Save to Pinterest 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!
This recipe was inspired by the chaos baking trend and quickly became a favorite at all our gatherings.
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 (e.g., pecans, peanuts), 1/4 cup (60 ml) caramel sauce (for drizzling optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, whisk oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (do not overmix).
- Step 5:
- Gently fold in mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, and half of the marshmallows, pretzels, and nuts.
- Step 6:
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining marshmallows, pretzels, and nuts evenly over the top.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Step 8:
- Let cool completely in the pan.
- Step 9:
- Lift out the cake using the parchment paper. Cut into bite-sized squares (about 1.5 inches/4 cm each).
- Step 10:
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and add extra sprinkles if desired before serving.
Save to Pinterest This treat brings the whole family together; my kids especially love the fun toppings and the fudgy chocolate taste.
Notes
Swap out mix-ins to suit your taste: try dried fruit, crushed cookies, or toffee bits. For gluten-free bites substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free pretzels. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, parchment paper, knife, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, wheat (gluten), milk (buttermilk), and nuts (if using). Some sprinkles and caramel sauces may contain allergens always check labels.
Save to Pinterest The perfect bite-sized dessert for any occasion with easy prep and endless customization options.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives these bites their fudgy texture?
The combination of vegetable oil, buttermilk, and careful mixing ensures a moist, fudgy crumb that melts in your mouth.
- → Can I substitute the mix-ins?
Yes, you can replace the sprinkles, nuts, and pretzels with dried fruit, crushed cookies, or toffee bits for varied flavor and texture.
- → How do I prevent overmixing the batter?
Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined, avoiding vigorous stirring after adding mix-ins to maintain tender bites.
- → Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute and gluten-free pretzels to ensure a safe alternative without sacrificing texture.
- → What is the best way to serve these treats?
Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally drizzled with caramel sauce and paired with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.