I Love... Mini Cakes

Last week, I was talking to the lovely Ruth Clemens from The Pink Whisk (who you may recognise from BBC2's Great British Bake-Off) about baked goodies for weddings. Obviously, this set me thinking and looking through the hundreds of recipes that I have bookmarked and now, I have to say, I am now totally in love with Mini Cakes.

Aside from the obvious cuteness of them, I just think they're perfect for weddings in so many ways - ideal bitesize bursts of yumminess perfect for afternoon tea style canapés or sweet treats to serve alongside post-dinner coffee. And if you can't choose, how about a tasty display, dessert table style?

Now, which one of these little baked beauties would you like to try first?

Above - these are the cutest little rounds of vanilla or chocolate sponge stacked and sprinkled with hundreds and thousands. And yes, the little doilies are working a treat here as well. Image - Martha Stewart

Above - little rounds of cake finished with a white frosting and a rosebud. How sweet are these? I love the little detailing on the bottom tier - so elegant. Image - Martha Stewart

Above - I know, these are strictly cookies but I couldn't resist. Vanilla cookies rounds, sandwiched with white icing and finished with a little edible decoration. These boxed delights were intended as favours but of course, they'd look great at any point. Image - Martha Stewart

Above - can you think if a more perfect summertime afternoon tea treat than this? I love the strawberries and the flowers - both are making me think of an outdoorsy event (possibly with scones and strawberry jam too) The polka dot ribbon is a great touch too and really bring this mini cake to life. Image - The Cake Parlour

Above - hmmm, chocolate cake heaven. These chocolate coated delights have been decorated beautifully - the delicate detailing would make these cakes perfect for a wedding with lots of lace or a sophisticated soiree  and certainly would be substantial enough to serve as dessert. Image - Martha Stewart

Above - pretty mini cakes in an array of pastel tones look fabulous at an informal wedding. Love the decorations, the 'mix and match' ribbon around the cake and yes, that bunting edged gingham cake board is calling to my country girl heart in ways you can't imagine! Image - The Knot

Above - mini bundt cake heaven! Loving this dessert display with little bundt cakes in different flavours, all drizzled with icing and finished with a fab floral flourish. How great would this look during a drinks reception instead of served canapés? Also, the ring shaped cakes are making me think of wedding rings... Image - Martha Stewart

Above - Oooh, so pretty! Ridiculously girlie I know, possibly even a little too cutsie but I thought I'd finish with a perfect mini cake. Am thinking of a standard sized wedding cake decorated to match and surrounded by these little treasures (and how sweet are those mini stands?). The tiny flowers decorating the cakes are so delicate, you'd almost feel bad about eating them. Please note - I said 'almost'! Image - The Knot