When I'm making a bundt cake, getting the pan ready is really the most important step. I used to try various baking sprays and the like, but it always left mixed results at best. But lately, my consistent answer has been generously brushing the pan with melted coconut oil. The oil tends to solidify after being applied, adds a nice flavor and texture at the edges of the cake, and even the most challenging designs release without a problem. And mini bundt cakes are particularly fun for Thanksgiving since most pans make six little cakes. If you are feeding a crowd, it means you will need to make 2-3 batches and that means you can have more than one flavor available and a mini bundt build-your-own-dessert bar is just a bit of planning away.
You can make and freeze these cakes easily and just thaw at room temperature on a serving plate or cake stands on the big day. Options for topping include powdered sugar or cocoa powder, glazes and icings of various consistencies and flavors, whipped cream (flavored or otherwise), and even a dollop of ice cream. Chocolate chips, chocolate sauce, chopped fruit, and nuts are all lovely additions as well. Make sure there are a few choices and let your friends and family make their own perfect Thanksgiving dessert.
So, in the end, you can actually make a variety of these cakes. If you have a traditional recipe for a 12-cup cake, either halve the recipe or make 12 mini bundt cakes with it - reducing the cooking time to about a half hour. If banana isn't your thing, try chocolate mint, French lemon, Orange-Cardamom, rum-glazed, or double apple. Suddenly, the end of your Thanksgiving dinner is set up to become the most memorable part of the meal! Have a fantastic feast!
Mini Banana Bundt Cakes
- 1 T. coconut oil, melted
- 1 ½ cups all purpose unbleached flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup sour cream
Preheat the oven to 325° F. Prepare a 6 cup capacity mini bundt pan by brushing the melted coconut oil generously into the pan, making sure to catch all the crevices. Set aside.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the butter until light and creamy, add the granulated sugar and beat again until fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and bananas mixing until well combined.
Add half of the dry ingredients and the sour cream, mixing on low and finishing with the remaining dry ingredients.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared mini bundt pan, filling each cavity 2/3 full. Lightly tap the bundt pan on the counter to remove any large air bubbles.
Bake the cakes at 325° F for 30 minutes or until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes and then turn out the cakes. Cool completely before dusting with sugar, drizzling with a glaze, or serving with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
- Yields: 6 servings
- Preparation Time: 50 minutes, plus cooling time