consigliato per te

  • in

    Flourless Chocolate Loaf Cake with Berry Coulis

    This flourless chocolate loaf cake is rich and fudgy beyond words! A quick mixed berry coulis is the perfect accompaniment.Greetings, friendly bakers! I’m still very much on a flourless desserts kick, and I’ve been testing and tweaking lots of new recipes like this swoon-worthy chocolate cake. It’s probably the most intensely chocolate dessert I’ve ever made or tasted!Through my tasting and testing, I felt that chocolate cake this deeply profound needed a foil, which came in the form of a bag of mixed berries in my freezer. I’ve made berry coulis many times in my confectionery history, but I sort of forgot about it for a while. It’s so easy and bright tasting, I silently scolded myself for not making it more often. I’m convinced it is this cake’s soul mate, and should never be omitted from the recipe.

    Always begin with really great chocolate. I used 3 bars of organic 65% semisweet chocolate. Whatever excellent chocolate you choose, chop it fine with a large chef’s knife because it is melted alongside lots of butter. This mixture may seem familiar, because it is how many wonderful brownie recipes begin.
    I went the quick-and-easy route by melting the chocolate and butter together in the microwave, but you could also do this over a double boiler. However, I prefer and recommend using the microwave. It removes the risk of getting water from a double boiler’s steam in your chocolate, which will make it seize and become a chunky mess.
    You’ll use lots of eggs, and they’ll need to be whipped with sugar for a good long while until they become voluminous and light in color, just like the picture above.
    The chocolate and butter mixture is combined with the eggs, along with a couple of pantry staples, and then it’s poured into a parchment-lined loaf pan.The cake will need to bake in a water bath so it doesn’t crack and retains its moist, fudgy texture. If you suspect your loaf pan is not leak-proof, wrap the bottom in a double thickness of aluminum foil before placing it in the water bath.
    The cooled cake is topped with yet another layer of chocolate! A simple ganache speckled with chocolate pearls. If you’re making this for gluten-free dietary considerations, be sure to use gluten-free decors or pure chocolate sprinkles. The pearls I had on hand have a tiny toasted biscuit center (Callebaut Crispearls) which is not a gluten-free product.
    Chilled, this cake has a texture similar to fudge. Although it is delicious chilled, I recommend letting letting the cake come to room temperature before serving it. It’s softer and the flavors are more developed.
    This is a cake you’ll want to share, because a little goes a long way. It is absolutely special occasion-worthy, and just the thing for the chocolate fanatic in your life!

    Flourless Chocolate Loaf Cakewith Berry CoulisYields one 9×5-inch loafCake5 large eggs, at room temperature1 cup (200g) granulated sugar3/4 cup (12 tablespoons/173g) unsalted butter12 oz. (3 bars, 4 oz. ea.) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped1/4 cup (25g) dark cocoa powder1/2 cup (53g) finely ground almonds (almond flour, or another nut flour)1/8 teaspoon fine grain sea saltTopping1 cup (6 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips1/2 cup (240 ml) heavy creamChocolate pearls or gluten-free chocolate sprinkles, for garnishBerry coulis1 lb. frozen mixed berries, thawed (tested with blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry mix)1/2 to 1 cup (100-200g) granulated sugar (to taste)1 tablespoon Chambord or blackberry brandy *optionalFor the cake: Preheat the oven to 320°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with solid vegetable shortening (Crisco) and line with parchment paper so that it overhangs the two long sides of the pan. NOTE: my loaf pan was slightly larger, which made my loaf cake short. Using a 9×5 pan with straight sides will yield a taller cake.In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whip attachment, beat the eggs and sugar together at high speed until thick and lightened in color, about 5-7 minutes.Meanwhile, in a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chopped chocolate. Heat in the microwave at 100% power in 45 second intervals. Stir well with each heating, until the mixture is melted and can be stirred smooth.Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the melted chocolate mixture a little at a time. Mix in the dark cocoa powder, ground almonds and salt. Scrape down the bowl to make sure all the ingredients are incorporated and pour into the prepared pan.Place a large roasting pan on the center rack in the oven. Place the loaf pan in the pan and fill with hot water to about 1/3 up the loaf pan (hot tap water is fine, or boil a pot on the stove top). Bake for 30 minutes at 320°F. Increase temperature to 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes more, until the cake is set. The cake should have a slight dip in the center, this is normal. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Transfer to the refrigerator for faster cooling, if desired.For the toppings: Combine the chocolate chips and cream in a large microwave-safe glass measure. Microwave at 100% power for 1 minute. Allow the hot mixture to stand for 1 minute. Whisk together until a glossy ganache forms; pour over the cooled cake in the pan. Immediately garnish with pearls or sprinkles. Let stand until set, or refrigerate to speed setting.For the coulis: combine the thawed berries and ½ cup of sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook until the berries give off their juices, about 7 minutes. Add more sugar to taste (berry tartness will vary). Cook until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool. Place berries in a food processor or blender and pulse until pureed. Place a sieve over a large bowl and pour the berry puree through; press using the back of a spoon or rubbery spatula to force the liquid through the sieve. Discard the solids. Stir in the tablespoon of liquor if using. Transfer the coulis to a jar or cover the bowl and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.Run a knife between the cake pan and the cake and remove from the pan using the overhanging parchment paper; peel away the paper and discard. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.To serve, pour berry coulis on dessert dishes and plate chocolate loaf slices on top. This cake is also excellent served with unsweet whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
    link Flourless Chocolate Loaf Cake with Berry Coulis By Heather Baird Published: Tuesday, May 19, 2020Tuesday, May 19, 2020Flourless Chocolate Loaf Cake with Berry Coulis Recipe LEGGI TUTTO

