Cakes
If you love cake, today's post is sure to please. Check out the Million Dollar Cake, the Classic Birthday Cake, or any of the cake recipes. Enjoy!
CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE
This yumminess is from Claire Saffitz in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. (And yes, yumminess is the technical term, as is decadent.) For this recipe, Claire wrote, "The texture of this oil-based chocolate cake strikes an ideal balance between dense and fudgy and light and fluffy. It’s ultratender thanks to cake flour. The frosting, a variation on German buttercream, uses a chocolate pudding base whipped with butter to create a complement to the cake that’s both rich and airy."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 2 hours; Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes; Yield: 10 servings
This was featured in "This is the Ultimate Chocolate Cake", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024760-chocolate-layer-cake.
Also, you might want to check out Melissa Clark's guide, "How to Froast a Cake." And, lastly, while you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Plenty of great recipes, guides, ideas for cooking...as well as not dealing with any paywalls. Well worth it...
Ingredients
For the Cake
Room-temperature butter, for greasing the pans
2 cups cake flour
2-1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
3/4 cup strong freshly brewed coffee, steaming hot
1 cup crème fraîche, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
5 large eggs plus 2 large yolks, at room temperature
3/4 cup neutral oil, such as avocado or vegetable
For the Buttercream
8 ounces semisweet chocolate (54 to 64 percent cacao), finely chopped
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 3/4 teaspoon Morton kosher salt
4 large egg yolks
1-1/4 cups unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preparation
Arrange an oven rack in the upper third of the oven and another in the lower third. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat the bottom and sides of 3 (8-inch) cake pans with butter, then line the bottoms with rounds of parchment paper and smooth the parchment to eliminate air bubbles.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cake flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking soda and baking powder; mix on low speed just until combined.
Bloom the cocoa: In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the cocoa powder and hot coffee. Add the crème fraîche and vanilla, then whisk until completely smooth. Set aside.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the 5 whole eggs and 2 yolks until smooth; set aside.
Mix the batter: To the stand mixer bowl, add the oil and half of the cocoa mixture; mix on low speed just until the flour is completely coated in the liquid ingredients. Pause the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, then mix on medium until smooth and pasty, about 30 seconds. Pause and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl again, then add the whisked eggs and remaining cocoa mixture. Beat on medium speed, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl once or twice, until the batter is very silky and has the consistency of thin pancake batter, about 1 minute.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans, dividing evenly. (For uniform layers, use a scale – you’ll get about 550 grams of batter per pan.) Transfer the pans to the oven, positioning two on the upper rack and one on the lower, staggering them so the pans above don’t block the one below. Bake, rotating the top two pans side to side and rack to rack after 20 minutes, until the tops of the cakes are domed, springy to the touch and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the centers comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.
Remove the pans from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the buttercream, start with the pudding base: Place the chocolate in the clean bowl of the stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. In a small saucepan, combine the milk and 1/4 cup of the sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar, then remove from the heat and set aside. In a medium bowl, add the cocoa powder, flour, salt and remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and whisk until combined. Add the yolks to the bowl and whisk slowly to combine (it will seem very thick at first, but will loosen up), then whisk more vigorously until the mixture is pale, thick and smooth. Whisking the yolk mixture constantly, slowly stream in about half of the warm milk mixture, then whisk the contents of the bowl back into the saucepan. Set the saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, whisking constantly and scraping against the sides, until thick and bubbling, 1 to 3 minutes. Immediately scrape the pudding over the chocolate in the stand mixer bowl.
Make the buttercream: Let the pudding mixture sit for a few minutes, so the heat gently melts the chocolate, then mix with the paddle on low speed until the chocolate is completely melted and the pudding is smooth and glossy. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the outside of the bowl is cool to the touch, 10 to 15 minutes. With the mixer running, add the butter a couple of pieces at a time, waiting for each addition to incorporate into the pudding before adding the next, until you have a smooth, glossy, spreadable frosting. Stop the mixer, thoroughly scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, and add the vanilla. Beat once more just until evenly mixed.
