Mini bundt cakes filled with pastel candies and topped with colorful glaze — a fun, festive dessert that hides a sweet surprise inside!
Servings: 6 medium bundt cakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes (depending on cake mix)
Cooling Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Occasion: Easter, Spring Celebrations, Baby Showers
Ingredients
For the Cakes
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1 box white cake mix (or homemade white cake batter), prepared as directed
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Assorted Easter-themed candies (jelly beans, mini eggs, pastel M&Ms, etc.)
For the Glaze
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2 cups powdered sugar
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2 tbsp milk (add more if needed for consistency)
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1 tsp fresh lemon juice
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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Pastel gel food coloring (pink, yellow, lavender, mint green, etc.)
Instructions
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Prepare Pan: Butter and flour a mini bundt cake pan with 6 slots. Preheat oven according to cake mix instructions.
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Make Cake Batter: Follow box instructions or your homemade recipe to prepare white cake batter. Pour evenly into prepared bundt pan, filling each mold about ⅔ full.
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Bake & Cool: Bake according to directions (usually 20–25 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Level Cakes: Once cooled, trim a small slice from the bottom of each cake so it stands upright without wobbling.
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Make Glaze: In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth and thick but pourable. Adjust consistency with more milk (if too thick) or more sugar (if too thin). Divide glaze into small bowls and tint each with a different pastel gel food color.
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Add Hidden Candy: Fill the center hole of each bundt cake with Easter candies, mounding slightly if desired.
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Glaze & Decorate: Drizzle pastel glaze over cakes, keeping the center hole visible so candy peeks through. Top with extra candy for decoration.
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Serve & Surprise: Present whole for a “hidden treasure” effect — when sliced, the candy spills out for a delightful reveal.
Brief Introduction
These charming mini bundt cakes are a playful twist on the classic Easter dessert. Their pastel glaze and hidden candy center make them a perfect table centerpiece — and the big reveal when cutting into them is guaranteed to make both kids and adults smile.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Baking the Cakes
Mini bundt cakes are the perfect size for individual servings, and the center hole makes an easy spot to hide candy.
2. Mixing Pastel Glaze
Use gel food coloring for bright yet soft spring shades without thinning the glaze.
3. Filling & Decorating
Pile candies high for maximum “wow” factor when the cakes are cut open.
Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
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Cake Mix: Use lemon, strawberry, or funfetti cake mix for extra color and flavor.
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Candies: Choose ones that won’t melt easily at room temperature.
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Glaze: You can replace lemon juice with orange juice for a softer citrus flavor.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
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Chocolate Lover’s Version: Use chocolate cake mix and fill with mini chocolate eggs.
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Kid’s Party Twist: Fill with rainbow sprinkles or gummy candies.
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Extra Festive: Add edible glitter or gold leaf flakes on top.
Storage & Make-Ahead Information
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Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
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Refrigeration: Not recommended as candies may become sticky.
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Make Ahead: Bake cakes 1 day ahead, glaze and fill just before serving.
Nutrition Facts (per cake, based on 6 cakes)
Calories: ~380 kcal | Carbs: 65g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Sugar: 45g
FAQs
Q: Can I make these without a bundt pan?
A: Yes — bake cupcakes, then hollow out the center with a melon baller before filling with candy.
Q: How do I keep glaze from dripping too much?
A: Ensure the cakes are completely cool and glaze is slightly thick so it clings nicely.
Personal Story
The first time I made these was for an Easter brunch, and I underestimated how much excitement a little hidden candy could bring. When the first cake was cut open, everyone leaned in to see the surprise — and instantly grabbed a slice. It’s now a yearly tradition.
If you’d like, I can also create a spring brunch display idea showing how to arrange these cakes with flowers, eggs, and pastel decorations for maximum table impact. Would you like me to do that next?