A 4 inch cake is a small, charming dessert perfect for intimate celebrations or small cravings. Made with simple pantry staples like flour, eggs, milk, and vanilla, this mini cake bakes quickly and delivers a soft, fluffy texture. Ideal for two servings, a 4 inch cake is easy to customize with whipped cream, fruit, or your favorite frosting for a sweet treat that feels special without the fuss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This 4 inch cake
- Perfectly sized for intimate gatherings or solo indulgence.
- Quick to whip up, making it a stress-free baking option.
- Moist and delicious, ensuring every bite is a delight.
- Versatile for any occasion, from birthdays to just-because treats.
4 inch cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 4-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it!
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 20g |
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to whip up a delightful 4 inch cake!
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour – gives the cake its structure
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar – adds sweetness
- 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter (softened) – for a rich flavor
- 1 large egg yolk – binds the ingredients together
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk – keeps the cake moist
- ⅛ teaspoon baking powder – helps the cake rise
- pinch of salt – enhances the other flavors
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a delightful aroma
How to Make 4 inch cake
This delightful 4-inch cake is perfect for small celebrations! With a preparation time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 18–22 minutes, you’ll have a lovely treat ready in no time. Allow for an extra 10 minutes of cooling time before serving.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 4-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Pour the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it!
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 22 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 42 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 1 |
| Best Served | Chilled or at room temperature |
Pro Tips for Making 4 inch cake
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting for best results.
- Experiment with different flavors like lemon or almond extract.
How to Serve this 4 inch cake
- Top with fresh berries for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nuts.
- Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing 4 inch cake Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing 4 inch cake
- Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap.
- Then wrap it in aluminum foil for extra protection.
- Label with the date and type of cake.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating 4 inch cake
- Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
- Remove wrapping and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- For a warm slice, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Enjoy the cake fresh and moist!
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. How many does a 4 inch cake serve?
A 4 inch cake typically serves about 2 to 4 people, making it perfect for intimate gatherings or small celebrations. It’s a great choice for a personal treat or a mini celebration with close friends or family!
2. Is there a 4 inch cake?
Yes, a 4 inch cake is a popular size for mini cakes and is often used for small celebrations, such as birthdays or anniversaries. It’s a delightful option for those who want a smaller dessert without compromising on flavor or presentation.
3. Is a six inch cake small?
A 6 inch cake is considered small to medium-sized and typically serves about 6 to 8 people. While it’s larger than a 4 inch cake, it still works well for smaller gatherings or as a dessert option for a small family celebration.
4. How long should you bake a 4 inch cake?
A 4 inch cake usually bakes for about 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, it’s always a good idea to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this delightful 4-inch cake as we are! It’s the perfect little treat for any occasion, and so easy to whip up. Just imagine the smiles it will bring! Enjoy every bite, and remember, baking is all about having fun. Happy baking!