Unmold and level the cakes: Use a butter knife or small offset spatula to cut around the cooled cakes, pressing the blade firmly against the sides of the pans to loosen them. Invert the cakes onto a wire rack, remove the parchment paper if necessary, then invert again onto a second rack or cutting board so they’re domed side up. Holding a serrated knife parallel to the work surface, slice horizontally through the surface of each cake to level the layers. (The scraps are perfect for snacking.)
Place one of the layers cut side-down on a serving plate, cake stand or cardboard cake round. Dollop about 1 cup buttercream in the center, then use an offset spatula to spread it evenly all the way to the edges. Place a second layer cut side-down over the first, center it, then top with another 1 cup of buttercream. Place the third layer on top, cut side-down, pressing gently to level it. Scrape about half of the remaining buttercream over the top of the cake, then use the spatula to spread it across the surface and down the sides, covering the entire cake in a very thin layer of frosting. (The cake will show through in several places; this is just the crumb coat.) Transfer the cake to the refrigerator and chill just until the frosting is firm, 10 to 15 minutes, then cover with the remaining frosting.
The assembled cake will keep, loosely covered at room temperature, for 1 day. (Before covering the cake, chill it for 15 minutes so the frosting can firm up.) After 24 hours, refrigerate the cake and be sure to tightly cover any cut surfaces. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving.
PUMPKIN RAISIN BATTER CAKE
Years ago, Fr. Dominic Garramone (AKA the Bread Monk had a show on PBS. I'm sure I'm not the only person who got hooked on his show. Unfortunately, it has since gone off the air, at least where I live. But his cook books are still in circulation, and you can always go to his website (above).
Yield: 1 cake
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 envelopes FLEISCHMANN'S RapidRise Yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup water
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Powdered sugar, optional
Directions
In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, brown sugar, undissolved yeast, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat milk, water, pumpkin, and butter until very warm (120 to 130 degrees). Gradually add to dry ingredients. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add egg, vanilla extract, and 1 cup flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in raisins, pecans, and remaining flour to make a stiff batter.
Turn into heavily greased 12-cup fluted tube pan. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until done. Remove from pan; cool on wire rack. To serve, sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
CLASSIC BIRTHDAY CAKE
This is from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Alison wrote, "A birthday cake needn't be elaborate. A few layers of tender yellow cake and creamy chocolate frosting will do the trick. In this version of the classic pairing, brown sugar and buttermilk provide a sophisticated flavor to the cake, and sour cream adds a slight tang to the chocolate frosting. It’s worth noting that both the cake and frosting can be made ahead. Just make sure you bring the frosting to room temperature before assembly so that it spreads easily. One note: The buttermilk and brown sugar in the batter means that the cake might appear slightly darker on the outside after baking than your typical yellow cake, but don't worry. The inside will be tender and moist."
Yield: 10 to 12 servings; Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes plus chilling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019045-classic-birthday-cake.
While you're at it, check out Melissa Clark's wonderful guide, "How to Frost a Cake".
Ingredients
For the yellow cake:
Nonstick spray or butter for the pan
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into 1-inch pieces, plus more, if necessary, for greasing the pans
3-2/3 cups all-purpose or cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 cups buttermilk
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
5 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
For the chocolate frosting:
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (chocolate chips are fine)
8 ounces sour cream, room temperature
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Generous pinch of kosher salt
Lots of sprinkles
Preparation
For the cake: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray three 9-inch cake pans with nonstick spray or grease with softened butter. If your oven cannot accommodate all 3 pans on one middle rack, while the oven is still cool, arrange 2 racks as close to the middle as possible, allowing enough space between them for the cakes on the lower rack to rise without touching the one above it.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda together; set aside. In a medium bowl (or a measuring cup), combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil and vanilla extract; set aside.
In a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugar and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer (or the stand mixer) on high, beat everything together until it’s very light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add in the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, beating between additions. Beat the batter until it’s almost doubled in volume and very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes, occasionally scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl.
