I’ve taken my moist chocolate layer cake and modified it to create the perfect small batch chocolate cake recipe. This recipe makes three, 6-inch cake layers that are the perfect height.

I initially modified my vanilla layer cake recipe to make a small batch vanilla cake recipe. You all were quite enthusiastic about it, and several of you asked me to do the same with my chocolate cake recipe.

So here we are, ready to make the perfect 6-inch chocolate cake.

What Does Small Batch Mean?

In this case, small batch just means I’ve updated the amount of ingredients you use to make a smaller cake.

At first I thought I could just cut the recipe in half and make three cake layers. You can do this but the cake layers turn out quite a bit thinner than I’m used to.

I wanted each cake layer to be at least an inch tall, so I knew I’d have to play around this.

In the end, it turned out that making 2/3 of a batch is the ideal amount of batter to make a 6-inch cake.

How Many Layers Does This Recipe Make?

Like I mentioned above, this small batch chocolate cake recipe bakes three, perfect little 6 inch layers.

It may seem like you’re filling your pans pretty full, but this batter doesn’t rise much as it bakes.

That’s part of what makes my chocolate cake recipe so great though. With that in mind, you should end up with cake layers that are just a bit taller than 1 inch once they’re leveled.

If you want to make a taller cake with four cake layers, I recommend following my standard sized chocolate cake recipe.

If this small batch recipe is used to make 4 cake layers, they will end up being a bit thinner, and should be baked for slightly less time (24-27 minutes).

How Many People Does This 6-Inch Layer Cake Feed?

My chocolate recipe is great but it makes a pretty big cake and can feed about 24 people.

This is great if you’re making a cake for a party or a large group of people. But sometimes you don’t need to make that big of a cake. This cake feeds about 16 people.

Dressing Up This Small Batch Chocolate Cake Recipe

At its core, this is a classic chocolate cake recipe. It’s made with moist, rich chocolate cake layers and frosted with a decadent chocolate buttercream.

As I photographed this small batch chocolate cake recipe, I had a little fun decorating it!

I started by adding a chocolate drip. Blackberries and figs were in season, so I threw some of those onto the cake too!

I also added a bit of my blackberry freezer jam between the cake layers, to tie the garnish and the flavor of the cake together.

It might sound like an odd flavor combination, but I swear blackberries and chocolate are delicious together!

You can also keep things a bit more simple, and just focus on chocolate if you prefer. There is nothing wrong with a classic chocolate cake!!

Tips for Making The Best Small Batch Chocolate Cake

• Chill your cake layers in the freezer for about 20 minutes before assembling the cake to make it easier to stack and frost.
• Properly measure your flour (spoon into the cup measure, then level) or use a kitchen scale to measure your dry ingredients.
• Use a serrated knife to level your cake layers once they’re fully cooled. This makes it easier to assemble and frost your cake.
• I do not recommend using this recipe to make cupcakes! Instead, try my moist chocolate cupcake recipe. It makes the perfect amount of batter for a dozen cupcakes.
• Use my regular chocolate cake recipe to make a 7- or 8-inch layer cake.

Making These 6-Inch Cake Layers in Advance and Storage Tips:

Make your cake layers in advance and freeze them. It breaks the process up and makes it more approachable.

Make your frosting ahead of time too or save any leftover frosting! It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Be sure to give it a good stir once it thaws to get the consistency nice and smooth again, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

If you cut into the cake and have leftovers, use any remaining frosting to cover the cut section to keep it moist and store in the fridge for up to a week.

Let Me Know What You Think!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this small batch chocolate cake recipe! Do you like making smaller cakes like this? Let me know by sharing a rating and comment below.

And don’t forget to tag me @chelsweets and use #chelsweets so that I can see your delicious creations!

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