Fall Baking Bliss: Delicious Recipes with Dolly Parton’s New Baking Mix
Fall is in the air, and what better way to embrace the cozy season than with the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods? This year, Dolly Parton is making our fall baking dreams a reality with her brand-new line of baking mixes. Known for her warmth, generosity, and undeniably delicious Southern charm, Dolly’s baking mixes promise to bring a touch of her signature sweetness to your kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore some delectable recipes using Dolly Parton’s new baking mix, perfect for autumnal gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
## Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix: A Taste of Southern Comfort
Dolly Parton’s baking mixes are more than just convenient; they’re a taste of Southern tradition and heartwarming flavors. While the exact range may vary, expect to find mixes perfect for classic treats like muffins, cakes, and possibly even cornbread. These mixes aim to capture the essence of home-style baking, making it easier than ever to create mouthwatering desserts that everyone will love. It’s anticipated that these mixes emphasize ease of use without sacrificing flavor. What a perfect match for both beginners and experienced bakers!
Before we dive into specific recipes, let’s talk about the versatility of these mixes. While the package instructions will provide a base recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique variations. That’s part of the fun of baking!
## Recipe 1: Spiced Apple Crumble Muffins
These spiced apple crumble muffins are the perfect way to start your fall mornings. The warm spices, sweet apples, and crumbly topping create a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix (Vanilla or Yellow Cake mix is recommended as a base)
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 1/4 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
**For the Crumble Topping:**
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
* 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
2. **Make the Crumble Topping:** In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. **Prepare the Muffin Batter:** In a large bowl, whisk together the Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix, melted butter, milk (or buttermilk), eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Add the Apples:** Gently fold in the diced apples into the batter.
5. **Fill the Muffin Cups:** Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
6. **Top with Crumble:** Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the muffin batter in each cup.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool:** Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Nuts:** For extra crunch and flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping or directly to the batter.
* **Use Different Apples:** Experiment with different varieties of apples, such as Fuji or Gala, to find your favorite flavor combination.
* **Add Caramel:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the muffins after they have cooled for an extra touch of indulgence.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the batter for a more complex flavor profile.
* **Glaze it Up:** Create a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk or apple cider to drizzle over the muffins after cooling.
## Recipe 2: Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Nothing says fall quite like pumpkin spice. This pumpkin spice cake, made with Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix, is moist, flavorful, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any autumn celebration.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix (Yellow Cake mix is recommended)
* 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup water
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Prepare the Cake Batter:** In a large bowl, combine the Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, water, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. **Pour and Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. **Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:** In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
7. **Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
8. **Add Vanilla and Salt:** Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
9. **Frost the Cake:** Once the cake is completely cooled, frost it evenly with the cream cheese frosting.
10. **Decorate:** Decorate as desired with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or semi-sweet) into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Use Different Spices:** Experiment with different spice combinations, such as adding ginger, cloves, or cardamom to the batter.
* **Make Cupcakes:** Pour the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 18-20 minutes to make pumpkin spice cupcakes.
* **Add a Caramel Swirl:** Swirl caramel sauce into the batter before baking for a caramel-pumpkin flavor.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free Dolly Parton Baking mix, ensuring it’s a gluten-free variety, for a gluten-free version.
## Recipe 3: Apple Cinnamon Scones
These apple cinnamon scones are perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy afternoon tea. They are flaky, buttery, and filled with the warm flavors of apples and cinnamon.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix (Biscuit mix is recommended)
* 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 cup peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for sprinkling
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix and cinnamon.
3. **Cut in the Butter:** Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Add Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Fold in Apples:** Gently fold in the diced apples.
6. **Shape the Scones:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle.
7. **Cut into Wedges:** Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the circle into 8 wedges.
8. **Place on Baking Sheet:** Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet.
9. **Brush with Egg Wash:** Brush the tops of the scones with a little bit of heavy cream or milk and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
10. **Bake:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
11. **Cool:** Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Raisins or Dried Cranberries:** Add 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the dough for extra sweetness and chewiness.
* **Use Different Extracts:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon extract to the dough for a different flavor profile.
* **Make a Glaze:** Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the scones after they have cooled.
* **Freeze the Scones:** Shape the scones and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest for a bright flavor
## Recipe 4: Dolly’s Dreamy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Everyone loves a good chocolate chip cookie, and with Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix, you can whip up a batch of these classic treats in no time. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix (Cookie Mix, or Vanilla Cake mix can be adapted)
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup chocolate chips
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Egg and Vanilla:** Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. **Add Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix:** Gradually add the Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Fold in Chocolate Chips:** Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. **Drop by Rounded Tablespoons:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
8. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use Different Chocolate Chips:** Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips.
* **Add Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts to the dough.
* **Add Oats:** Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a chewier texture.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
* **Sea Salt:** Sprinkle sea salt on the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven to enhance the flavor.
## Recipe 5: Mini Cranberry Orange Bundt Cakes
These mini cranberry orange bundt cakes are festive, flavorful, and perfect for holiday gatherings. The tart cranberries and bright orange zest create a delightful combination of flavors.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix (Cake Mix, Vanilla or Lemon recommended)
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon orange zest
* 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
**For the Orange Glaze:**
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
* 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a mini bundt pan.
2. **Prepare the Cake Batter:** In a large bowl, whisk together the Dolly Parton’s Baking Mix, melted butter, orange juice, eggs, and orange zest until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. **Fold in Cranberries:** Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
4. **Fill the Bundt Pan:** Fill each bundt pan cavity about 2/3 full with the batter.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. **Cool:** Let the bundt cakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. **Make the Orange Glaze:** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
8. **Drizzle with Glaze:** Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled bundt cakes.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
* **Use Different Citrus:** Substitute the orange juice and zest with lemon juice and zest for a lemon-cranberry flavor.
* **Add a Cream Cheese Filling:** Create a cream cheese filling by beating together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Pipe the filling into the center of the bundt cakes after they have cooled.
* **Make a Cranberry Sauce Swirl:** Swirl a spoonful of cranberry sauce into the batter before baking for a festive look and flavor.
* **Candied Orange Peel:** Garnish with Candied Orange Peel for visual appeal.
## Key to Baking Success with Dolly’s Mixes
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough, not tender, baked goods.
* **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Where specified, room temperature ingredients emulsify better, leading to smoother batters.
* **Accurate Measurement:** Baking is a science! Accurate measurement of both dry and wet ingredients contributes to the success of your recipe.
* **Oven Temperature:** Ensure your oven temperature is accurate for even baking. An oven thermometer is a great tool.
* **Cool Completely:** Be sure to cool cakes and muffins completely before frosting, to avoid melting!
## Embrace the Fall Baking Season
Dolly Parton’s new baking mixes are a fantastic way to embrace the fall baking season and create delicious memories with your loved ones. With these recipes as a starting point, you can explore a world of flavors and create your own unique variations. So, grab a box of Dolly’s baking mix, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up some fall-inspired treats that will warm your heart and soul. Happy baking!
## Where to Buy Dolly Parton’s Baking Mixes
Check your local grocery stores, supermarkets and online retailers to see where you can get your hands on Dolly’s Baking Mix. Inventory may vary.