  • in

    Chocolate Chip Cookie Mug Cake

    For a sweet single serving treat, all you need is a mug, a microwave, and a few pantry staples. Brown sugar cake batter is speckled with semisweet chocolate chips in this cookie-inspired mug cake!If ever there were a time for the mug cake to make a return from its heyday in, well, whatever year it was, (2015 or thereabouts?) it is now. It’s a quick solution when you need a sweet, comforting treat for just one or two people, all while sparing your kitchen much mess.I developed this recipe to soothe both my cake and cookie cravings. The brown sugar batter is light and springy, and it reminds me of a chocolate chip cookie with pockets of gooey melted semisweet chips.
    This recipe stirs together with nothing more than a fork, and cooks in the microwave for 45-50 seconds. That’s almost instant gratification!
    Similar to my recent crazy cake posts (chocolate and vanilla), this recipe requires no eggs, milk, or butter. It’s pantry staples all the way!
    The mixture is stirred together and then poured into an 8 oz. mug. These days the usual coffee mug size is about 11 oz. and that size will work also. The cake just won’t rise all the way to the top of the mug.
    A mug cake fresh from the microwave will be hot and steaming. The top may look under cooked, but it’s not – it’s just shiny from the steam generated in the microwave (you can check with a toothpick tester to be sure).As the cake cools it will pull away from the mug ever-so-slightly. You could turn it out on a plate, but there’s no reason to, really! Enjoy it straight from the mug.
    The brown sugar batter could be varied with other flavors of baking chips such as peanut butter or white chocolate. Nuts, dried fruit, or even a chopped fun-size candy bar would work as a mix-in!
    The vegetable oil in the cake batter keeps this cake moist and tender while baking powder gives it a springy texture. This mini cake is wonderful on its own, but served hot with a scoop of ice cream on top, it’s truly decadent!

    Chocolate Chip Cookie Mug CakeYields 1 serving3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed1/4 teaspoon baking powderPinch of salt1 tablespoon vegetable oil3 tablespoons water1/2 teaspoon molasses1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract1 tablespoon semisweet chocolate chips, plus more for garnishIn a bowl or a glass measuring cup with a pour spout, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir together with a fork using the tines to break up any lumps of brown sugar. Add the oil, water, molasses, and extract. Stir together until smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon semisweet chips.Pour the batter into an 8 oz. (1 cup capacity) microwave-safe mug. Use a rubber spatula to effectively scrape all of the batter into the mug. Add a few more semisweet chips on top of the batter, if desired.Microwave at 100% power for 45-50 seconds, or until the cake is well-puffed. Let stand for 2 minutes. A toothpick tester should come out without any uncooked batter clinging to it. Serve warm.Notes:This recipe was tested in a 1000 watt microwave. Higher wattage will cook this cake faster, lower wattage will cook slower. Adjust the time 5-10 seconds accordingly.Turn the cake out onto a plate if desired. For easiest removal, spray the mug with cooking spray before adding the batter to it.This recipe will work without the molasses if you don’t have any on hand. It will not taste as cookie-like, but still delicious.Serve this warm with a dollop of whipped cream or topped with vanilla ice cream if you have it!
    link Chocolate Chip Cookie Mug Cake By Heather Baird Published: Tuesday, April 14, 2020Tuesday, April 14, 2020Chocolate Chip Cookie Mug Cake Recipe LEGGI TUTTO

