cake

Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Frangipane Loaf Cake

Posted by on Nov 6, 2024 in Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, cake, nutty | 0 comments

This Raspberry Frangipane takes a little work, but the result is gorgeous and absolutely delicious. This is a great special occasion treat–and it’s easy to make a day ahead!

Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Frangipane Loaf Cake

Layer cakes get a lot of the attention and fuss, but I think loaf cakes need more love. They can be stunning, too. This one certainly is. It contains homemade frangipane, one of my favorite things, and is convenient to make year-round by using frozen raspberries.

Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Frangipane Loaf Cake

As this loaf does involve some labor, I found it simplified things to prepare it over two days. Day 1: make frangipane and chill it. Day 2: make loaf and glaze. Day 3: serve to my husband’s co-workers.

Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Frangipane Loaf Cake

I found the cake kept beautifully, wrapped, for up to 4 days after baking.

Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Frangipane Loaf Cake

This luscious loaf cake is fantastic to make ahead of time for a stunning breakfast or brunch.
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Keyword: almond, cake, loaf cake, raspberries
Author: Beth Cato

Equipment

  • 8×4 loaf pan
  • parchment paper
  • nonstick spray
  • kitchen shears

Ingredients

Frangipane

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) room temperature
  • 1/2 cup almond flour sifted
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Batter

  • 1 1/4 cups frozen raspberries
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) room temperature
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour plus 1 Tablespoon
  • 1 Tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup full-fat vanilla Greek yogurt or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 Tablespoons sliced almonds

Glaze

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon half & half or milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla

Instructions

Frangipane

  • Frangipane can be made immediately before the batter or prepared a day in advance.
  • In a medium bowl, stir butter until creamy. Add almond flour, sugar, all-purpose flour, egg white, salt, and almond extract. Stir until combined. Cover with plastic wrap pressed to the top, and place in fridge until ready to use.

Loaf

  • Preheat oven at 375 degrees. Cut parchment paper to fit inside an 8×4 loaf pan like a sling extended up both long sides. Spray inside of pan with nonstick spray, then spray parchment.
  • Use kitchen shears to break frozen raspberries into pieces of various size, measuring out 1 1/4 cup total. Stash raspberries back in freezer until ready to use.
  • In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time followed by the extracts.
  • In another bowl, sift together the 1 3/4 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet, mixing alternatively with the yogurt. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to make sure everything is combined.
  • Fold the frangipane into the batter.
  • Pull out the raspberries. Toss them with the remaining tablespoon of flour. Set aside 1/4 of coated berries for the top; fold the rest of the berries into the batter.
  • Spread batter in prepared pan, evening out the top. Sprinkle reserved raspberries on top, followed by the sliced almonds.
  • Bake for 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Continue to bake until the top is golden and the inside registers an interior temperature over 200 degrees, which will be about another 40 minutes. (Total baking time will be between 55 minutes and 1 hour 5 minutes.) If the loaf is looking brown early on, cover with a small piece of foil.
  • Let cool in pan about 20 minutes, then use the parchment sling to lift the loaf onto a rack to completely cool.

Glaze

  • Once the loaf is completely cool, mix the glaze. It should be fairly thick; add a touch more confectioners’ sugar if needed. Drizzle over loaf so that the top is covered with glaze dripping down the sides.
  • Give the glaze at least 30 minutes to set before cutting into the loaf, or wrap loaf to serve later or the next day. Loaf will keep well, wrapped at room temperature, for up to 4 days.

OM NOM NOM!

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    Bready or Not: Maple Bundt Cake with Maple Icing

    Posted by on Sep 18, 2024 in Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, bundt, cake, maple | 0 comments

    Yes, it’s time for yet another maple cake on Bready or Not! This time, a straightforward Maple Bundt Cake with Maple Icing. Delicious cake, plain and simple.

    Bready or Not: Maple Bundt Cake with Maple Icing

    This recipe uses both maple syrup and maple flavor. I feel that both are really necessary here. Really, if you love maple, maple flavor is great to have around. It stays good forever. If you need recipes that use it, well, I think I have dozens of them here on my site.

