Description

These Mini Aries Cake Slices are bold, fiery, and full of personality—just like the sign they represent. With fluffy green tea sponge (or lemon-zest infused), zesty citrus cream, and dramatic flame-hued buttercream swirls, each individually wrapped slice is perfect for zodiac-themed gifting, dessert grazing boards, or bold birthday bites.

Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake:

4 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp matcha powder (or sub with 1 tsp lemon zest)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Citrus Whipped Cream Filling:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp orange zest
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup mandarin orange segments (peeled & patted dry)

For the Flame Buttercream Swirl:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
Red, orange, and yellow gel food coloring
Optional: gold luster dust

To Garnish & Wrap:

Mandarin slices
Yellow jelly cubes or fruit gelée
Rosemary sprigs or golden berries
Clear food-safe wrap or parchment paper + twine

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Instructions

Make the Sponge Cake:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar for about 5 minutes until thick and pale.
Sift in flour, matcha (or lemon zest), salt, and vanilla. Gently fold until combined.
Spread evenly in the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes. Let cool, then cut into small rectangles or squares.

Make Citrus Whipped Cream: 5. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Fold in mascarpone, powdered sugar, orange zest, and vanilla. Chill until ready to use.

Make Flame Buttercream: 6. Beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cream until smooth.
7. Divide into three portions and tint with red, orange, and yellow gel coloring. Swirl together gently for a flame effect.

Assemble the Mini Slices: 8. Layer sponge → citrus cream → mandarin segments. Repeat for 2–3 layers depending on height.
9. Cover the outside with swirled flame buttercream using a star tip or palette knife for dramatic texture.

Garnish & Wrap: 10. Top each mini cake with mandarin slices, jelly cubes, rosemary sprigs or golden berries.
11. Wrap individually with parchment or food-safe wrap and tie with twine for a giftable, grazing-board ready look.

Notes

For an Aries-inspired wow factor, use bold flame color gradients and gold dust accents.
Store wrapped cakes in the fridge until ready to serve. Best enjoyed slightly chilled.