Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease or spray miniature muffin cups (1 3/4 inches in diameter). Set aside.
To Make the Mini-Cakes:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the water, oil and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix ingredients together until well blended. The batter will be fairly thin, so don't worry. Carefully spoon the batter into the greased muffin cups (these can be made in two batches if you only have one muffin pan). Fill each muffin cup 2/3 of the way full.
Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until the top springs back when you gently touch it in the middle. When done, remove the muffin pan to a wire rack to cool. Let them cool for 3-4 minutes, then remove cakes from the muffin pan. (If making in two batches, clean pan, re-grease it and repeat previous directions for rest of the batter).
Make sure cakes cool completely before glazing.
To Make the Chocolate Glaze:
Melt the 2 Tablespoons of butter in a saucepan on low heat. Stir in the 2 Tablespoons water and 2 Tablespoons cocoa. Cook, stirring constantly until smooth, and slightly thickened, but do not let mixture come to a boil. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla in gradually. Whisk the sauce as you add the sugar until mixture is smooth and lumps are gone.
Carefully spread the chocolate glaze over the tops of each cooled mini-cake. Place frosted cakes on a wax-paper or parchment lined baking sheet. Refrigerate cakes for 10-15 minutes to let the glaze "set" and firm up. While the cakes are refrigerating, prepare the white drizzle.
To Make The White Drizzle:
Place 1/2 cup white chocolate chips and 1 Tablespoon of shortening into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on MEDIUM (50%) power for 30 seconds. Remove and stir until smooth. If it is necessary, microwave the chips an additional 10-15 seconds, just until the chips can be stirred and become smooth. Let cool slightly. Drizzle this onto the mini-cakes.
Let drizzle firm up a bit, then serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Rich, Chocolate Mini-Cakes
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 98Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 3mg1%
Sodium 47mg2%
Potassium 29mg1%
Carbohydrates 14g5%
Sugar 11g12%
Vitamin A 30IU1%
Calcium 12mg1%
Iron 0.2mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.