Indulge in the delightful taste of Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts. These little cakes combine the rich flavors of brown butter and a warm cinnamon swirl, all wrapped around a creamy center. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon treat, these mini bundts are sure to impress guests and family alike. Their unique texture and flavor make them a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The nutty aroma of brown butter paired with cinnamon creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip these up without hassle.
- Versatile Options: Enjoy them as mini bundts or as a loaf; either way, they are delicious!
- Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Mini sizes make it easy to indulge without overdoing it.
- Great for Sourdough Discard: Use leftover sourdough discard for added moisture and tang.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mini bundt cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mini bundt cake pan: This is crucial for shaping your cakes perfectly while creating those beautiful designs.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps with organized ingredient mixing, keeping the process tidy.
- Whisk: A good whisk is essential for incorporating air into your batter, leading to light and fluffy cakes.
Ingredients
Indulgent brown butter sourdough cakes with cinnamon swirl and smooth cream cheese center.
For the Cake Batter
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard, at room temperature (or substitute with 1/2 cup extra Greek yogurt)
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, light or dark
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tbsp milk of choice
For Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How to Make Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini bundt cake pan with butter and dust it with flour. If you prefer a loaf version, grease an 8.5×4.5” loaf pan with butter and line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add the salted butter. Let it melt while stirring continuously. Allow it to brown slightly for about 5–8 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5–10 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside while you mix the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Whisk until combined. Beat in each egg one at a time until fully incorporated. Add in the sourdough discard (or extra Greek yogurt), Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the dry ingredient mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep your cakes tender.
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon until well blended.
Step 7: Fill Bundt Pans
For mini bundts:
* Fill each cavity about 1/3 full with batter.
* Sprinkle approximately 1 tablespoon of cinnamon swirl mixture over this layer.
* Fill each cavity another 2/3 full with batter until they reach about 3/4 full total.
If using a loaf pan:
* Spread half of the batter in the prepared pan.
* Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over this layer.
* Cover with remaining batter.
Step 8: Bake
For mini bundts:
Bake at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
For a loaf:
Bake at 350°F for approximately 40–50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
While cakes bake, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Cool & Fill Bundts
Allow baked mini bundts to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting onto a wire rack. Once cooled completely, fill the centers of mini bundts with cream cheese filling using a piping bag or spoon. For loaf version, drizzle cream cheese mixture generously on top.
Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving! Enjoy your Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts!
How to Serve Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts
Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, these cakes offer versatility in serving. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment of these delicious treats.
Pair with Fresh Fruit
- Sliced Berries: Fresh strawberries or blueberries add a juicy contrast to the rich flavors of the bundts.
- Citrus Segments: Orange or grapefruit segments provide a refreshing burst of acidity that complements the sweetness.
Drizzle with Maple Syrup
- Maple Syrup: A warm drizzle of pure maple syrup enhances the sweet and nutty flavor of the brown butter, making each bite more indulgent.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the dense cakes.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or cinnamon to the whipped cream for an extra flavor boost.
Enjoy with Coffee or Tea
- Coffee: The robust flavors of coffee balance perfectly with the sweetness of mini bundts, making it an ideal pairing for brunch.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea can offer a lighter contrast and enhance your dessert experience.
How to Perfect Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts
To ensure your Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. Implementing these suggestions will elevate your baking game and guarantee delicious results.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter, eggs, and yogurt helps create a smooth batter, leading to better texture.
- Brown Butter Carefully: Monitor your butter closely while browning; it should have a nutty aroma and golden color without burning.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined to prevent tough cakes. A few lumps are okay!
- Check Doneness Early: Each oven is different; check your cakes 5 minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Before Filling: Allow the bundts to cool slightly before filling them with cream cheese mixture. This prevents melting and maintains shape.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings, like chocolate ganache or fruit preserves, for unique variations.
Best Side Dishes for Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts
Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts pair well with a variety of side dishes that complement their rich flavor profile. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside them:
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fresh fruits offers a refreshing counterpoint to the dense cakes.
- Savory Breakfast Sausages: The salty richness of sausages balances the sweetness of the bundts for a hearty meal.
- Egg Muffins: Fluffy egg muffins packed with veggies provide protein and make for a well-rounded breakfast plate.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy pudding adds a healthy touch while enhancing the dessert-like quality of your meal.
- Cinnamon Applesauce: Warm applesauce seasoned with cinnamon echoes the flavors in the cakes while adding moisture.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and lightness that contrasts nicely with the sweet bundts.
- Granola Bars: Chewy granola bars can be an easy grab-and-go option that pairs well on brunch tables.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
-
Not browning the butter properly: Make sure to watch the butter closely as it melts. It should turn a golden brown and have a nutty aroma for the best flavor.
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Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense cakes. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed to keep your Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts light and fluffy.
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Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven fully before baking. An inconsistent temperature can affect how evenly your cakes bake.
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Skipping the cooling time: Allow the cakes to cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart.
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Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Ensure your eggs and yogurt are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture in your cakes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- For best quality, consider wrapping each bundt individually in plastic wrap.
Freezing Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts
- Place fully cooled cakes in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with dates for easy tracking.
Reheating Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts
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Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
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Microwave: Heat each mini bundt on medium power for 15-20 seconds for quick reheating.
-
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it for even warming without drying out the cakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make gluten-free Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it has xanthan gum included for better structure.
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can use regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt gives your Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts a creamier texture and richer flavor.
What should I do if I don’t have sourdough discard?
You can replace sourdough discard with an equal amount of additional Greek yogurt or applesauce for moisture and tanginess.
How do I achieve a perfect cinnamon swirl?
Make sure to sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly between layers of batter before baking. This ensures a nice swirl throughout each bundt.
Final Thoughts
These Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts are not only indulgent but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their rich flavor profile pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them perfect as a sweet treat or dessert. Feel free to customize them with different fillings or toppings like nuts or chocolate chips for an extra touch! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
SEO Information
Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts
Indulge in the rich flavors of Mini Brown Butter Cinnabundts, delightful mini cakes that combine the nutty aroma of brown butter with a warm cinnamon swirl and a creamy center. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress family and guests alike. With their unique texture and flavor, they stand out on any dessert table. Plus, they are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Serve them with fresh fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 mini bundts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard, at room temperature (or substitute with 1/2 cup extra Greek yogurt)
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, light or dark
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tbsp milk of choice
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini bundt pan.
- In a saucepan, brown the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl; combine sugars and browned butter in another.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add sourdough discard and Greek yogurt.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
- Layer batter into pan with cinnamon sugar mixture in between.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes for mini bundts or 40–50 minutes for loaf until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before filling with cream cheese mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: To achieve the best flavor, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature. For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. Customize fillings with chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.