These Strawberry and Chocolate Petit Fours are elegant, bite-sized mini cakes layered with rich chocolate sponge, fresh strawberry buttercream, and a glossy ganache topping. Perfect for afternoon tea, bridal showers, or any classy celebration, these two-bite delights combine deep cocoa flavor with real strawberry for a fruity, chocolatey indulgence. Don’t be fooled by their beauty—they’re easier to make than they look and make a stunning addition to any dessert table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

130 g plain flour (1 cup)
40 g cocoa powder (⅓ cup)
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
113 g unsalted butter, melted (½ cup)
100 g white sugar (½ cup)
100 g brown sugar, packed (½ cup)
2 large eggs
¾ cup whole milk

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

113 g unsalted butter, softened (½ cup)
1¼ cups powdered sugar
¼ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
1 tbsp milk
¼ cup thickened (heavy) cream

For the Chocolate Ganache:

150 g dark chocolate, chopped (¾ cup)
½ cup heavy cream

Directions

Make the Cake:

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 10×15 inch (26×40 cm) sponge roll tin with parchment paper.
Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with both sugars until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
Add dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the milk, mixing gently after each addition. Do not overmix.
Pour batter into the prepared tray and spread evenly. Bake for about 12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let cool completely, then chill in the fridge until cold. Cut the cake in half widthwise and dust cocoa powder on one half. Flip it over to form the base layer.

Make the Strawberry Buttercream:

Beat butter and ¼ cup of powdered sugar for 3 minutes until creamy.
Add remaining sugar slowly, beat until fluffy.
Add strawberry powder, vanilla, and milk. Mix well.
Whip the cream until thick, then gently fold into the buttercream.
Spread evenly on the cake base and top with the other half. Freeze for 1 hour.

Make the Ganache:

Heat cream until bubbling, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2–3 minutes.
Stir until smooth and glossy.
Remove cake from freezer and slice into small triangles or squares using a warm knife.
Drizzle ganache over each piece and let set in the fridge.
Garnish with a strawberry slice before serving.

Nutrients (Per petit four, approx. based on 40 pieces)

Calories: 139 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~15 g
Protein: ~1.5 g
Fat: ~8 g
Saturated Fat: ~5 g
Sugar: ~10 g
Fiber: ~1 g
Sodium: ~50 mg
Calcium: ~20 mg
Iron: ~1 mg

What Are Petit Fours?

Petit fours are small, decorative confections that originated in France. The name translates to “little ovens,” a reference to the traditional way of baking these tiny treats at a low temperature after the main baking had concluded. Today, petit fours have become synonymous with miniature cakes and sweets that are served at formal events, high tea, or as part of elaborate dessert spreads.

There are many varieties of petit fours, from iced sponge cakes to chocolate-dipped morsels and almond-paste-filled pastries. This particular version features layered chocolate sponge, fresh strawberry buttercream, and glossy ganache—offering a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures in every bite.

Rich Chocolate Cake as the Foundation

At the heart of these petit fours is a moist chocolate sponge cake. Made with a blend of melted butter, cocoa powder, and a balance of white and brown sugar, the cake is tender yet sturdy—perfect for layering. The rich chocolate flavor gives the petit fours depth, while the soft crumb ensures that they melt in your mouth without being overly dense.

Once baked in a large tray and chilled, the cake is sliced in half and layered with strawberry buttercream. The texture is just firm enough to hold up to layering and cutting but still retains that soft, indulgent feel that makes each bite special.

Strawberry Buttercream for a Fruity, Fresh Contrast

The strawberry buttercream brings the bright, fruity note that lifts the entire dessert. Made with freeze-dried strawberry powder, this buttercream captures the essence of real strawberries without adding extra moisture or compromising the structure of the petit fours. The flavor is naturally sweet, slightly tart, and vibrant—an ideal counterpoint to the richness of the chocolate layers.

To make the buttercream even more luxurious, whipped cream is gently folded in, creating a light and airy consistency that spreads easily and adds an elegant texture to the finished product. This creamy layer is sandwiched between the chocolate sponge, creating a beautiful color contrast and a flavor pairing that’s hard to resist.

Ganache Glaze: Smooth, Silky, and Decadent

No petit four is complete without a glossy, decadent finish, and that’s where the chocolate ganache comes in. Made from just two ingredients—dark chocolate and cream—this ganache is smooth, rich, and perfectly pourable. It sets with a shiny finish that looks polished and professional, adding the final touch that transforms these petit fours into mini masterpieces.

When drizzled over each cake square or triangle, the ganache drips beautifully down the sides, enveloping each bite in luscious chocolate flavor. It also helps seal in the moisture of the cake and buttercream, ensuring that every petit four tastes as good as it looks.

Perfectly Portioned, Visually Stunning

One of the best things about these petit fours is how visually appealing they are. Their bite-sized shape makes them ideal for events where you want a variety of desserts without needing to serve full portions. You can cut them into neat squares, elegant triangles, or even mini hearts for themed celebrations.

The soft pink of the strawberry layer, sandwiched between dark chocolate cake and topped with glossy ganache, creates a striking visual contrast. Add a thin strawberry slice or edible flower on top, and you’ve got a show-stopping dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Versatile for Any Occasion

Strawberry and Chocolate Petit Fours are versatile enough to be featured at many kinds of events. Their refined appearance makes them perfect for weddings, bridal showers, and tea parties. At the same time, their classic flavor combination appeals to a broad audience, from children to adults. Whether served on a tiered dessert tray or packaged in gift boxes, they make a lasting impression.

They’re also great for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, offering a homemade yet elegant alternative to boxed chocolates. For a more casual occasion, they can be dressed down slightly—simply skip the garnish and serve them on a pretty platter as part of a weekend brunch or potluck dessert spread.

Easy to Make Ahead and Store

Another advantage of these petit fours is their make-ahead friendliness. The components can be prepared in stages: bake the cake a day in advance, assemble the layers the next day, then cut and glaze when you’re ready to serve. In fact, a bit of chilling time between each step makes the final slicing and decorating easier and cleaner.

Once fully assembled, the petit fours store well in the refrigerator for several days in an airtight container. This makes them a convenient choice for hosting or gifting, since you can prepare them ahead of time and still serve them fresh.

A Fun Baking Project with Impressive Results

While these mini cakes do take a few steps to complete, they are incredibly rewarding to make. From spreading the buttercream to cutting clean edges and watching the ganache settle into a perfect glaze, every part of the process feels like a creative endeavor. It’s a great recipe to try when you want to elevate your home baking skills or create something special for loved ones.

They also offer an opportunity to experiment. Want to add a layer of jam between the cake and buttercream? Prefer a white chocolate ganache? Looking to make a citrus version with lemon buttercream? The base recipe provides plenty of room for personalization, while still delivering a reliably delicious result every time.

Conclusion

Strawberry and Chocolate Petit Fours are a delightful blend of elegance, flavor, and fun. With rich chocolate sponge, light and fruity strawberry buttercream, and a smooth ganache finish, they bring together everything you want in a dessert—taste, texture, and visual appeal. Whether you’re preparing them for a bridal shower, an afternoon tea, or simply to impress friends and family, these petit fours will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Don’t be intimidated by their appearance—despite their fancy finish, they’re easier to make than you might think and well worth the effort. Beautiful, delicious, and wonderfully customizable, these petit fours prove that good things really do come in small packages.

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