Luscious Layers
July 30, 2008 at 12:00 am | In Baking / Cooking, Food | 70 CommentsLayer cakes are one of my favorite desserts to make, perhaps because they’re more like craft projects than most baked goods. Always a crafter at heart, I can’t help but see the plane-jane cake rounds as being like the sewn lining to a jacket; the frosting and filling make up the outside, to be displayed for all to see; the careful piping closely mimic elaborate embroidery; dragees and sprinkles themselves could almost pass for beads and buttons. Every cake is its own masterpiece and work of art… And that’s not even saying anything about the fun of demolishing and eating it! That’s why I was quite happy to see that the next Daring Baker challenge was to be another intricate layer cake, with plenty of bold flavor to boot.
Three layers of hazelnut cake, multiple glazes and syrups, praline buttercream, and did I mention chocolate? Yep, it’s got pretty much everything you could ask for in one cake! There wasn’t a ton of wiggle room for variations on this one, but I did opt to remove the rum syrup. My cakes were plenty moist, and it was going to a birthday party with kids who would be mighty disappointed if they couldn’t have a slice. Lightening up this hefty assembly was top priority beyond choosing the glaze, so I kept the buttercream on the outside and sandwiched some conservatively sweetened cooked frosting between the layers. That would have been one tooth-achingly sweet cake otherwise! Homemade lemon jam took the place of apricot, which brought in a wonderful citrus bite that seemed to perk up the whole flavor profile just a bit. Most notable, however, is probably how I decided to ultimately finish off my cake.
No, I didn’t misread the instructions, I know that the cake is supposed to be fully covered in ganache… But damn it, I didn’t want to! The original picture didn’t really catch my eye in terms of design so I threw cation to the wind and went for the “dipped” look. My only disappointment in this whole challenge was my shortcomings on the decorations… I had my heart set on caramel-dipped hazelnuts, with long, graceful stems of glass-like cooked sugar, but the humidity had other ideas.
Another winning recipe, if I do say so myself! My favorite part of this one was the hazelnut praline buttercream- Ridiculously addictive, and stupidly easy to make. Essentially a caramelized and whipped peanut butter, it was tempting to just spread it on toast and bag the cake! But really, you wouldn’t want to forget about that moist, tender filbert gateau. Like all the other individual components, it’s very simple to whip up, but presented all together, it becomes a show-stopping grand finale.
70 Comments »
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
Leave a comment
-
My Cookbook
-
My Ebooks
-
-
-
-
Flickr Photos
More Photos -
Awards
Blog at WordPress.com. | Theme: Pool by Borja Fernandez.
Entries and comments feeds.
WOW WOW WOW! That cake looks truly outstanding! I agree that your “dipped” look with the ganache looks much more appealing than it would had it been fully covered. Once again, I’m amazed with your ability.
Comment by Animal-Friendly — July 30, 2008 #
Delicious! I am in awe.
Comment by Samantha — July 30, 2008 #
wow !!!!!!!!1
i am hungry once again and to tell you i’ve just had my breakfast
Comment by chars — July 30, 2008 #
Oh. Wow. That looks so good! I love the “dipped” look. Incredible!
And this has me very excited to see what the August DB project will be as that will be my first! :)
Comment by Gina — July 30, 2008 #
Look fabulous! I like the ganache only going part way down….:) And the praline? I am suprised I had enough after all my nibbling. Thanks for a great interpretation of my pick!
Comment by Chris — July 30, 2008 #
I love the dipped look. I wish I had gone for it.
Comment by peabody — July 30, 2008 #
lovely layers my dear! I actually prefer the dipped ganache look you did instead. The cake is already too sweet as it is and doesnt need the added chocolate ganache…. wait, did I just type that?! oh my. Ms. chocoholic here must be nuts.
Comment by Amanda — July 30, 2008 #
Oh Hannah,
I wish I could come over and have a piece of cake with you. It’s so gorgeous and it sounds just amazing. I have been snacking on some extra roasted hazelnuts I made a couple of weeks ago… and just reveling in what a delicious and unique flavor they have. This cake is like a vision from my dreams!
:)
Comment by amey — July 30, 2008 #
I love your cake! It’s lovely =))
Comment by Szkrabeka — July 30, 2008 #
That sounds so deliciously perfect!
Comment by mel — July 30, 2008 #
Beautiful work and I really love your photos. Great job!
Comment by Tanya — July 30, 2008 #
Oooh, that is just gorgeous. I like how you did the glaze, a lovely effect.