  • in

    Easter Bunny Cake

    Hippity-hoppity, Easter’s on its way! Celebrate with this charming bunny-shaped carrot cake, complete with edible Easter grass and candy eggs.Easter is arriving earlier than usual this year (April 12th – last year it was on the 21st!), so now’s the time to commence the making of bunny and egg-themed treats. I was so happy when Wilton invited me to make a spring-themed cake with their products, I couldn’t reply YES fast enough! Soon a box of tools and colorful ingredients arrived at my doorstep, and they inspired this funny bunny cake.

    Look at ALL THE THINGS! I couldn’t wait to get started. Here’s a list of all the items I used and some shopping links in case you’re looking to make your own bunny cake this year.
    I decided early on that this bunny would be made of carrot cake (what else?) and I really appreciated how my favorite carrot sheet cake recipe fit perfectly into the bunny pan. I covered the cooled cake with white buttercream and added some pink fondant ears and a heart-shaped nose. The eyes are jumbo black confetti sprinkles with black fondant eyelids and lashes, which are easy to make using a small circle cutter (see here).

    This egg mold makes the most beautiful candy eggs that have a smooth, matte finish – just like an eggshell! I used pink, orange, and yellow candy melts, but you could use whatever color you have on hand. 

    See how pretty they turned out? Next I’ll be making some chocolate-peanut butter eggs using this mold.
    The Easy Blooms Tip Set was so fun to try! I used it with confectioners’ buttercream that I tinted with the Neon Gel Food Color Set. To achieve flowers with yellow middles, spread icing on a sheet of plastic wrap, and pipe a yellow line of icing in the center -then roll it together, snip the end and place the frosting in a piping bag fitted with an Easy Bloom tip. You could also use a variety of other Wilton piping tips to create pretty flowers for bunny’s crown.I practiced piping on a piece of parchment, and if you try these tips, I recommend you do the same. You’ll soon find a method for applying the right pressure to the piping bag. When I started getting consistently nice-looking flowers, I piped a whole bunch of them on a baking sheet and popped them in the freezer. After a quick chill, I easily transferred the best looking blooms to the cake with a spatula.
    Brushing the cake board with piping gel helped hold on the grassy-looking sprinkles (I used both the Easter Grass Sprinkles and Easter Eggs with Grass Sprinkles). If you don’t have piping gel, then a small amount of corn syrup would also work. I think the molded candy eggs look right at home nestled in the grass.
    I gave bunny some sprinkle freckles – HA! – which totally made me happy and I giggled for a good minute before moving on to adding bunny head-shaped sprinkles to the flower crown. (How silly is that sentence!?) Both of these sprinkles are part of the Spring Sprinkles set.
    What a fun project! And the cake is so colorful, it’s like a ray of sunshine – which I think we all could use right about now.Follow my favorite carrot sheet cake recipe, which is usually baked in a 13×9-inch pan and comes with a quick cream cheese frosting recipe. The batter fits perfectly in the Easter Bunny Cake Pan, and you can find my American Buttercream recipe here, which I used to frost and decorate Bunny.

    Carrot Sheet CakeYields 15 servings1 1/2 cups (180g, or 7 oz.) all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 cup (200g) granulated sugar1 1/4 cups grated carrot (about 2 1/4 large carrots)2/3 cup (160ml) vegetable oil2 large eggs8 oz. crushed pineapple, drained1 teaspoon vanilla extractPreheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 13×9-inch baking pan.In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the first six ingredients. Whisk to combine. In a separate bowl, combine the carrot, oil, eggs, pineapple, and vanilla. Stir well to combine. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick tester inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.Quick cream cheese frosting3 oz. cream cheese, softened4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract2 1/4 cups (310g) powdered sugar, siftedIn the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium speed. Mix in the vanilla. Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Spread on top of cooled cake. Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator covered in plastic wrap. Bring to room temperature before serving.
    link Easter Bunny Cake By Heather Baird Published: Friday, March 27, 2020Friday, March 27, 2020Easter Bunny Cake (Carrot Sheet Cake Recipe) LEGGI TUTTO