    Bready or Not: Maple Bundt Cake with Maple Icing

    This is the kind of cake that works well for a breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It’s deliciously versatile like that.

    Bready or Not: Maple Bundt Cake with Maple Icing

    Bready or Not: Maple Bundt Cake with Maple Icing

    This classic bundt cake is infused with maple flavor inside and out. It’s fantastic for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
    Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Keyword: bundt cake, cake, maple
    Author: Beth Cato

    Equipment

    • large bundt pan (12 cups/10 inches)
    • nonstick spray
    • baking sheet

    Ingredients

    Cake

    • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) room temperature
    • 1 cup white sugar
    • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
    • 4 large eggs room temperature
    • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1/2 cup half & half or milk
    • 1/2 teaspoon maple flavor

    Icing

    • 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
    • 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
    • 2 Tablespoons half & half or milk

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Place a baking sheet inside to warm up. Apply nonstick spray to coat the interior of a large bundt pan.
    • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar, scraping down the bowl a few times to make sure everything is mixed. Continue to beat until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the maple syrup followed by the eggs, one at a time.
    • In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the main bowl, interspersing it with the addition of the half & half. Add the maple flavor. Once everything is added, scrape the bottom of the bowl.
    • Scoop the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
    • Place the bundt pan atop the hot baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, until a toothpick plunged into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
    • Let cake rest in pan for 20 minutes, then invert it onto a rack to cool completely.
    • Make the glaze by combining the three ingredients to form a thick texture. Drizzle over the top of the cooled cake.
    • Store cake under a cake dome or other cover. Individual slices can be wrapped in plastic for transport or frozen for later.

    OM NOM NOM!

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      Bready or Not: Apples and Honey Cake

      Posted by on Sep 4, 2024 in apples, Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, cake | 0 comments

      Yes, yet another delicious version of apple cake. This Apples and Honey Cake uses apple butter, giving it a darker, moister crumb and a deeper infusion of spices.

      Bready or Not: Apples and Honey Cake

      This is truly a wonderful breakfast cake or a portable snack cake to tote along to work on school. It’s not messy to eat, and it’s refreshing and filling.

      Bready or Not: Apples and Honey Cake

      Note that, because of the apple butter, the top is dark in color, so don’t use the coloration to judge doneness in the oven. Rely on the good old toothpick test in the middle.

      Bready or Not: Apples and Honey Cake

      Bready or Not: Apples and Honey Cake

      This variation of apple cake is doubly infused with apples and spice, as it includes apple butter, chopped apples, and extra spice. It’s fantastic for breakfast, snack, or dessert, and pieces freeze beautifully. Modified from Star-Tribune September 17, 2023.
      Course: Breakfast, Snack
      Keyword: apple, cake
      Servings: 9 pieces
      Author: Beth Cato

      Equipment

      • 9×9 pan
      • nonstick spray

      Ingredients

      • 2 medium baking apples such as Honeycrisp or Cortland
      • 1 cup olive oil
      • 1 cup white sugar
      • 3/4 cup apple butter
      • 1/2 cup honey
      • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
      • 2 large eggs room temperature
      • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
      • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
      • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
      • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
      • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
      • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

      Instructions

      • Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch square pan with foil and apply nonstick spray or butter.
      • Peel and dice up the apples. Set aside.
      • In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, sugar, apple butter, honey, vanilla, and eggs, creating a smooth mixture. Stir in the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to make sure everything is combined. Fold in the apples.
      • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick plunged into the middle comes out clean. Let cool completely, chilling in fridge to speed the process if desired, then use the foil to lift the cake onto a cutting board for easier slicing.
      • Store in a sealed container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Pieces can also be individually wrapped and frozen for weeks.

      OM NOM NOM!

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        Bready or Not Original: Apple Custard Cake

        Posted by on Jul 31, 2024 in apples, Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, cake | Comments Off on Bready or Not Original: Apple Custard Cake

        This newest entry in my series of apple cakes is on the fancier side. This Apple Custard Cake is light, airy, and loaded with fruit. It truly does have a gourmet vibe.