With the mixer on low, gently beat in 1/3 of the flour mixture. Before it’s fully combined, add in 1/2 of the buttermilk mixture. Repeat with remaining flour and buttermilk until everything is well blended and no lumps remain.
Divide the cake batter equally among the three cake pans. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, rotating the pan or rack placement halfway through baking. You’ll know the cakes are done when they are golden brown, pulling away from the sides of the pan, and the tops spring back ever so slightly when you press them.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let sit for five minutes to cool slightly before inverting them onto a wire baking rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting and assemble the cake: Melt the chocolate either in a bowl in the microwave in 30-second intervals until melted, or in a double boiler or makeshift double boiler (a bowl set over a bowl of barely simmering water on the stove, but not touching the water), stirring occasionally until melted. The melted chocolate should be warm but never hot, with no visible chunks left.
Add about 1/3 of the sour cream to the melted chocolate and using a spatula, combine until no white streaks remain. Repeat with another 1/3, and finally the last 1/3. The chocolate will stiffen a bit as you add the sour cream, and this is O.K.
In a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugar and salt. Using an electric mixer (or the stand mixer) on low speed at first to avoid showering yourself with sugar, and then increasing to high speed, beat until everything is fluffy and almost pure white, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low, slowly add in the chocolate mixture and blend. Increase the speed to high and beat until everything is very fluffy and well combined, about 2 minutes.
Once cakes are cooled, transfer one layer of cake, top side up, to a large parchment-lined plate. Use an offset or regular spatula to spread frosting onto the first layer of cake. Place second layer of cake on top, bottom side up (layering the rest of cake with the flat bottoms on top makes a cake with a straight shape, rather than domed). Repeat with remaining layer.
Once all the layers are assembled, apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake, making sure to cover the whole cake. Chill the cake for 2 hours, keeping the frosting out at room temperature.
Remove the cake from the fridge and using either an offset spatula or a butter knife, give it another coat of frosting, doing whatever decorative patterns or swirls you wish: very smooth, or peaks and valleys.
Finish and decorate with sprinkles however you please.
Tip
This cake might appear slightly darker on the outside after baking than your typical yellow cake, but don't worry. The inside will be tender and moist.
RHUBARB CAKE
This is from Emily Weinberger on the Food Network site. The recipe begins, "Greek yogurt is the secret to this rhubarb cake, producing a sweet and tangy batter. The crunchy topping--spiced with nutmeg and ginger--gives off serious coffee cake vibes. It's perfect for breakfast with a mug of tea and makes a showstopping and delicious dessert for a dinner party."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including cooling time); Yield: 10 to 12 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/rhubarb-cake-12470457.
Ingredients
Crumb Topping:
3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of ground nutmeg
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
Cake:
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook's Note)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
3 stalks rhubarb (about 7-1/2 ounces), sliced 1/8 inch thick (about 3 cups)
Directions
For the crumb topping: Combined the flour, brown sugar, oats, ginger, salt and nutmeg in a small bowl. Add the butter and mix thoroughly with your fingers or a fork until all the butter has been evenly distributed and incorporated into the flour. Form into small to medium clumps with your fingers. Set aside.
For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch square cake pan.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.
Beat the butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer (or using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment) on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and mix the flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the Greek yogurt in 2 parts, beginning and ending with the flour and beating until just incorporated. Fold in the rhubarb using a rubber spatula. Take care not to overmix the batter.
Spoon the batter (it will be thick) into the prepared pan and smooth with an offset spatula. Sprinkle on the crumb topping, distributing it evenly.
Bake until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with just a few moist crumbs, 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
Cook’s Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
MILLION DOLLAR CAKE
This is from Allrecipes, and begins, "A cake made from yellow cake mix is frosted with a cream cheese, mandarin orange, and pineapple mixture for a light and refreshing cake."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Additional: 9 hours; Total Time: 9 hours 55 minutes; Servings: 12; Yield: 1 (8 or 9 inch) layer cake
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/7903/million-dollar-cake/.