  • in

    Vanilla Crazy Cake

    This deliciously easy Depression era recipe makes a single vanilla cake layer and requires no eggs or dairy. It’s made with simple pantry staples and tastes terrific!As promised, I’m delivering the vanilla version of the Chocolate Crazy Cake I posted last week. I’m just so pleased that many of you made the chocolate version and found it to be delicious and helpful during this time of scarce ingredients.This vanilla version is just as simple as its predecessor. It’s a one-bowl wonder that whips up with no electric mixer and the baked cake keeps well at room temperature.
    The flavor of this cake really depends on good vanilla extract, but you don’t have to limit yourself to vanilla! This cake would be wonderful flavored with citrus extracts, or you could literally spice it up with a tablespoon of pie spice for the world’s easiest spice cake.The recipe as I’ve written it here tastes like vanilla birthday cake. I added a simple confectioners’ glaze made with powdered sugar, water and vanilla extract, and then tossed on some sprinkles for fun.I noticed a few things that were different about this cake as compared to the chocolate version. The cake wanted to stick ever-so-slightly in the pan at the bottom center. I think next time I’d properly grease and flour the pan instead of just using cooking spray – so I recommend you do this from the get-go, or use a flour-based baking spray. I also found that the flavors of the cake improved overnight. The vanilla tasted creamier and had a much more pronounced flavor the next day.
    Of the two ‘Crazy’ cakes, I think this one is more kid-friendly because of its mild vanilla flavor. And because it’s so simple to make, little ones could absolutely help add ingredients to the bowl, stir batter and add sprinkles – which sounds like sweet memories in the making to me.Enjoy and be well, friends!

    Vanilla Crazy CakeYields one 8-inch single layer cakeVanilla cake1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 tablespoon white vinegar6 tablespoons vegetable oil1 cup (200g) granulated sugar1 cup waterGlaze1 cup (116g) powdered sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I used clear vanilla)2-2 1/2 tablespoons water      3 tablespoons sprinkles and one maraschino cherry, optionalPreheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour one 8-inch round cake pan, or use a square 8-inch baking pan.In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine. Add the vanilla, vinegar, oil, sugar and water. Whisk together until a smooth batter is achieved.Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is slightly puffed and a toothpick tester comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan 5 minutes, and then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.For the glaze, sift the powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl. Add the vanilla and one tablespoon of water. Whisk until the water is absorbed and some dry sugary crumbles form; add a second tablespoon of water. Whisk until the mixture is thick and stiff, and holds in the balloon of your whisk. It should slowly fall into a ribbon back into the bowl from the whisk. If the mixture is too thick to fall, add water a little at a time until the correct consistency is achieved. This glaze should be thick.Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and spread with a spatula. Decorate with rainbow sprinkles and a cherry on top, if desired. Store the cake in an air-tight cake keeper or in Tupperware for freshness. Variations:Lemon: Replace the vanilla extract in the cake with 2 teaspoons of lemon extract; replace the vanilla in the glaze with 1 teaspoon lemon extract.Spice Cake: To the cake batter, add 2-3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice. If you don’t have pie spice on hand, combine 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon ginger in a bowl; add this mixture to the batter and blend well.Tea Cake: Replace the water in the cake recipe with your favorite brewed tea, such as Earl Grey. Brew it strongly, with 3-4 teabags instead of just one.
    link Vanilla Crazy Cake By Heather Baird Published: Tuesday, March 24, 2020Tuesday, March 24, 2020Vanilla Crazy Cake Recipe LEGGI TUTTO

  • in

    Chocolate Crazy Cake

    This vintage cake recipe requires no eggs, milk, or butter, and instead relies on pantry ingredients for its success. Make it when you’re fresh out of fresh ingredients!Hello friends! I hope everyone is navigating this strange season of life with hope and optimism. Since baking is my happy place, I’ve been making small batches of essentials I know we’ll eat up with no waste (these are next for breakfast!). I’ve also been cleaning my kitchen and taking pantry inventory. My husband and I have made the decision to self isolate and make the best of what we’ve got on hand for as long as possible.That’s why this recipe is so timely! It requires nothing from the refrigerator and whips up by hand – you won’t even need an electric mixer.
    The recipe has roots from The Great Depression, when ingredients like butter and milk were expensive or heavily rationed. It goes by a few names you may recognize – ‘Wacky’ Cake, Poor Man’s Cake, or Depression Cake. There’s a vanilla version floating around in my recipe folder that I plan to dig out and share soon.The glaze is my addition to the cake. It relies on pantry staples also, and really makes this cake decadent. I added pecans and flaky sea salt on top because I have plenty on hand, but you could use practically anything – peanuts, baking chips, dried fruit, seeds, pretzels – you name it!

