Sometimes you just need cake.
But you don’t always need a giant, three-layer dessert that takes all afternoon to make.
You just want a little something sweet. A PERSONAL-SIZED treat to satisfy a craving or to share with one or two people.
That’s the magic of small cakes.
They have all the fun of a regular cake but are SO much easier. Less mess, less pressure, and a much quicker path from mixing bowl to happy taste buds.
I’ve put together a list of my absolute favorite small cake recipes that are perfect for any time.
There’s a little something here for every mood and skill level, ready for when that cake craving hits.
1. Sourdough Discard Lemon Poppyseed Cupcakes
These lemon poppyseed cupcakes made with sourdough discard are soft, bright, and full of fresh lemon flavor.
They’re finished with a creamy lemon cream cheese frosting that makes every bite extra special.
2. Chocolate Cupcakes
These chocolate cupcakes are rich, moist, and packed with fudgy chocolate flavor from start to finish.
Top them with a swirl of smooth chocolate buttercream and enjoy a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
3. Mini Basque Cheesecake – Mini Burnt Cheesecake Recipe
This mini Basque cheesecake recipe delivers rich, creamy goodness in every bite, just like the famous San Sebastián version. Easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, it’s the best mini Basque cheesecake you’ll try this week.
4. Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes
These mini lemon bundt cakes are a bright, fluffy treat with a zesty lemon flavor in every bite.
They’re perfect for gatherings or a sweet pick-me-up, topped with a simple homemade lemon glaze.
5. Beach Cupcakes
These beach cupcakes are a fun and easy summer dessert that everyone will love.
Perfect for pool parties or sunny birthday celebrations, they bring a tropical twist to your dessert table.
6. Mini Chocolate Bundt Cake Sundaes with Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce
These mini chocolate bundt cake sundaes are a dream come true for dessert lovers.
Each bite is rich, warm, and topped with a luscious homemade hot fudge sauce that’s simple to make and totally irresistible.
7. Pound Cake Cupcakes
Pound Cake Cupcakes are a fluffy, rich treat that brings the classic flavor of pound cake into a convenient cupcake form.
Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat any time of day, these cupcakes are simple to make and always a hit.
8. Mini Chocolate Cupcakes
These mini chocolate cupcakes are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion.
Rich, sweet, and utterly irresistible, they’re a crowd-pleasing favorite at every gathering.
9. Flourless Mug Cake
This Flourless Mug Cake is a quick and delicious treat made with rich chocolate and perfect for anyone on a keto or low carb diet. Just toss it in the microwave and enjoy a warm, fudgy dessert in under 5 minutes.
10. Mini Red Velvet Cake
This best mini red velvet cake recipe brings big flavor in a small package—perfect for any sweet treat moment. Easy to make and irresistibly rich, these miniature red velvet cakes are a hit at small gatherings.
11. Cute & Easy Owl Cupcakes
These adorable Owl Cupcakes are super fun to make and perfect for kids and adults alike. With their simple, cheerful look and playful details, they’re a sweet hit for parties, classroom treats, or just a delightful baking moment.
12. Financier
These tender financiers are rich in buttery flavor and lightly nutty, with a crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, velvety center. Perfect for tea time or a sweet treat any day, this classic financiers recipe delivers delicious results every time.
13. Sticky Toffee Pudding Cupcakes
These Sticky Toffee Pudding Cupcakes deliver a rich, moist flavor with a sweet toffee sauce that’s perfectly gooey. Easy to make and ideal for any dessert lover who loves a little indulgence.
14. Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
These Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes are a fun twist on a classic treat, perfect for any ice cream party dessert spread.
With a crispy cone-like exterior and a soft, sweet center, they’re easy to make and always a hit.
15. Easy Mini Strawberry Shortcakes
These easy mini strawberry shortcakes are a delicious treat made with just a few simple ingredients.
Perfectly sweet strawberries and fluffy whipped cream top soft, golden mini cakes for a dessert that’s sweet, fresh, and oh-so-quick to make.
16. Mini Vanilla Cupcakes
These mini vanilla cupcakes are a sweet little treat that everyone will love.
Perfect for parties or a cozy snack, they’re light, fluffy, and topped with creamy vanilla buttercream.
17. Mini Vanilla Cake – Easy Mini Cake Recipe
Enjoy this easy mini vanilla cake recipe made from scratch in just minutes—perfect for one or two sweet treats.
Whether you’re baking for a tiny birthday or a quick dessert, this small vanilla cake is moist, flavorful, and ready in no time.
18. Lunch Box Cakes
These Lunch Box Cakes are perfect for a quick sweet treat with just the right amount of chocolate. Tiny, easy to make, and ready in no time—ideal for a mini dessert for two.
19. Mini Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Icing
These mini lemon cupcakes are bursting with bright, fresh lemon flavor in every bite.
Perfect for parties or a sweet treat, they’re topped with a fluffy lemon buttercream that’s impossible to resist.
20. Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Bites
These bite-sized Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Bites are a sweet treat with a crunchy vanilla wafer base.
They feature a warm cinnamon swirl cheesecake layer and a creamy cream cheese frosting on top—perfect for a quick indulgence.
21. Cookie Monster Cupcakes
These fun and festive Cookie Monster Cupcakes are a hit at any party or sweet treat time.
With their vibrant green frosting and playful design, they’re a joyful twist on classic cupcakes.
22. Birthday Cupcakes
These birthday cupcakes are a cheerful treat that everyone will love.
Packed with funfetti sprinkles and topped with smooth vanilla frosting, they’re perfect for celebrations.