Easter baking just got a whole lot more exciting with these adorable Surprise Inside Easter Bundt Cakes! These charming mini bundt cakes hide a colorful secret within their moist, tender crumb—a rainbow of Easter-themed surprises that will delight both children and adults alike when they cut into them.
Perfect for your Easter celebration or spring gathering, these festive treats combine the elegant shape of a bundt cake with the playful whimsy of a hidden surprise. The best part? They’re much easier to make than they look, allowing you to create a show-stopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This
- Fun reveal moment when guests cut into their cakes to discover the colorful surprise
- Make-ahead friendly—prepare a day before your celebration
- Customizable with different fillings and decorations to suit your taste
- Perfect individual portions that eliminate the need for cutting and serving
- Kid-friendly baking project that creates magical memories
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (or homemade), prepared as directed
- Mixed Easter candy (M&Ms, jelly beans, mini eggs, etc.)
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk + more as needed
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (pastel colors for Easter)
Instructions
- Butter and flour a mini bundt cake pan and set aside. The recipe is designed for a pan that makes 6 medium-sized bundt cakes.
- Prepare the cake mix according to package directions (or use your favorite homemade white cake recipe). Pour the batter into the prepared bundt cake pan and bake as directed on the package or in your recipe.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely. Once cooled, slice off a very small amount from the bottom of each cake (as little as possible) so they can stand upright without wobbling.
- In a bowl, mix the confectioners sugar, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. Divide the glaze into small bowls and tint each with gel food coloring to create different pastel colors.
- Fill the center hole of each bundt cake with Easter candy. Pack in as much as possible for a more dramatic surprise effect when cut into.
- Pour the colored glaze over the tops of the bundt cakes, being careful not to get too much glaze in the center hole as it will prevent the candy from pouring out when served. Top with additional Easter candy for decoration.
Tips & Variations
- For a chocolate version, replace 1/4 cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder
- Try different fillings like colored cake balls, fruit preserves, or chocolate ganache
- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a fresh spring flavor
- If you don’t have a mini bundt pan, use a muffin tin with a small ball of foil in the center
- For a marbled effect, divide the batter and color each portion differently before adding to the pan
- Ensure candies are completely enclosed in batter to maintain the surprise effect
Serving Suggestions
These Surprise Inside Easter Bundt Cakes are perfect served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a complete Easter dessert spread, pair them with fresh strawberries or a fruit compote that highlights seasonal spring fruits.
Consider creating a dessert buffet with these bundt cakes as the centerpiece, surrounded by Easter cookies, chocolate nests, and pastel-colored macarons for a festive display that will delight guests of all ages.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Cakes can be frozen unfrosted for up to 1 month; thaw completely before glazing
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
- Allow glaze to set completely (about 1 hour) before stacking or transporting
FAQs
Can I make this as one large bundt cake instead of minis?
Yes! Use a standard bundt pan and increase the baking time to 45-50 minutes. Place the surprise candies in a ring in the middle of the batter.
Why did my candies sink to the bottom of the cake?
This can happen if the batter is too thin. Try tossing the candies in a little flour before adding them, or use a slightly thicker batter.
Can I make these cakes ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Bake the cakes 1-2 days ahead and store in an airtight container. Add the glaze the day of serving for the freshest appearance.
What if I don’t have Easter-themed candies?
Any small candies will work! Try M&Ms, chocolate chips, or even a spoonful of Nutella or fruit preserves for a different but equally delightful surprise.
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