Everything You Need to Make Individual Mini Cake Pans
The newest trend on the baking block (although not really so new) are mini cake pans! These individual sized cake tins are perfect for serving up perfectly sized individual cakes that are easy grab and go treats. In this post, I’m going to break it all down for you from what you need, to how to make, and maybe even some tips on how to sell.
Mini Cake Pans, Photo by The Station Bakery
What I love the most about these mini cake pans/tins are that they are versatile, easy to make, and low cost.
Versatility
Mini Cake Pans can be made in all different flavors. There’s no limits to the creativity of what you can put in them. It doesn’t even have to only be cake either. Cookies and brownies work well too! But my favorite, of course, is cake. Specifically my Vanilla Dream Cake.
Vanilla, Chocolate, Cookies and Cream, Snickerdoodle, Strawberry, Cookie Butter, Peach Cobbler, and the list goes on and on with the flavors you can create with the Vanilla Dream Cake and bake in the mini cake tins. Top with the Dream Cream Buttercream and any other toppings of your choice and mwuah! Chef’s kiss.
Vanilla Dream Cake Mini Cake Pans
Easy to Make
Depending on your recipe, mini cakes bake quick. You can bake upwards of 24 at a time. They can take anywhere from 10-15 minutes before they are out the oven and ready to cool enough for you to decorate. The decorating process can also be as simple or complex as you like.
**Each tin takes two medium scoops of my Vanilla Dream Cake BatterThe Vanilla Dream Cake Recipe and Moist Chocolate cake recipes were specifically curated for the perfect experience making mini cakes so you don’t have to guess. My recipes are crafted to make a solid 12 vanilla and 6 chocolate mini cakes with no batter left over.
Because they bake directly in the pan, there’s no extra steps when making and decorating. Go straight from the bowl to the tins and they are ready to package.
Vanilla Dream Cake Mini Cake Pans with Packaging Labels
Low Cost to Make
Along with their quickness to make, they don’t cost much either, which means you can have a greater profit on these items. And once customized, you can charge even more.
Watch video tutorial here.
What You Need to Make Mini Cake Pans
You don’t need much to make these, hence why they are so low cost and easy to make.
Cake Pans
First, of course you need the pans. They come in a lot of colors and shapes, but my favorite is a classic white! The pans measure about 6.5”x2.5”x1.2” and come with lids and sporks. Check out my list for everything you need to successfully make mini cake pans!
Cake and Buttercream Recipe
Next, you need a great cake and buttercream recipe. You can use any recipe of your choice, but I am totally biased towards the Vanilla Dream Cake and Vanilla Dream Cream Buttercream. The recipes yield the perfect amount to make a dozen mini cake tins and the recipe can be altered to make endless flavors. You can try it here. Then top them however you like!
Snickerdoodle Mini Cake using Vanilla Dream Cake base.
Packaging
If you are looking to sell these in your cake business, meeting the labeling requirements for your individually packaged goods might seem tricky. But, I have made the process simple for you with my Packaging Label Template. Just choose one of 6 templates, drag, drop and write whatever is needed to make your labels stand out and comply with cottage food law labelling requirements.
Mini Cakes Packaged with Labels
Here’s what you need:
Download my Editable Labeling Template
Sticker Paper (Can use regular or magazine paper as well)
Print at home, online, or take to a print shop.
Check out my list for everything I use to make my own custom labels.
Cookie Butter Caramel Pecan Mini Cake Packaged
How to Store Mini Cakes
Storage will depend on your batter, but if you choose the versatile Vanilla Dream Cake recipe, storing is a breeze!
You can make this batter ahead, fill your tins and freeze until ready to bake. Just simply bring to room temperature and they’re ready. Or you can bake ahead, wrap in plastic wrap, place in ziplock bags, and freeze. Remove one or all mini cake tins as needed and ice. It’s really simple.
You can also store these in the fridge up to 2 days and they will remain fresh. Just make sure the fridge you store them in has no foods that have smells and tastes that can taint the cakes.
How to Sell
Mini cake pans are great for new and old customers to get a taste of your goods. Use them to release seasonal flavors or as wedding tastings.
You can also sell them at Farmer’s Markets or pop ups. They are great for corporate orders and quick weekend sales as well.
How much you sell mini cake pans for, is up to you and your business. Although the selling price can range from $4-12 each depending on flavor, design, season, and location I highly suggest you use my Cake Pricing Calculator to figure your costs out for yourself to determine the right price for your business and clientele.
Why they’re great (key selling points):
Convenience: Individual size portions are perfect for on-the-go or for people who don't want to commit to a whole cake. They're also easy to store and transport.
Variety: Individual size portions allow customers to try a variety of flavors without having to buy a whole cake. This is especially appealing for people who are indecisive or who want to share a cake with others.
Portability: Individual size portions are easy to take with you wherever you go. This makes them a great option for parties, picnics, or even just a snack at work.
Less waste: Individual size portions are less likely to go to waste than a whole cake. This is because they're smaller and easier to eat in one sitting.
More affordable: Individual size portions are often more affordable than a whole cake. This is because they require less ingredients and labor to produce.
Customizable: Whether it’s a theme for a party or a special design for the season, mini cake pans still offer flexibility to be customized to ones needs.
Here are some additional reasons why customers might prefer individual size portions of cake:
They may not have enough people to eat a whole cake.
They may want to try different flavors without having to commit to a whole cake.
They may want to be able to share the cake with others without having to worry about cutting it.
They may want to be able to eat the cake right away without having to worry about storing it.
They may want to have a more controlled portion size.
So tell me, what are your thoughts on mini cake pans? Are you going to give them a try?
