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Desserts Shape Up to Be Extra Special

Crystal Villa's Winning Apple Bundt Cake

Doesn’t everything just seem to taste better when it’s baked in a pretty little Bundt pan? To me, there’s nothing more festive than a table full of delectable sweets. And the crowning jewel always seems to be a moist Bundt cake, filled with love… and covered in gooey glaze!

Crystal Villa of Goodyear, AZ recently shared her award-winning recipe for Blue Ribbon Apple Bundt Cake. Not only is it a Just A Pinch Blue Ribbon stand-out, but it also won first prize at the Arizona State Fair!

“This cake always seems to be a hit with everyone that tries it,” explains Crystal.

And it’s no wonder! The cake blends the flavors of an old-fashioned apple fritter with the fanciful presentation of a high-end dessert. Proudly serve it to your favorite guests for a special dinner, then warm a piece up for yourself the next morning for the ultimate ready-to-meet-the-day breakfast!

Part of what makes this recipe such a winner is its knock-out glaze. Unlike may Bundt cakes that have a simple glaze of confectioners sugar and milk, Crystal has created a flavorful mix that includes apple pie seasoning! The kick of the seasoning adds a zing to an otherwise straightforward glaze recipe. This creative trick can transform any plain icing into a memorable topper. I can’t wait to try experimenting with other flavors as well (like Lewiston, ID resident Bonnie Roberts’ recipe for Fresh Banana Bundt Cake with rum icing… Yum!)

Ridgewood, NY resident Shauna Farr knows a thing or two about sweet treats, too, and gets her kids in on one of her Bundt favorites. She takes a classic Monkey Bread recipe and whips it into shape by placing cinnamon-sugar covered biscuit pieces into a Bundt pan. After adding a little extra sweetness and baking for a few minutes in the oven, you’ve got a ring of pull-apart goodness that youngins (of all ages) will love.

“This is a fun treat to make and eat,” exclaims Shauna. “My mom used to make this for me when I was a kid. It would be a special treat when she made it!”

And it’s just those kind of special moments that can shape ordinary recipes into lasting works of art. Grab your apron and let’s get baking!

How do you Bundt? Fancy or Fun? Weigh-in with your favorites recipes!