • Trim cake tops flat if needed.

   • Spread a thin layer of ganache between cake layers (stack 2 layers per mini cake).

   • Pour ganache on top, letting it drip beautifully down the sides.

5. Decorate

   • Pipe whipped cream swirls on top.

   • Sprinkle with chocolate shavings, golden pearls, and crushed cookies.

   • Finish with metallic chocolate balls for a luxurious, festive look.

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✨ These mini cakes are perfect for holidays, parties, or gifts — rich chocolate layers, glossy ganache, light whipped cream, and elegant toppings all in one bite-sized showstopper.