Q: I received some mini-bundt cake pans as a gift and I can't wait to use them. The only issue — they don't have the typical hole in the middle! I know that hole serves a valuable purpose, but is it possible it's less of an concern when baking a 4-inch cake?
Sent by Danielle
Editor: Danielle, yes, that central column in a bundt pan helps the large, deep cake to bake evenly. But these smaller ones shouldn't be a problem. The first thing you should do, though, is measure how many cups of liquid fit in each pan. That will help you decide what recipe to use; bundt cake recipes usually specify a "6-cup pan" or "8-cup pan," etcetera.
Readers, any good recipe recommendations for Danielle's mini-bundt cake pans?
Related: What's a Great Recipe for This Mini Bundt Pan?
(Image: Danielle via email)
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make this!
http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/2010/10/smells-of-pears-hazelnuts-brown-butter.html
I'd just use them for any bundt cake recipe -- after measuring the size as the reader suggests -- only what you do is eat one, and then freeze the other.
Then, you always have cake in your house. And that is a happy state of being.
make a simple pound cake recipe and then after it comes out of the oven, soak it in rum!
I'd make one of these. I <3 jello.
http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/guest-post/a-fresh-return-to-the-jello-mold-peaches-cream-jello-guest-post-from-victoria-belanger-the-jello-mold-mistress-of-brooklyn-115375
I have three of those pans as well.... I like making brioche in them. The loaves make wonderful gifts. You can also make cakes in them but only fill the pan about 2/3 or the way up.
Ooooh I want these!
Not only is the middle meant to help bake things evenly, but it's also intended to give more surface for angel food cake to grip onto.
I second the brioche suggestion, maybe even gugelhopf.
I would have guessed that those pans were probably intended for jello molds?
The Food Librarian is doing a whole month of bundt recipes. This one looks pretty divine using mini bundt pans http://foodlibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/10/chocolate-velvet-bundt-day-2-of-i-like.html#comment-form
Cranberry Upside-down cake! I make these for Thanksgiving. Instead of the pineapple and cherries you use cranberries and walnuts with the brown-sugar butter sauce. I do them in little pans so everyone get their own. Lets put it this way - I made them one year to try it out and I've not been allowed to show up without them for the past few years!
I have these same pans and I like to use them to serve pretty cheese dips. This one is my favorite: http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/dip-for-the-stars/Detail.aspx
It's a beautiful Christmas appetizer with the red, white, and green - and it looks like a wreath when it comes out of the mold. Just line the mini bundt pans with plastic wrap for easy removal.
I have 6 of these pans, and have used them many times, successfully, for most sweet bread recipes. I make a "not-a-fruitcake" bread with dates, glaceed cherries, nuts and chocolate chips called "Bishop's Bread". It's quite dense, and that even works well, as does lighter mixes like cranberry/orange bread. Just watch your baking times.....start testing after about half of the time your loaf recipe recommends. They're perfect for gifts !
I LOVE the brioche idea. Will be using that soon.
I recently made Sweet Potato Pecan Teacakes with individual bundt pans. Here's the recipe on my blog:
http://pitchforkdiaries.com/2010/03/03/sweet-potato-pecan-teacakes/
Use them for jello or pudding! (the custardy kind of pudding Japanese eat: http://subsite.icu.ac.jp/org/debatingsociety/17th-icut/images/shinozaki_pudding.PNG )
Have fun. :)