Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mini Pumpkin Pie Delights?
Mini Pumpkin Pie Delights are elegant, bite-sized petit fours made with layers of pumpkin-infused cake and cream cheese frosting, finished with a candy coating.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size pans are needed?
The recipe requires four 4-inch square sandwich pans.
Should the baking pans be greased?
Yes, you should grease the pans and line them with baking parchment for easy removal.
What dry ingredients are used in the cake batter?
The dry ingredients include plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice.
What wet ingredients are mixed for the cake?
The wet ingredients consist of vegetable oil, large eggs, dark brown sugar, and pumpkin puree.
How should the cake batter be mixed?
Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined while avoiding overmixing.
How long do the cakes need to bake?
The cakes should bake for approximately 15 minutes.
How do I check if the pumpkin cakes are done?
The cakes are done when they are firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the cooling process for the cakes?
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What are the ingredients for the frosting?
The frosting is made from unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and softened cream cheese.
How do I assemble the mini cakes?
Carefully split each cooled sponge horizontally, spread frosting on the bottom half, and replace the top half.
How many pieces does each cake yield?
Using a sharp knife, each 4-inch square cake should be cut into eight wedges.
Do the cake wedges need to be frozen?
Yes, place the wedges in the freezer for about 1 hour to firm them up before coating.
How do I prepare the candy coating?
Melt orange candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of vegetable shortening for a smooth consistency.
How are the wedges coated?
Dip each chilled cake wedge into the melted orange candy until it is completely coated.
Where should the coated cakes set?
Place the dipped wedges on a wire rack to allow the candy coating to harden.
How are the Mini Pumpkin Pie Delights decorated?
Decorate the tops with the remaining frosting using a piping bag and sprinkle with yellow nonpareils.
What type of sprinkles are used?
Yellow nonpareils are used for a festive decorative touch.
At what temperature should these treats be served?
These delights should be served at room temperature.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 73 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3.7 grams of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each delight?
Each piece contains 9.4 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this dessert?
There is 0.4 grams of protein per serving.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for sifted plain flour.
How much pumpkin puree is required?
You will need 0.5 of a 14-ounce can of pumpkin puree.
What type of sugar is used in the batter?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of packed dark brown sugar.
Why is shortening added to the candy melts?
Shortening helps the candy melts reach a smooth, dippable consistency.
What flavor of spice is used?
Two teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice are used for the festive fall flavor.
Are these suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, these mini desserts are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or special occasions.