Ingredients
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
8 ounces cream cheese
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
2 (8 ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Directions
Mix and bake cake mix as per package instruction for two 8 or 9 inch round layers. Let layers cool, and then split each layer in half so as to have 4 layers.
In a large bowl, whip cream cheese until soft, and then gradually mix in confectioners' sugar. Stir in the pineapple with juice and the drained mandarin oranges, reserving about 5 mandarin orange slices to decorate the top of cake. Mix in the dry pudding mix. Fold in the whipped topping.
Place one cake layer on a cake plate cut side up; spread with frosting. Place another layer cut side down on the first one, and top with more frosting. Repeat until all layers are used, spreading last bit of frosting on top and sides of cake. Decorate with reserved mandarin orange slices. Refrigerate overnight before serving.
FABULOUS VEGAN FUDGE CAKE WITH BITTERSWEET ICING
This recipe, from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 66, begins, “'I’ve tried vegan cake recipes in the past, but didn’t like the sour taste of the vinegar that is usually used to activate the leavening,' says single mom and café manager Shelly Platten. 'I tinkered with some recipes that didn’t use vinegar to come up with a fudgy, satisfying cake.'” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill organic unbleached white flour
1-2/3 cups Florida Crystals organic cane sugar, divided
1-1/3 cups Chatfield’s cocoa powder, divided
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup Silk vanilla soymilk, divided
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup canola oil, divided
1 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch round pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
Whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup cocoa, baking soda, and salt in bowl. Whisk together 2/3 cup soymilk, 1/3 cup oil, and 1/2 cup water in separate bowl. Stir soymilk mixture into flour mixture. Spread in prepared pan, and bake 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Unmold onto plate.
Warm remaining 2/3 cup cocoa, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup oil in saucepan over medium heat. Pour in remaining 1/3 cup soymilk, and cook 1 minute, or until smooth. Spread icing over warm cake, and sprinkle with hazelnuts.
from the September 2012 issue, p.66
nutritional information
Per Slice:
Calories: 525; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 25 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 67 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 315 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 43 g
CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE
This yumminess is from Claire Saffitz in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. (And yes, yumminess is the technical term, as is decadent.) For this recipe, Claire wrote, "The texture of this oil-based chocolate cake strikes an ideal balance between dense and fudgy and light and fluffy. It’s ultratender thanks to cake flour. The frosting, a variation on German buttercream, uses a chocolate pudding base whipped with butter to create a complement to the cake that’s both rich and airy."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 2 hours; Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes; Yield: 10 servings
This was featured in "This is the Ultimate Chocolate Cake", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024760-chocolate-layer-cake.
Also, you might want to check out Melissa Clark's guide, "How to Froast a Cake." And, lastly, while you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Plenty of great recipes, guides, ideas for cooking...as well as not dealing with any paywalls. Well worth it...
Ingredients
For the Cake
Room-temperature butter, for greasing the pans
2 cups cake flour
2-1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
3/4 cup strong freshly brewed coffee, steaming hot
1 cup crème fraîche, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
5 large eggs plus 2 large yolks, at room temperature
3/4 cup neutral oil, such as avocado or vegetable
For the Buttercream
8 ounces semisweet chocolate (54 to 64 percent cacao), finely chopped
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 3/4 teaspoon Morton kosher salt
4 large egg yolks
1-1/4 cups unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preparation
Arrange an oven rack in the upper third of the oven and another in the lower third. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat the bottom and sides of 3 (8-inch) cake pans with butter, then line the bottoms with rounds of parchment paper and smooth the parchment to eliminate air bubbles.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cake flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking soda and baking powder; mix on low speed just until combined.
Bloom the cocoa: In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the cocoa powder and hot coffee. Add the crème fraîche and vanilla, then whisk until completely smooth. Set aside.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the 5 whole eggs and 2 yolks until smooth; set aside.
