Ruffles & Truffles

10
Feb
2013

Mini Samoa Bundt Cakes for #SundaySupper

categories: Recipes

Well folks: Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and it is time to talk sweet treats.

Today the gang at Sunday Supper are sharing their favorite treats (sweet AND savory) to enjoy on Valentine’s Day. For me, it was too tempting NOT to make a sweet, so I gave in. Valentine’s Day is one of those occasions when I find it perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) to splurge a bit on something decadent.

mini samoa bundt cake dessert 2

Justin and I have stayed in for a dinner/dessert at home for the past few years. The restaurant scene tends to be so packed and stressful on that day, so I try to make a special meal at home (and pop open a nice bottle of wine and bubbly with it).

mini samoa bundt cake dessert 5

Here’s the thing: I don’t want to spend hours on end in the kitchen on Valentine’s Day. I want to spend time with Justin! So, if my dessert treat involves a few little shortcuts, that is just fine with me. Anything that will reduce my prep time is a win. In this case: I employed the help of a store bought brownie mix and some caramel sauce instead of creating them from scratch. You can certainly go the homemade route on both of these items, but hey: I am not above going the semi-homemade path every once in a while. Plus: Ghirardelli makes a pretty kick-butt brownie mix.

mini samoa bundt cake dessert 6

My favorite desserts almost always involve chocolate, so these mini Samoa bundt cakes should come as no surprise. And, it just so happens that a little Girl Scout came knocking on my door the other day…which made me think about Samoa cookies. As far as Girl Scout cookies go, the Samoas rank up there as my favorite (next to Thin Mints), and as I wait for my box to be delivered, I decided to take the same flavors and make my mini Samoa bundt cakes. Done and done.

mini samoa bundt cake dessert

Also – there is something special about mini sized food, am I right? I created these mini bundts with the assistance of a mini bundt brownie pan, but if you don’t want to go out and buy one of those, you could create circular brownies by using a biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter.

In addition, I substituted natural applesauce in place of the oil in the brownie mix to lighten it up slightly. Have you tried this before? It works! If you don’t have applesauce, you can sub the oil for pumpkin puree too. Although it won’t make the brownies completely guilt-free, they do make them “reduced guilt” in my eyes! And I’m all about that.

mini samoa bundt cake dessert 4

Mini Samoa Bundt Cakes

Ingredients

1 brownie mix (and ingredients required to mix it)

1-2 cups shredded sweetened coconut

4 tablespoons caramel sauce (approx)

Instructions

1. Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions and bake in mini bundt pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Allow brownies to cool, then gently remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium low heat and sprinkle a thin layer of coconut on the bottom. Stir occasionally to keep coconut from burning. After about 5 minutes or so, the coconut will start to toast/turn a golden brown hue. Make sure to keep gently stirring the coconut, and remove pan from heat once the shreds have reached the desired color. Set aside until you are ready to serve the bundts.

3. To serve, place a bundt on a plate and drizzle the top generously with caramel sauce. Sprinkle the toasted coconut on top, and then add a final drizzle of caramel on top to help set it in place. You can serve these warm or at room temperature…add a scoop of ice cream on the side to add extra deliciousness – enjoy!

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Make sure you check out the other delicious recipes from the group at Sunday Supper!

 

#SundaySupper Valentine’s Day Breakfasts, Apps & Main Dishes:

#SundaySupper Valentine’s Day Sweet Eats:

#SundaySupper Valentine’s Day Drinks:

#SundaySupper Valentine’s Day Tablescape: A Romantic Table For Two Please from An Appealing Plan

 

53 Comments on Mini Samoa Bundt Cakes for #SundaySupper

  1. The Ninja Baker
    February 10, 2013 at 2:17 am (130 days ago)

    Very much appreciate the reminder of using applesauce as a substitute for oil. Stellar! And mini bites of chocolate heaven. Perfect for Valentine’s or any day. We still get to enjoy but don’t feel the guilt. Thank you, Katie!

    Reply
    • Katie
      February 10, 2013 at 8:07 pm (129 days ago)

      No problem! I love using applesauce or pumpkin in place of oil when I bake. I really love using a chunky applesauce when I make cornbread…the little chunks of apple mixed inside are so tasty!

      Reply
    • Katie
      February 10, 2013 at 8:10 pm (129 days ago)

      The chocolate, caramel, and coconut flavor combo is seriously one of my favorites!

      Reply
    • Katie
      February 10, 2013 at 8:10 pm (129 days ago)

      Sounds like a yummy twist to me!

      Reply
  5. Leah
    February 10, 2013 at 5:01 pm (130 days ago)

    I love that you use a brownie mix – These would be amazing little treats to bring to a last minute party! I agree – mini foods are always super cute. :)
    Leah recently posted..[Paleo] Creamy Chicken CasseroleMy Profile

    Reply
    • Katie
      February 10, 2013 at 8:12 pm (129 days ago)

      Haha, as much as I’d like to make everything homemade, sometimes it is ok to take shortcuts! Plus, Publix puts cake/brownie/etc. mixes on BOGO all the time, so you can snag them for about $1 a box for the Ghirardelli brand. Yep. Gotta have it. Lol!

      Reply
    • Katie
      February 10, 2013 at 8:12 pm (129 days ago)

      I haven’t had them in a few years…I kind of gave in when the little Girl Scout offered up her order sheet though. Dang it!

      Reply
    • Katie
      February 10, 2013 at 6:34 pm (129 days ago)

      I got it! It was filtered into my spam file by Akismet for some reason, so I am wondering if that is what is happening with the other comments too…

      Reply
  9. Stacy
    Twitter: srushton1
    February 10, 2013 at 11:34 pm (129 days ago)

    My first real job after graduating from university was for the Girl Scouts so I ate more than my share of cookies, but I still love them! I’m with you though, Thin Mints first, then Samosas. These are beautiful, with the coconut and caramel!
    Stacy recently posted..Banana Cream Napoleons for #SundaySupperMy Profile

    Reply
    • Katie
      February 13, 2013 at 7:07 pm (126 days ago)

      Oh man, that would be such trouble for me! Cookies all around!

      Reply
    • Katie
      February 13, 2013 at 7:09 pm (126 days ago)

      Indeed – they make a killer brownie mix! They always turn out fudgy and super chocolatey…I can’t complain

      Reply
  14. Liz
    Twitter: thatskinnychick
    February 11, 2013 at 6:56 pm (128 days ago)

    Samoas are my favorite! LOVE this easy way to get all their deliciousness in a simple brownie recipe…YUM!

    Reply
  15. Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere
    Twitter: CCuisiniere
    February 11, 2013 at 8:49 pm (128 days ago)

    These are beautiful! My hubby’s favorite Girl Scout Cookie is the Samoa, so I’m going to have to try these out!
    Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere recently posted..Baked PaczkiMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Nancy @ gottagetbaked
    February 15, 2013 at 1:52 pm (125 days ago)

    Katie, you’re brilliant! Hells yeah to the convenience of a boxed mix (no shame when you want something delicious and quick), the mini bundts are adorable and I love that you were inspired by the Samoa. I’m the same as you – I hate fighting crowds at restaurants for overpriced mediocre Valentines Day food. Staying home and eating homemade dessert is so much better!
    Nancy @ gottagetbaked recently posted..Cheesecake Swirled Brownies on an Oreo Crust for February’s #ChocolatePartyMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Bea
    February 16, 2013 at 12:24 pm (124 days ago)

    Oh yes, VDay is not the night to go out :) these mini budt cakes are so cute and delicious looking!!!

    Reply

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