    A single layer cake like this is plenty for our small household, and stored air-tight the very last slice is still fresh 5 days later. Making this recipe is a great way to have comfort food while conserving your more perishable ingredients.Stay well, friends!

    Chocolate Crazy Cake8 servings, yields a single 8-inch cake layerSource: Cake recipe is vintage, glaze recipe by Heather.Chocolate cake1 1/2 cups (180g, or 7 oz.) all-purpose flour1/4 cup (28g) unsweet cocoa powder (I used dark cocoa)1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 tablespoon white or cider vinegar6 tablespoons vegetable oil1 cup (200g) granulated sugar1 cup waterGlaze1 cup (115g) powdered sugar3 tablespoons unsweet cocoa powder (I used dark cocoa)2-3 tablespoons brewed coffee or water    Chopped nuts and flake sea salt, *optionalPreheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan, or an 8-inch square pan.Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl; whisk until well blended. Add the vanilla, vinegar, oil, granulated sugar and water. Whisk together until well combined. Pour into the prepared pan.Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick tester inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.For the glaze, sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa in a large bowl. Whisk in coffee or water 1 tablespoon at a time until the glaze is smooth and pourable.Place the cake on a rimmed serving plate and pour on the glaze, allowing the glaze to drip over the sides. Top with chopped nuts and flaky sea salt, or use whatever delicious thing that inhabits your pantry. Dried fruit, pretzels, crumbled cookies are all good choices– anything goes!Store cake at room temperature in an airtight cake keeper or Tupperware for freshness.Update 6/25/20: I made this cake with Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour with excellent results. It baked in about 28 minutes, which is less time than it takes for the wheat flour version.
    link Chocolate Crazy Cake By Heather Baird Published: Friday, March 20, 2020Friday, March 20, 2020Chocolate Crazy Cake Recipe LEGGI TUTTO

  • in

    Wild Strawberry and Lemon Verbena Layer Cake

    Alternating flavors of wild strawberry and lemon verbena are stacked, filled, and frosted with tangy lemon Swiss meringue buttercream in this spring-inspired cake.I think we’re all in need of some happy colors and springtime flavors just about now. This cake is absolutely bursting with beautiful, bright flavors thanks to some special, new-to-me ingredients. A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to try products by Amoretti, makers of artisan flavorings. I absolutely loved the results, so I had to share them here!

    This recipe begins with my favorite white cake recipe, which happens to use white cake mix as an ingredient. It’s adapted from the popular White Almond Sour Cream (WASC) cake by Rebecca Sutterby, which is famous with bakers of wedding cakes. I always use it when I need colors and flavors to ‘pop’ because it is the perfect blank canvas with which to work.

    Amoretti flavors are easy to use, and because they are so concentrated just a little goes a long way. The naturally flavored Wild Strawberry Compound gave the cake layers sweet, bold berry flavor. It is perhaps my favorite of all the ingredients I tried. Its aroma was intoxicating and it has the appearance of strawberries that have been cooked down like jam.The Lemon Verbena Swirl was pungent upon first sniff, but added to cake batter, it mellowed and gave the finished layers a wonderfully fresh herbaceous note. I can’t wait to use it in my favorite Orange Pound Cake recipe.
    I also had the opportunity to test their oil soluble Wild Strawberry Extract. Oil soluble flavoring can be added to chocolate without fear of it seizing. I added a small dose to two melted white chocolate Baker’s bars (along with some red powdered food color) for the prettiest and tastiest chocolate curls!
    The entire cake is wrapped in silky Swiss meringue buttercream flavored with Natural Lemon Artisan Extract.
    We relished every last bite of this delicious cake, and I’m eager to experiment with more of Amoretti’s flavors. If you’d like to try them for yourself, right now you can receive a 15% discount on your order using the code SPRINGBAKING at Amoretti.com.Enjoy!

