mini strawberry runny cake

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Cake Batter**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a muffin tin or small ramekins with butter or non-stick spray. You can also use cupcake liners if you’re making individual portions.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the milk and mix again. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold it into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t over-mix, as you want the batter to stay light and fluffy.

#### 2. **Bake the Mini Cakes**
Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin or ramekins, filling each cup about halfway. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overcooking. Once done, let the cakes cool slightly while you prepare the strawberry sauce.

#### 3. **Make the Strawberry Sauce**
To create the luscious strawberry sauce, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, letting the strawberries break down and release their juices. As the mixture begins to simmer, reduce the heat and let it cook for about 5-8 minutes, until the strawberries have softened and the sauce thickens slightly.

If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the strawberry mixture. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Once ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

#### 4. **Assemble the Mini Strawberry Runny Cakes**
Once the cakes have cooled for a few minutes, gently remove them from the muffin tin or ramekins. You can leave them as individual mini cakes or slice them in half horizontally for a more layered effect.

Spoon the warm strawberry sauce generously over each mini cake, allowing the juicy, sweet sauce to soak into the sponge. For added richness, top the cakes with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy!**
Garnish your mini strawberry runny cakes with fresh mint leaves or additional strawberries to add a festive touch. Serve immediately while the cakes are warm and the sauce is still runny. The combination of the soft, airy cake and the sweet, tangy strawberry sauce is sure to delight your taste buds!

### Why You’ll Love This Mini Strawberry Runny Cake:
– **Perfect for Any Occasion**: Whether it’s a casual dessert for the family or a special treat for a dinner party, these mini cakes are ideal. Their individual servings make them easy to share and enjoy.
– **Simple and Quick**: With a straightforward ingredient list and minimal prep time, you can have this cake ready to enjoy in under an hour.
– **Fresh and Fruity**: The natural sweetness of strawberries shines through in the sauce, complementing the delicate sponge cake. It’s the perfect summer dessert, but can also be enjoyed year-round with frozen strawberries.
– **Customizable**: Feel free to swap out the strawberry sauce for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a different twist. You can also adjust the sweetness of the sauce to suit your preference.

### Variations and Tips:
1. **Vegan Option**: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) and use plant-based milk and butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
2. **Add a Touch of Lemon**: For a citrusy kick, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cake batter or the strawberry sauce.
3. **Serving Suggestion**: For an elegant dessert, pair this cake with a glass of sparkling wine or chilled iced tea to balance the sweetness.

### Final Thoughts:
This **Mini Strawberry Runny Cake** is a delightful dessert that combines the fluffiness of a soft sponge cake with the richness of strawberry sauce, creating a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, this recipe offers the right balance of flavors and textures, making it ideal for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or a quick indulgence on a lazy weekend.

Try it out and enjoy the indulgent sweetness of strawberries in every bite!