Mini Chocolate Sheet Cake

Mini Chocolate Sheet Cake packs big flavor in a small pan, giving you a rich, fudgy bite without too much fuss. The tender crumb, creamy frosting, and deep cocoa taste make it a go-to dessert for small gatherings, weeknight baking, or whenever you crave chocolate comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Mini Chocolate Sheet Cake

This mini chocolate sheet cake is just the right size for when you want homemade dessert without baking for a crowd. The batter whisks together in minutes using pantry staples, so there’s no complicated prep. A splash of coffee deepens the cocoa flavor while buttermilk keeps the crumb soft and tender. The rich chocolate fudge frosting is fluffy, silky, and spreadable, giving each slice a bakery-quality finish. Because the pan is smaller, baking and cooling times are quick, meaning you can go from mixing bowl to frosted cake in under an hour. It feels indulgent but never overwhelming, making it perfect for sharing with a few friends or keeping as a treat for cozy evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this recipe balance structure, flavor, and moisture so the cake turns out tender and chocolatey every time. Flour gives the cake its shape while sugar sweetens and locks in moisture. Cocoa powder provides deep chocolate notes, and leavening agents help it rise lightly. Buttermilk adds tang and tenderness, and brewed coffee boosts richness. Olive oil and vanilla bring extra moisture and flavor. For the frosting, butter creates a creamy base, powdered sugar sweetens, and a touch of salt balances it out. Melted chocolate makes it fudgy, and cream whips everything into a fluffy spread.

For the Cake

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup melted chocolate (slightly warm)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

How to Make Mini Chocolate Sheet Cake

Step 1 – Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper so the cake comes out cleanly after baking.

Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined and free of lumps.

Step 3 – Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, buttermilk, coffee, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the batter is smooth and slightly thin.

Step 4 – Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5 – Cool and Frost

Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For the frosting, beat butter, powdered sugar, and salt until creamy. Add slightly warm melted chocolate and cream, then whip until fluffy. Spread evenly over the cooled cake and chill briefly for clean slices.

Chocolate Fudge Frosting Tips

The secret to creamy frosting is temperature. Melted chocolate should be slightly warm, not hot, to prevent melting the butter. Beat long enough to trap air, which makes the frosting light and spreadable. If it feels too thick, drizzle in a splash of cream until smooth. For extra fluffiness, beat for about two minutes after adding the cream. If it seems runny, chill briefly, then whip again before spreading. Always frost a fully cooled cake, otherwise the heat can soften the butter and make it slide. Finish with sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt if you like a little texture.

Expert Tips and Variations

Strong brewed coffee makes the chocolate flavor pop, so don’t skip it even if you’re not a coffee drinker. Always line the pan with parchment to avoid sticking, and let the chocolate cool slightly before whipping it into the frosting. For a twist, try raspberry frosting for a fruity touch, peanut butter swirl frosting for a nutty bite, or colorful sprinkles for a festive look. You could also bake the batter in mini muffin tins for bite-sized versions. Another idea is to serve it with fresh berries to balance the richness. If you enjoy other fun sweets, you might also love chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies or sour cream chocolate chip muffins for easy variations on cozy baking.

Serving Suggestions

Chill the cake for about 15 minutes before cutting to get neat, bakery-style squares. Each slice pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a glass of cold milk, or even a warm cup of coffee. For gatherings, cut it into smaller squares for finger-friendly portions. Because it’s rich, a small piece goes a long way, making it perfect for sharing after dinner.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This cake keeps well for a couple of days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, but it can also be refrigerated for longer freshness. If you refrigerate, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. The frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two days, then whipped briefly before spreading. Always chill the frosted cake for a few minutes before slicing to keep those edges neat.

Related Recipes to Try

If you loved this cake, you’ll also enjoy funfetti marshmallow popcorn treats, chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, sour cream chocolate chip muffins, and indulgent french silk brownies.

FAQ About Mini Chocolate Sheet Cake

Conclusion

Mini Chocolate Sheet Cake brings the joy of homemade dessert without the overwhelm of a large batch. Its rich cocoa flavor, tender crumb, and creamy fudge frosting make it a chocolate lover’s dream. Whether you serve it with ice cream, share it at a gathering, or keep it for cozy evenings, it’s a simple yet special treat. Try baking it soon and share a slice with someone you love—you’ll be glad you did. For more inspiration, check out my recipe boards on Pinterest where I share chocolate desserts and seasonal favorites

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