Comment by Jen Yu — July 30, 2008 #
Love the way you decorated the top despite the lack of caramelized hazelnuts ;) And it looks much better not totally covered in ganache.The inside looks gorgeous too.
And the buttercream…..I totally agree on that one!
Comment by linda — July 30, 2008 #
That looks gorgeous – well done! I totally agree about layer cakes being more like craft projects… I thought of this one as a sort of model aeroplane. I was so excited to see whether it would fly… and it did :-)
Comment by tallstar7 — July 30, 2008 #
Your cake looks stunning! I love the dipped look – t really gives it that extra original touch. And the nutty buttercream is indeed addictive!!
Comment by Suzana — July 30, 2008 #
gorgeous! and I love how you described making layer cakes, I so feel the same way. It’s not really baking so much as, well… art! Mmmmmmm…. and after reading the cake for breakfast entry on cakespy I’d REALLY love a slice of this with my coffee!
Comment by Liz² — July 30, 2008 #
Your cake looks wonderful.
The “dipped” look is certainly visually appealing. And yes, these cakes are like craft projects.
Comment by Aparna — July 30, 2008 #
Your pictures are so lovely. You are really an artist!
Comment by Cheryl Harris — July 30, 2008 #
Bravo!!!!
Comment by Sydney — July 30, 2008 #
Lovely cake!
Comment by redactedrecipes — July 30, 2008 #
Very nice job Hannah, your ganache must have been wonderful and thick to go on without pouring of the the sides!
Comment by Speedbump Kitchen — July 30, 2008 #
I love the dipped look. Makes it look so becoming to eat! You did a wonderful job, Hannah!
Comment by veron — July 30, 2008 #
Beautiful! I like the drippy look better, too. More modern and less old-school! You always inspire me.
Comment by shellyfish — July 30, 2008 #
Beautiful, as always! :)
Comment by Jennifer — July 30, 2008 #
Another winning recipe, indeed!! Hannah, you’re incredible. Period.
Comment by VeggieGirl — July 30, 2008 #
Oh My Gosh! That cake looks to die for! I was licking my computer screen! Wonderful sounding cake! I wish I could have a piece of that cake right now!
Comment by dawn — July 30, 2008 #
Oh my, this is absolutely stunning! I definitely prefer the dripping look over the all-over one, I love how the cake peeks out.
Hmm, this daring baker thing looks like fun, perhaps I should join in. :-)
Comment by Ashley — July 30, 2008 #
As a “newbie” part of the fun has been seeing all the different version of the same basic recipe. I never thought of lemon – what a great choice! And I loved the dipped look!
Comment by Hexe — July 30, 2008 #
I always look forward to your DB posts. Your cake looks AMAZING! Congratulations!
Comment by Jennifer — July 30, 2008 #
Hannah, I love your decision to cover the exterior in buttercream, and then partially cover that with chocolate ganache – it looks totally awesome. And you finished it off so nicely with the crushed hazelnuts and perfect piping – I bet it was a huge hit!! :)
Comment by madcap cupcake — July 30, 2008 #
You are so talented and this cake just looks amazing! All the flavors sound heavenly together and I’m sure everyone enjoyed every last bite =)
Comment by Shelby — July 30, 2008 #
Beautiful cake Hannah! I love making layered cakes too, probably my favorite thing to bake. Love the dipped look. So sad about the humidity…. that always makes candy making a bit finicky.
Comment by Vegan_noodle — July 30, 2008 #
Your cake is stunning, per usual! I’m sad I couldn’t make the challenge this month!
Comment by Jes — July 30, 2008 #
Besides the fact that your cake looks luscious I love the fact that you didn’t completely cover it with the ganache. It looks much more elegant and the simple design on top just makes it perfect . Congrats on a great cake!!!
Comment by teaandscones — July 30, 2008 #
Your cake looks fantastic and ever so perfect! I love the way you decorated it! Great!
Cheers,
Rosa
Comment by Rosa — July 30, 2008 #
Simply gorgeous!! Bravo!
Comment by Katie B. — July 30, 2008 #
Lovely lovely cake. Your decoration and ganache are so nice looking. so appetizing! Great job!!
Comment by Lesley — July 30, 2008 #
That is one pretty cake!
Comment by Jenny — July 30, 2008 #
really lovely.
Comment by coffeepot — July 30, 2008 #
Fabulous take on the challenge! I fought the humidity gods all day long on that one and got caramel so stay presentable for a mere 20 minutes.