        Apple Custard Cake

        While it’s not difficult to make, it is tedious to construct. This is a recipe that dirties a lot of dishes. Bowl after bowl after bowl. That said, the result truly is something special.

        Apple Custard Cake

        If you’re going to go through a lot of fuss, it should be worthwhile, right?

        Apple Custard Cake

        Bready or Not Original: Apple Custard Cake

        This is a fancier apple cake that is light and divine, the apple pieces suspended in airy, moist crumb. Be warned, this recipe dirties a lot of dishes, but the result is both gorgeous and delicious.
        Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
        Keyword: apple, cake, springform pan
        Author: Beth Cato

        Equipment

        • 9-inch springform pan
        • parchment paper
        • uneven spatula

        Ingredients

        • 4 medium baking apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Cortland
        • 1/2 cup golden raisins
        • 1 medium lemon zested and juiced
        • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
        • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
        • 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
        • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour plus 2 Tablespoons
        • 1 Tablespoon baking powder
        • 3/4 teaspoon salt
        • 3 large eggs divided
        • 2/3 cup white sugar
        • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
        • 1 cup milk or half & half
        • 1 cup canola oil
        • 1/3 cup white sugar for topping

        Instructions

        • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the disc of the springform pan. Use nonstick spray on pan. Add the cut parchment paper. Spray again over the paper, making sure to cover the sides of the ring.
        • Thinly slice the apples. Place them with the raisins in a big bowl. Measure out 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to place in bowl; use any remaining juice for something outside of the recipe. Add all of the zest, the cinnamon, and nutmeg, and stir to coat the fruit. Set aside for a while; there are a lot of other bowls to dirty.
        • In a separate bowl, stir together the whole wheat pastry flour, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, the baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
        • In another mixing bowl, beat together 2 of the eggs with the 2/3 cup sugar, until they are thickened and pale. Add the vanilla. Measure out the milk and oil. Take turns adding the milk and oil to the egg mixture alternatively with the dry ingredients.
        • In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg. Add 1 cup of the batter along with the remaining 2 tablespoons flour. Mix until just combined. Set aside to use for the topping.
        • Fold the apple bowl contents into the main batter and mix until everything is coated. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Use an uneven spatula to spread the reserved batter over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup white sugar over the top of the cake.
        • Place the cake on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until the top is golden brown, about 1 hour. The edges should be pulling away from the sides. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for about 30 minutes. Run a knife around the sides of the inner ring. Pop the release to open the pan and lift away the ring to allow it to cool more.
        • Cake can be kept wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge. Slices can also be individually wrapped and frozen for weeks.

        OM NOM NOM!

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          Bready or Not: Dutch Apple Loaf Cake

          Posted by on Jul 3, 2024 in apples, Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, cake | Comments Off on Bready or Not: Dutch Apple Loaf Cake

          Need a smaller portion apple cake? Use your loaf pan! This Dutch Apple Loaf Cake has a crumble topping that is a bit messy, sure, but it’s also delicious.

          Bready or Not: Dutch Apple Loaf Cake

          I used three small apples in this cake, which came to about 2 cups diced up. That would probably equal two mediums or one really huge apple. You have more wiggle room in this recipe’s fruit content than you would in, say, an apple pie where the volume is more obvious.

          Bready or Not: Dutch Apple Loaf Cake

          This is an especially nice recipe to cut into slices and freeze for later. They thaw fast, too, making them great to pack for the road to enjoy on a trip or for a snack or lunch–though remember, they might be a little crumbly, so maybe eat where the birds can enjoy those crumbs.

