The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DAINTIES
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More clues leading to the result DAINTIES
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "small cakes" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case small cakes = dainties.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DAINTIES mean?
DAINTIES noun- Women's undergarments.
- A delicacy (in taste).
- Esteem, honour.
- (Prairies and northwestern Ontario) A fancy cookie, pastry, or square, typically homemade, served at a social event (usually plural).
- An affectionate term of address.