    Wild Strawberry and Lemon Verbena Layer CakeYields One 6-inch four layer cakeThis recipe is adapted from the ever-popular WASC cake formula by Rebecca Sutterby. Swiss meringue buttercream recipe is from the Sprinkle Bakes book.Prep: 45 minutes, total time about 3 hoursThis cake starts with a box of white cake mix but is improved upon with additions of sugar, flour, sour cream and delicious flavorings by Amoretti (see blog post for resources).Wild Strawberry and lemon verbena cake layers1 box (16.25 oz.) white cake mix1 cup (128g) all-purpose flour1 cup(200g) granulated sugarPinch of salt1 cup (242g) sour cream1 cup (8 oz.) cold water3 large eggs3 tablespoons Amoretti Wild Strawberry Compound2 tablespoons Amoretti Lemon Verbena Swirl1-2 drops liquid red food color (optional)1 drop yellow food color (optional)Preheat oven to 350◦F. Coat four 6-inch round cake pans with flour-based baking spray.Whisk together the first 4 ingredients in a large mixing bowl. In a four-cup measure, stir together the sour cream, water, and eggs. With a hand mixer running on low speed, gradually pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients. Scrape the bowl down and mix again until all ingredients are consistently incorporated. Divide the cake batter into two mixing bowls. To one bowl add the three tablespoons wild strawberry compound and mix well by hand (also add the optional red food color, if desired). To the other bowl, add the lemon verbena swirl and mix well by hand (also add the optional yellow food color, if desired). Divide the wild strawberry batter between two pans; divide the lemon verbena batter between the remaining two pans.Bake the cakes for 30-35 minutes, or until they spring back when pressed in their centers. Let cool in the pans 5 minutes; turn out on wire racks to cool completely. Level cakes using a cake leveler or serrated knife.Lemon Swiss Meringue Buttercream5 egg whites1 cup (200g) sugarPinch of salt1 lb. unsalted butter, cubed, softened (room temperature works too, but takes longer to come together)2 teaspoons Amoretti Natural Lemon Artisan FlavorSet a saucepan filled one-third full of water over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer.Whisk together the egg whites, sugar, and salt in a large heatproof bowl (I suggest a stainless bowl). Set over the simmering water and whisk until the mixture is hot to the touch and the sugar has dissolved (120-140 degrees on a candy thermometer, to be sure).Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Increase to medium-high until stiff peaks are formed.Continue beating at medium-high speed until the mixture is fluffy and has cooled (the mixing bowl should feel cool to the touch).Turn the mixer off and switch from the whisk attachment to the paddle. Turn the mixer on medium-low and add the butter, a few cubes at a time, beating until well incorporated before the next addition. The mixture will deflate with the butter addition, this is normal – keep going – adding butter a little at a time. When all of the butter is incorporated, increase the speed to high and beat until thick and smooth. Add the lemon flavoring and beat again until incorporated.Frost the cake: Place a lemon verbena layer on a cake plate. Top it with approximately 1/2 cup of lemon buttercream and spread evenly. Center a wild strawberry cake layer on top of the frosting and top with 1/2 cup lemon buttercream; Repeat this process with the remaining lemon verbena layer and end with the final wild strawberry layer on top. Use the remaining frosting to cover the outside of the cake. Smooth using a cake smoother or an offset spatula. Refrigerate the cake until the frosting is firm, about 25 minutes.Strawberry-white chocolate curls and other garnishes8 oz. white chocolate, chopped (tested with Baker’s chocolate)1 teaspoon Amoretti Oil Soluble Wild Strawberry Extract2-3 drops pink or red oil soluble food color (or stir in a little red petal dust)2-3 whole strawberries with stemsWhite food safe flowers or other food-safe greeneryMelt chocolate in the microwave at 30 second intervals; stir until smooth. Turn a cookie sheet upside-down and pour on the chocolate. Spread evenly with an offset spatula. Place in the refrigerator for 5-7 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and has a matte appearance.Remove from refrigerator and let stand for a few minutes (3-5ish) at room temperature. With a small, sharp spatula, begin scraping chocolate at one edge in a thin strip. If chocolate breaks into pieces it is too cold, so allow it to stand a few minutes more at room temp. Chocolate should curl easily as you run your spatula under the chocolate and down the length of the cookie sheet. Place curls in a small bowl and store in refrigerator until ready for use. Chocolate melts at body temperature, so handle them as little as possible. If you have particularly hot hands, use a spoon to transfer the curls to the top of the cake.Garnish cake with chocolate curls, whole strawberries with stems and food safe flowers. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving. Keep leftovers in the refrigerator loosely covered with plastic wrap.
    link Wild Strawberry and Lemon Verbena Layer Cake By Heather Baird Published: Monday, March 16, 2020Monday, March 16, 2020Wild Strawberry and Lemon Verbena Layer Cake Recipe LEGGI TUTTO

