Pin Decadent, fudgy chocolate cake bites with a playful mix of textures and colors: a whimsical treat inspired by the chaos baking trend. Perfect for parties or anytime you crave a little fun!
I baked these cake bites for a birthday gathering, and they disappeared faster than any dessert I've made. Their cheerful looks and delicious taste always spark curiosity and delight!
Ingredients
- Cake Base: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Mix-Ins & Toppings: 1/2 cup (85 g) mini chocolate chips, 1/4 cup (40 g) rainbow sprinkles, 1/2 cup (60 g) mini marshmallows, 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped pretzels, 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped roasted nuts (such as pecans or peanuts), 1/4 cup (60 ml) caramel sauce (optional for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prep Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Batter:
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined (do not overmix).
- Fold In Mix-Ins:
- Gently fold in mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, and half of the marshmallows, pretzels, and nuts.
- Bake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining marshmallows, pretzels, and nuts evenly on top.
- Check Doneness:
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool:
- Let cool in the pan completely.
- Cut & Finish:
- Lift cake out with parchment paper, cut into 1.5-inch (4 cm) bites. Drizzle with caramel sauce and extra sprinkles if desired.
Pin My kids love to choose their own mix-ins and toppings when we make these cake bites together, making it a fun family activity with sweet results!
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, parchment paper, knife, measuring cups and spoons
Nutritional Information
Each cake bite has approximately 110 calories, 5 g fat, 15 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein
Customization Ideas
Try swapping in dried fruit, crushed cookies, or toffee bits for the mix-ins, or use gluten-free flour and gluten-free pretzels for allergy-friendly bites
Pin These vibrant cake bites are guaranteed to brighten up any table and bring smiles to everyone who tries them.
Recipe Questions
- → What gives these bites their fudgy texture?
The moist blend of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vegetable oil creates a rich and fudgy crumb in each bite.
- → Can I substitute the mix-ins with other ingredients?
Absolutely! You can swap pretzels, nuts, or marshmallows with dried fruit, crushed cookies, or toffee bits to match your preference.
- → How long should I bake the chocolate bites?
Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs for the perfect texture.
- → Are these chocolate bites suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these bites use vegetarian-friendly ingredients, including eggs and dairy, but no meat products.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free pretzels to adapt the bites for a gluten-free diet.