Comment by Tartelette — July 30, 2008 #
Amazing looking cake. I do quite like the way you have used the glaze as well.
Comment by Y — July 30, 2008 #
Very lovely. Nice layers, and I love the ganache and decorations on the cake too.
Comment by didally — July 30, 2008 #
i loved the “dipped” look of your cake… just amazing !
Comment by kitten — July 31, 2008 #
Your cakes looks wonderful. Love the ganache oozing over the edge. The use of the lemon jam in place of the apricot is an interesting idea, bet it tasted great.
Comment by Katie — July 31, 2008 #
you have just inspired me to bake a cake tomarow!! <3
Comment by stellastewart — July 31, 2008 #
Wow! This is a real art work =O
I love the way your pics look like! You’re not only baker and crafter, but also great photo reporter!!
(^.^)
Comment by Miss Lady Bug — July 31, 2008 #
Your cake is so pretty! amazing job!
Comment by Lorrie — July 31, 2008 #
Beautiful cake, I love the decoration.
Comment by bakinginoregon — July 31, 2008 #
Your ganache is so thick and your cake is so….fluffy. I am in complete awe. (And I will send you boxes of vegan goodies if you will reveal your secret to getting such a great rise!)
Comment by Libby — July 31, 2008 #
Very lovely!
Comment by Laurie — July 31, 2008 #
I think your cake is my absolute favorite so far! That dripping ganache and the gorgeous understated way you decorated it are just so perfect! Fabulous job!
Comment by Holly @ PheMOMenon — July 31, 2008 #
I definately have to try that frosting. The dripping ganache is gorgeous!
Comment by Maggie — July 31, 2008 #
The “dipped” look really suits this cake well! Beautifully done!
Comment by culinography — July 31, 2008 #
That’s so lovely! I’m happy that you show the Daring Bakers that veganism isn’t limiting at all!
Comment by destinyskitchen — July 31, 2008 #
As a fellow rule breaker I commend your decision to give the dipped effect. It looks stunning, and decadently delicious. I really wish I could be there baking with you, drawing/crafting while it baked and then having this baby to enjoy…heaven! :-)
Comment by Cakespy — July 31, 2008 #
Your cake looks beautiful. I wish I’d had time to make it this month. BTW, I’ve given you an award. Check it out!
Shari@Whisk: a food blog
Comment by Shari — August 1, 2008 #
Hi! I really enjoy reading your blog and the variety that you have (as I love crafts as well!). I think it was a good call on the “dipped” look for this cake, it is definitely different and unique.
Comment by veganverve — August 1, 2008 #
That is one eye-poppingly beautiful cake! Almost lovely enough that I wouldn’t want to eat it (but not quite).
Comment by Valerie — August 1, 2008 #
So original! I love it that you didn’t covered it completely!
Comment by Clumbsy Cookie — August 1, 2008 #
Stunning looking gateau…with pictures to match! verry very nice indeed & extremely impressive! WOW!!
Comment by Deeba — August 1, 2008 #
Holy moly. Chocolate, hazelnut, and lemon in a cake together sounds ridiculously divine. And the presentation is drop-dead gorgeous. Nice work!
Comment by Jackie — August 1, 2008 #
One of the most beautiful cakes I seen so far! Love the way you decorated the cake! Pure delight!
Comment by venus — August 1, 2008 #
This cake looks insanely gorgeous – some cakes just look too “good” to eat, but this one wouldn’t stand a chance alone in a room with me and a spoon. I can’t even imagine what it must taste like to bite through all those layers, but I’m sure it would surpass most deserts I’ve ever tasted!
Comment by Russ — August 1, 2008 #
Let me be the bazillionth commenter to drool over your cake here… These baking challenge posts drive me crazy with envy!
Comment by bazu — August 1, 2008 #
Ooo, your cake looks amazing. Absolutely beautiful!
Comment by Lauren — August 3, 2008 #
The dipped look works so well on the cake — it’s gorgeous! But I admit I wouldn’t mind caramelized peanut butter on toast, either.
Comment by ruby red vegan — August 3, 2008 #
i’ve only just discovered your blog! the dipped look is way too funky! very nice! :)
Comment by cyn — August 5, 2008 #
mmm that looks sooo good!
Comment by sara — August 5, 2008 #
I’ll take an extra order to go
Comment by Gary — August 9, 2008 #
I just found your blog and am drooling. You make my baking look like nothing!
Comment by ashley — August 21, 2008 #