Mix the batter: To the stand mixer bowl, add the oil and half of the cocoa mixture; mix on low speed just until the flour is completely coated in the liquid ingredients. Pause the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, then mix on medium until smooth and pasty, about 30 seconds. Pause and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl again, then add the whisked eggs and remaining cocoa mixture. Beat on medium speed, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl once or twice, until the batter is very silky and has the consistency of thin pancake batter, about 1 minute.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans, dividing evenly. (For uniform layers, use a scale – you’ll get about 550 grams of batter per pan.) Transfer the pans to the oven, positioning two on the upper rack and one on the lower, staggering them so the pans above don’t block the one below. Bake, rotating the top two pans side to side and rack to rack after 20 minutes, until the tops of the cakes are domed, springy to the touch and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the centers comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.
Remove the pans from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the buttercream, start with the pudding base: Place the chocolate in the clean bowl of the stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. In a small saucepan, combine the milk and 1/4 cup of the sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar, then remove from the heat and set aside. In a medium bowl, add the cocoa powder, flour, salt and remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and whisk until combined. Add the yolks to the bowl and whisk slowly to combine (it will seem very thick at first, but will loosen up), then whisk more vigorously until the mixture is pale, thick and smooth. Whisking the yolk mixture constantly, slowly stream in about half of the warm milk mixture, then whisk the contents of the bowl back into the saucepan. Set the saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, whisking constantly and scraping against the sides, until thick and bubbling, 1 to 3 minutes. Immediately scrape the pudding over the chocolate in the stand mixer bowl.
Make the buttercream: Let the pudding mixture sit for a few minutes, so the heat gently melts the chocolate, then mix with the paddle on low speed until the chocolate is completely melted and the pudding is smooth and glossy. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the outside of the bowl is cool to the touch, 10 to 15 minutes. With the mixer running, add the butter a couple of pieces at a time, waiting for each addition to incorporate into the pudding before adding the next, until you have a smooth, glossy, spreadable frosting. Stop the mixer, thoroughly scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, and add the vanilla. Beat once more just until evenly mixed.
Unmold and level the cakes: Use a butter knife or small offset spatula to cut around the cooled cakes, pressing the blade firmly against the sides of the pans to loosen them. Invert the cakes onto a wire rack, remove the parchment paper if necessary, then invert again onto a second rack or cutting board so they’re domed side up. Holding a serrated knife parallel to the work surface, slice horizontally through the surface of each cake to level the layers. (The scraps are perfect for snacking.)
Place one of the layers cut side-down on a serving plate, cake stand or cardboard cake round. Dollop about 1 cup buttercream in the center, then use an offset spatula to spread it evenly all the way to the edges. Place a second layer cut side-down over the first, center it, then top with another 1 cup of buttercream. Place the third layer on top, cut side-down, pressing gently to level it. Scrape about half of the remaining buttercream over the top of the cake, then use the spatula to spread it across the surface and down the sides, covering the entire cake in a very thin layer of frosting. (The cake will show through in several places; this is just the crumb coat.) Transfer the cake to the refrigerator and chill just until the frosting is firm, 10 to 15 minutes, then cover with the remaining frosting.
The assembled cake will keep, loosely covered at room temperature, for 1 day. (Before covering the cake, chill it for 15 minutes so the frosting can firm up.) After 24 hours, refrigerate the cake and be sure to tightly cover any cut surfaces. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving.
PUMPKIN RAISIN BATTER CAKE
Years ago, Fr. Dominic Garramone (AKA the Bread Monk had a show on PBS. I'm sure I'm not the only person who got hooked on his show. Unfortunately, it has since gone off the air, at least where I live. But his cook books are still in circulation, and you can always go to his website (above).
Yield: 1 cake
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 envelopes FLEISCHMANN'S RapidRise Yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup water
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Powdered sugar, optional
Directions
In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, brown sugar, undissolved yeast, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat milk, water, pumpkin, and butter until very warm (120 to 130 degrees). Gradually add to dry ingredients. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add egg, vanilla extract, and 1 cup flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in raisins, pecans, and remaining flour to make a stiff batter.
