Baking Like Dolly: Delicious Recipes with Dolly Parton’s New Baking Mixes
Dolly Parton, the queen of country music and all-around national treasure, has expanded her empire into the world of baking! Her new line of baking mixes promises Southern comfort and deliciousness right in your own kitchen. From fluffy biscuits to decadent cakes, these mixes are designed to bring a little bit of Dolly’s down-home charm to your table. In this article, we’ll explore some mouthwatering recipes you can create using Dolly Parton’s baking mixes, complete with detailed steps and instructions to ensure baking success. Get ready to unleash your inner baker and whip up some Dolly-approved treats!
Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix Lineup: A Sweet Symphony
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a quick look at the stars of the show – Dolly Parton’s baking mixes. While availability may vary depending on your location and retailer, here are some of the mixes you might find:
* **Dolly Parton’s Southern Style Biscuit Mix:** The foundation for many a Southern breakfast, this mix promises light and fluffy biscuits that are perfect with butter, jam, or gravy.
* **Dolly Parton’s Cornbread Mix:** A Southern staple! This mix allows you to create a moist and flavorful cornbread, ideal as a side dish or crumbled into chili.
* **Dolly Parton’s Banana Pudding Mix:** A classic Southern dessert, this mix offers a convenient way to create a creamy and dreamy banana pudding.
* **Dolly Parton’s Chocolate Cake Mix:** For the chocolate lovers! This mix promises a rich and decadent chocolate cake that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a chocolate craving.
* **Dolly Parton’s Strawberry Cake Mix:** A delightful blend of sweet strawberries and moist cake. This mix is perfect for a summery treat.
These mixes are designed to be easy to use, even for beginner bakers. Each mix typically requires the addition of a few simple ingredients like butter, milk, and eggs, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dessert.
Recipe 1: Dolly’s Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey Butter
Let’s start with a Southern classic: biscuits. This recipe elevates Dolly Parton’s Southern Style Biscuit Mix with a simple homemade honey butter, adding a touch of sweetness and indulgence.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Dolly Parton’s Southern Style Biscuit Mix
* 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (or milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes)
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare the biscuit dough:** In a large bowl, whisk together the Dolly Parton’s Southern Style Biscuit Mix and the salt. Cut in the cold butter cubes using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It is important that the butter is cold; this helps create those flaky layers in the biscuits. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
3. **Add the buttermilk:** Gradually add the cold buttermilk to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough biscuits. The dough will be slightly shaggy and sticky.
4. **Turn out and knead:** Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in half and pat it down again. Repeat this folding process 3-4 times. This helps create layers in the biscuits.
5. **Cut out the biscuits:** Use a 2-3 inch biscuit cutter (or a knife) to cut out the biscuits. Press straight down; avoid twisting the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly. Re-roll any scraps to cut out more biscuits.
6. **Bake the biscuits:** Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each biscuit. Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter (optional, but adds a golden-brown color). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. **Prepare the honey butter:** While the biscuits are baking, prepare the honey butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and honey. Beat with a mixer until light and fluffy.
8. **Serve:** Serve the warm biscuits immediately with the honey butter. Enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* For extra-fluffy biscuits, let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting out the biscuits.
* Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or chopped fresh herbs to the biscuit dough for a savory twist.
* If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
* Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Recipe 2: Dolly’s Dreamy Cornbread with Jalapeño and Cheese
Cornbread is another Southern staple, and this recipe adds a spicy and cheesy twist to Dolly Parton’s Cornbread Mix. The jalapeños add a touch of heat, while the cheddar cheese adds richness and flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Dolly Parton’s Cornbread Mix
* 1 cup milk
* 1 large egg
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan or cast iron skillet.
2. **Combine wet ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. **Add dry ingredients:** Add the Dolly Parton’s Cornbread Mix to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Stir in the cheese and jalapeños:** Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños.
5. **Pour into the pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan or skillet.
6. **Bake the cornbread:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Let it cool:** Let the cornbread cool in the pan for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a sweeter cornbread, add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the batter.
* Substitute pepper jack cheese for cheddar cheese for an extra kick of spice.
* Add a can of drained and rinsed corn kernels for added texture and flavor.
* Serve the cornbread warm with butter, honey, or chili.
* For a crispier crust, bake the cornbread in a preheated cast iron skillet.