          Bready or Not: Dutch Apple Loaf Cake

          Bready or Not: Dutch Apple Loaf Cake

          This loaf cake is a lovely smaller portion cake that is perfect for a breakfast, brunch, or to freeze in slices to eat later.
          Course: Breakfast, Snack
          Cuisine: American
          Keyword: apple, walnuts
          Author: Beth Cato

          Equipment

          • 9×5 loaf pan
          • parchment paper
          • nonstick spray

          Ingredients

          Topping:

          • 1/4 cup white sugar
          • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
          • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
          • 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold, cut up

          Cake:

          • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
          • 1 cup white sugar
          • 2 large eggs room temperature
          • 1/4 cup buttermilk or soured milk (see note)
          • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
          • 2 cups all-purpose flour
          • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
          • 1/2 teaspoon salt
          • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
          • 2 cups apple pieces peeled and diced (about 3 small apples)
          • 1/2 cup walnuts chopped

          Instructions

          Mix topping

          • Combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Tuck into fridge while the loaf is made.

          Create loaf cake

          • Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Cut parchment paper to fit into loaf pan like a sling, the paper extending up both long sides. apply nonstick spray into middle.
          • In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Add the buttermilk and vanilla.
          • In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Fold in the apple pieces and the walnuts. Pour batter into the pan and even out. Sprinkle topping mix to cover.
          • Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Cool for 20 minutes in pan before using the parchment to lift the cake onto a rack. Keep stored at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap or otherwise covered. Pieces can also be individually wrapped and frozen.

          OM NOM NOM!

            Notes

            To make soured milk as a buttermilk substitute, add 3 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar to a liquid 1/4 cup, then add milk to half & half to the 1/4 line. Let sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature. It should curdle. Use full amount in recipe.
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            Bready or Not: Easy Pear Bundt Cake

            Posted by on Jun 26, 2024 in Blog, Bready or Not, bundt, cake | Comments Off on Bready or Not: Easy Pear Bundt Cake

            Some bundt cakes are super complicated with long lists of ingredients. This Pear Bundt Cake is not. It takes about 10 minutes to throw together, and only has four ingredients plus optional confectioners’ sugar to sprinkle on top.

            Bready or Not: Easy Pear Bundt Cake

            This is a cheap cake to make, too. I bought Aldi’s classic white cake mix and found pears for under a buck (originating in South Africa, which was a first for me) with the discount foods at Menards. Then the eggs–well, those prices seem to fluctuate all over these days. But hey, maybe save the egg yolks from this recipe to make a Big Batch of Chocolate Chip Shortbread?

            Bready or Not: Easy Pear Bundt Cake

            I must note something important about this recipe, too–the cake is lovely and soft. So soft that you should use a sharp knife to cut it, and also, the cake should be eaten within the day. The pear juice, I think, just keeps breaking down the interior crumb as the cake sits around. So, serve this for a crowd. I didn’t test freezing this cake, as I do many cakes, but because it is so moist, I don’t think it would be a good candidate for that.

            Bready or Not: Easy Pear Bundt Cake

            Modified from Centennial Kitchen Fall Baking 2021.

            Bready or Not: Easy Pear Bundt Cake

            This recipe uses cake mix and canned pears to bake up an easy bundt cake that is reminiscent of angel food cake–but be warned, it’s so soft and lush, it is best eaten within a day or it gets extra soft and lush. Modified from Centennial Kitchen Fall Baking 2021.
            Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
            Keyword: bundt cake, cake, cake mix, pear
            Author: Beth Cato

            Equipment

            • bundt pan
            • nonstick spray with flour

            Ingredients

            • 15 ounces canned pear halves in light syrup
            • 15.25 ounce white cake mix box
            • 1 whole egg
            • 2 egg whites
            • confectioners' sugar to sprinkle on top, optional

            Instructions

            • Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Use nonstick spray with flour on the interior of a bundt pan.
            • Drain the pears, reserving the syrup. Mash the pears with a fork to break into small chunks.
            • In a large bowl, reunite the mashed pears with the syrup. Add the cake mix, egg, and two egg whites. Beat for several minutes to fully incorporate and create a light batter.
            • Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes; the middle of the cake should pass the toothpick test. Cool for 20 minutes, then invert cake onto cooling rack to completely cool.
            • If desired, sprinkle on confectioners’ sugar just before serving. Cut into slices with a sharp knife (seriously, the cake is very soft) and enjoy! Cake is best if eaten within a day.

            OM NOM NOM!

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