Turn into heavily greased 12-cup fluted tube pan. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until done. Remove from pan; cool on wire rack. To serve, sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
CLASSIC BIRTHDAY CAKE
This is from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Alison wrote, "A birthday cake needn't be elaborate. A few layers of tender yellow cake and creamy chocolate frosting will do the trick. In this version of the classic pairing, brown sugar and buttermilk provide a sophisticated flavor to the cake, and sour cream adds a slight tang to the chocolate frosting. It’s worth noting that both the cake and frosting can be made ahead. Just make sure you bring the frosting to room temperature before assembly so that it spreads easily. One note: The buttermilk and brown sugar in the batter means that the cake might appear slightly darker on the outside after baking than your typical yellow cake, but don't worry. The inside will be tender and moist."
Yield: 10 to 12 servings; Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes plus chilling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019045-classic-birthday-cake.
While you're at it, check out Melissa Clark's wonderful guide, "How to Frost a Cake".
Ingredients
For the yellow cake:
Nonstick spray or butter for the pan
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into 1-inch pieces, plus more, if necessary, for greasing the pans
3-2/3 cups all-purpose or cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 cups buttermilk
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
5 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
For the chocolate frosting:
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (chocolate chips are fine)
8 ounces sour cream, room temperature
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Generous pinch of kosher salt
Lots of sprinkles
Preparation
For the cake: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray three 9-inch cake pans with nonstick spray or grease with softened butter. If your oven cannot accommodate all 3 pans on one middle rack, while the oven is still cool, arrange 2 racks as close to the middle as possible, allowing enough space between them for the cakes on the lower rack to rise without touching the one above it.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda together; set aside. In a medium bowl (or a measuring cup), combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil and vanilla extract; set aside.
In a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugar and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer (or the stand mixer) on high, beat everything together until it’s very light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add in the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, beating between additions. Beat the batter until it’s almost doubled in volume and very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes, occasionally scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl.
With the mixer on low, gently beat in 1/3 of the flour mixture. Before it’s fully combined, add in 1/2 of the buttermilk mixture. Repeat with remaining flour and buttermilk until everything is well blended and no lumps remain.
Divide the cake batter equally among the three cake pans. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, rotating the pan or rack placement halfway through baking. You’ll know the cakes are done when they are golden brown, pulling away from the sides of the pan, and the tops spring back ever so slightly when you press them.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let sit for five minutes to cool slightly before inverting them onto a wire baking rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting and assemble the cake: Melt the chocolate either in a bowl in the microwave in 30-second intervals until melted, or in a double boiler or makeshift double boiler (a bowl set over a bowl of barely simmering water on the stove, but not touching the water), stirring occasionally until melted. The melted chocolate should be warm but never hot, with no visible chunks left.
Add about 1/3 of the sour cream to the melted chocolate and using a spatula, combine until no white streaks remain. Repeat with another 1/3, and finally the last 1/3. The chocolate will stiffen a bit as you add the sour cream, and this is O.K.
In a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugar and salt. Using an electric mixer (or the stand mixer) on low speed at first to avoid showering yourself with sugar, and then increasing to high speed, beat until everything is fluffy and almost pure white, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low, slowly add in the chocolate mixture and blend. Increase the speed to high and beat until everything is very fluffy and well combined, about 2 minutes.
Once cakes are cooled, transfer one layer of cake, top side up, to a large parchment-lined plate. Use an offset or regular spatula to spread frosting onto the first layer of cake. Place second layer of cake on top, bottom side up (layering the rest of cake with the flat bottoms on top makes a cake with a straight shape, rather than domed). Repeat with remaining layer.
Once all the layers are assembled, apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake, making sure to cover the whole cake. Chill the cake for 2 hours, keeping the frosting out at room temperature.
Remove the cake from the fridge and using either an offset spatula or a butter knife, give it another coat of frosting, doing whatever decorative patterns or swirls you wish: very smooth, or peaks and valleys.
Finish and decorate with sprinkles however you please.