Recipe 3: Dolly’s Delightful Banana Pudding Parfaits
Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert, and Dolly Parton’s Banana Pudding Mix makes it incredibly easy to create. This recipe transforms the traditional banana pudding into elegant parfaits, perfect for individual servings.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Dolly Parton’s Banana Pudding Mix
* 3 cups cold milk
* 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
* 2 cups vanilla wafers
* 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the pudding:** In a large bowl, whisk together the Dolly Parton’s Banana Pudding Mix and cold milk until well combined. Let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
2. **Fold in the whipped topping:** Gently fold in half of the whipped topping into the pudding mixture.
3. **Assemble the parfaits:** In individual glasses or parfait dishes, layer the vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and banana pudding mixture. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full, ending with a layer of whipped topping.
4. **Garnish and chill:** Garnish the parfaits with a vanilla wafer crumble or a banana slice. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use store-bought or homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping.
* Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
* For a richer flavor, use sweetened condensed milk in addition to the milk.
* If you don’t have parfait glasses, you can assemble the banana pudding in a large bowl or trifle dish.
* For a chocolatey twist, drizzle chocolate syrup over the banana slices and vanilla wafers.
Recipe 4: Dolly’s Decadent Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting
Indulge your chocolate cravings with this decadent chocolate cake recipe using Dolly Parton’s Chocolate Cake Mix. The rich fudge frosting takes this cake to the next level of deliciousness.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Dolly Parton’s Chocolate Cake Mix
* Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
**For the Fudge Frosting:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the Dolly Parton’s Chocolate Cake Mix box. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. **Prepare the cake batter:** Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Be careful not to overmix.
3. **Bake the cake:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for the time specified on the box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. **Cool the cake:** Let the cake cool in the pan(s) for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
5. **Prepare the fudge frosting:** While the cake is cooling, prepare the fudge frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
6. **Add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder:** Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to the butter, mixing on low speed until combined.
7. **Add the milk and vanilla:** Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
8. **Frost the cake:** Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the fudge frosting. If using two round cake pans, frost between the layers and on top of the cake.
9. **Decorate (optional):** Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries, if desired.
10. **Chill and serve:** Chill the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the cake batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
* Substitute buttermilk for the water in the cake batter for a richer, more moist cake.
* Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
* For a mocha frosting, add a tablespoon of instant coffee powder to the fudge frosting.
* Make cupcakes instead of a cake by using cupcake liners in a muffin tin and baking for a shorter amount of time.
Recipe 5: Dolly’s Strawberry Sensation Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This delightful Strawberry Sensation Cake, made with Dolly Parton’s Strawberry Cake Mix, is a burst of summery flavor. The tangy cream cheese frosting complements the sweetness of the strawberry cake perfectly.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Dolly Parton’s Strawberry Cake Mix
* Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the Dolly Parton’s Strawberry Cake Mix box. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. **Prepare the cake batter:** Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Be careful not to overmix.
3. **Bake the cake:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for the time specified on the box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. **Cool the cake:** Let the cake cool in the pan(s) for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
5. **Prepare the cream cheese frosting:** While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
6. **Add the powdered sugar and vanilla:** Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until combined. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
7. **Frost the cake:** Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the cream cheese frosting. If using two round cake pans, frost between the layers and on top of the cake.
8. **Decorate (optional):** Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries, strawberry slices, or sprinkles, if desired.
9. **Chill and serve:** Chill the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers for extra strawberry flavor.
* Substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese in the frosting for a tangier frosting.
* Add a few drops of pink food coloring to the frosting for a more vibrant color.
* Top the cake with a strawberry glaze made from strawberry jam and a little bit of water.
More Tips for Baking Success with Dolly Parton’s Mixes
* **Read the instructions carefully:** Always read the instructions on the baking mix box before you begin. This will ensure that you use the correct ingredients and baking times.
* **Don’t overmix:** Overmixing can lead to tough baked goods. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
* **Use fresh ingredients:** Using fresh ingredients, especially eggs and butter, will result in better-tasting baked goods.
* **Use an oven thermometer:** Oven temperatures can vary, so using an oven thermometer will ensure that your oven is at the correct temperature.
* **Let baked goods cool completely before frosting:** Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
Conclusion: Baking with Heart and Soul
Dolly Parton’s baking mixes offer a convenient and delicious way to bring a little bit of Southern charm to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking biscuits for breakfast, cornbread for dinner, or a decadent cake for dessert, these mixes are sure to impress. With a little creativity and these simple recipes, you can create mouthwatering treats that are perfect for any occasion. So, put on your apron, turn up some Dolly Parton music, and get ready to bake like a true Southern belle!