  • in

    Pecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake

    Pecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake is an ultra moist coffee cake filled and topped with cinnamon pecan streusel. This easy breakfast cake recipe is an amazing way to start your day!Looking for more coffee cake recipes? Don’t forget to try my recipe for The Best Coffee Cake ever! You won’t be disappointed!Pecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake Is Going To Be Your Favorite Breakfast Cake! I will always be an advocate for cake for breakfast. Cake just tastes better in the morning if you ask me…and if you call it a “coffee cake”, it automatically becomes less taboo and more nostalgic. And to prove to you how PRO Cake For Breakfast I am here are some of the other breakfast cake recipes I have here on my site:Let’s Talk About How To Make Pecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake!First, I’ll begin with how easy it is. I promise you. Of course there are a few steps, you have the filling and topping, the cake itself, and the easy icing drizzle. But none of these elements is difficult in anyway. Plus, the pecan streusel is OUTRAGEOUSLY DELICIOUS. Like I can’t keep myself from eating half of it with a spoon before I assemble the cake. It’s a sweet, crunchy, cinnamon, buttery mixture that should be illegal.What Does the Sour Cream Do?Some of my most favorite cake recipes use sour cream. Now, before you tell me you don’t like it, let’s just clarify that you don’t TASTE the sour cream. What it does is add the exact right amount of moisture, while the acidity in the sour cream aids in giving the cake a tender crumb.It works a lot like buttermilk, but adds a little more weight making the cake slightly denser, which works perfectly for a coffee cake.THE TOPPING!!Oh, blessed be. The pecan streusel in this cake is absolutely everything. It is the most perfect combination of finely chopped pecans, butter, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar.I can’t seem to keep my spoon out of the mixture, all in the name of taste-testing of course, while I am making this cake.It adds the exact right amount of crumbly-crunch that all good coffee cakes need.Serve this Coffee Cake Warm, At Room Temperature, Or Freeze It For Later!This cake is incredibly versatile. Of course enjoying a slice warm is the ultimate indulgence, but it’s perfect to make the night before so it’s ready and waiting for breakfast.How Do You Freeze Coffee Cake?Or absolutely make this and freeze it for later! Here’s what you do:Bake the cake and allow it to cool completely.Don’t drizzle it with icing. Wait and save that step for when you are ready to serve it. The icing will melt a bit and get sticky if you freeze and thaw it out.You can freeze it right in the pan you baked it in so if that pan has an airtight lid that will work great. Or I would recommend baking it in a disposable aluminum pan if you’re planning on making it and freezing it.Cover the pan tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil. Freeze it for up to 30 days.To thaw, allow it to thaw at room temperature. If you would like to reheat it, cover the cake in foil and bake it at 300°F for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through.Here Are Some More Sour Cream Cake Recipes You Might Like:PrintPecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake Description:Pecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake is an ultra moist coffee cake filled and topped with cinnamon pecan streusel. This easy breakfast cake recipe is an amazing way to start your day!Ingredients:Pecan Streusel3 tablespoons butter, melted2/3 cup light brown sugar1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon kosher salt2 tablespoons all purpose flour1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecansCake1/2 cup butter, room temperature1 cup granulated sugar2 eggs1 tablespoon vanilla extract1 cup sour cream1/2 teaspoon kosher salt1 teaspoon baking powder3/4 teaspoon baking soda1 3/4 cups all purpose flourIcing3/4 cup powdered sugar1 tablespoon milkInstructionsPreheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×9 baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.Streusel: Combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, flour, and pecans in a medium bowl. Stir until evenly combined. Set aside.Cake: In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment mix the butter and the sugar together on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add in the eggs and continue mixing on medium for 2 more minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.Add in the vanilla, sour cream, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix for 1 minute until combined.Turn the mixer to low and add int he flour until just combined. Don’t over mix.Spread half of the batter in the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture on top of the batter. Carefully spread the remaining batter on top of the streusel, spreading it out with a spatula or offset spatula. Sprinkle the remaining streusel on top.Bake for 30-35 minutes.Icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until no lumps remain. Drizzle this on top of the cake while warm.Notes:Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 daysKeywords:: cookies and cups, coffee cake, pecan cake, sour cream coffee cake, easy coffee cake, best coffee cake Want To Save This Recipe?PIN for later LEGGI TUTTO