Tip
This cake might appear slightly darker on the outside after baking than your typical yellow cake, but don't worry. The inside will be tender and moist.
RHUBARB CAKE
This is from Emily Weinberger on the Food Network site. The recipe begins, "Greek yogurt is the secret to this rhubarb cake, producing a sweet and tangy batter. The crunchy topping--spiced with nutmeg and ginger--gives off serious coffee cake vibes. It's perfect for breakfast with a mug of tea and makes a showstopping and delicious dessert for a dinner party."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including cooling time); Yield: 10 to 12 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/rhubarb-cake-12470457.
Ingredients
Crumb Topping:
3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of ground nutmeg
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
Cake:
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook's Note)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
3 stalks rhubarb (about 7-1/2 ounces), sliced 1/8 inch thick (about 3 cups)
Directions
For the crumb topping: Combined the flour, brown sugar, oats, ginger, salt and nutmeg in a small bowl. Add the butter and mix thoroughly with your fingers or a fork until all the butter has been evenly distributed and incorporated into the flour. Form into small to medium clumps with your fingers. Set aside.
For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch square cake pan.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.
Beat the butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer (or using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment) on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and mix the flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the Greek yogurt in 2 parts, beginning and ending with the flour and beating until just incorporated. Fold in the rhubarb using a rubber spatula. Take care not to overmix the batter.
Spoon the batter (it will be thick) into the prepared pan and smooth with an offset spatula. Sprinkle on the crumb topping, distributing it evenly.
Bake until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with just a few moist crumbs, 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
Cook’s Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
MILLION DOLLAR CAKE
This is from Allrecipes, and begins, "A cake made from yellow cake mix is frosted with a cream cheese, mandarin orange, and pineapple mixture for a light and refreshing cake."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Additional: 9 hours; Total Time: 9 hours 55 minutes; Servings: 12; Yield: 1 (8 or 9 inch) layer cake
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/7903/million-dollar-cake/.
Ingredients
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
8 ounces cream cheese
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
2 (8 ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Directions
Mix and bake cake mix as per package instruction for two 8 or 9 inch round layers. Let layers cool, and then split each layer in half so as to have 4 layers.
In a large bowl, whip cream cheese until soft, and then gradually mix in confectioners' sugar. Stir in the pineapple with juice and the drained mandarin oranges, reserving about 5 mandarin orange slices to decorate the top of cake. Mix in the dry pudding mix. Fold in the whipped topping.
Place one cake layer on a cake plate cut side up; spread with frosting. Place another layer cut side down on the first one, and top with more frosting. Repeat until all layers are used, spreading last bit of frosting on top and sides of cake. Decorate with reserved mandarin orange slices. Refrigerate overnight before serving.
FABULOUS VEGAN FUDGE CAKE WITH BITTERSWEET ICING
This recipe, from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 66, begins, “'I’ve tried vegan cake recipes in the past, but didn’t like the sour taste of the vinegar that is usually used to activate the leavening,' says single mom and café manager Shelly Platten. 'I tinkered with some recipes that didn’t use vinegar to come up with a fudgy, satisfying cake.'” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill organic unbleached white flour
1-2/3 cups Florida Crystals organic cane sugar, divided
1-1/3 cups Chatfield’s cocoa powder, divided
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup Silk vanilla soymilk, divided
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup canola oil, divided
1 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch round pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
Whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup cocoa, baking soda, and salt in bowl. Whisk together 2/3 cup soymilk, 1/3 cup oil, and 1/2 cup water in separate bowl. Stir soymilk mixture into flour mixture. Spread in prepared pan, and bake 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Unmold onto plate.
Warm remaining 2/3 cup cocoa, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup oil in saucepan over medium heat. Pour in remaining 1/3 cup soymilk, and cook 1 minute, or until smooth. Spread icing over warm cake, and sprinkle with hazelnuts.
from the September 2012 issue, p.66
nutritional information
Per Slice:
Calories: 525; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 25 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 67 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 315 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 43 g
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