Cake | Dessert Surveillance

Dec 20 2015

Cake

Buche de Noel Cakes

Caramel Chocolate Buche de Noel Cake, from Dufflet Pastries – Photo Courtesy of Dufflet Pastries (Toronto)

Since cake decoration is not my forte (a gross understatement to be sure), I’m quite impressed with elaborate cakes. And a great example of a fancy (and labor-intensive) cake is the Buche de Noel.

Buche de Noel Cake from We Take the Cake (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) – Photo Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

A Buche de Noel Cake resembles a Yule Log. Yule Logs were burnt by ancient Europeans to commemorate the Winter Solstice and today Buche de Noel Cakes help usher in the Christmas season.

So what is a Buche de Noel made of? Often a sheet of a Sponge Cake which is spread with a filling and then rolled up lengthwise. Icing or Chocolate Ganache, covers the log. Striations in the icing resemble bark and mushrooms (made out of Buttercream or Meringue) and other decorations complete the outdoor scene.

Honey Nougat Buche de Noel Cake from Dufflet Pastries – Photo Courtesy of Dufflet Pastries (Toronto)

As you’ll see, Buche de Noel Cakes are available in a variety of classic as well as modern flavors.

Cake Bakeshop’s Buche de Noel Cake – Photo Courtesy of Cake Bakeshop (Manhattan Beach, CA)

While the Cake Bakeshop (Manhattan Beach, CA) offers a classic Buche de Noel with Chocolate Cake and Vanilla Cream, there’s a twist. A small gnome stands guard over the Cake and winter scene. Cake Bakeshop Owner Laura Mandracchia said she’s toyed with the idea of offering different flavors, but her classic Cake is getting more and more popular. Laura also believes that Buche de Noel Cakes overall are gaining in popularity — not just traditional, fun versions like hers, but also the super fancy types.

Fleur de Cocoa’s Buche de Noel Cake – Photo Courtesy of Fleur de Cocoa (Los Gatos, CA)

Craig Anderson of Fleur de Cocoa (Los Gatos, CA) isn’t sure if Buche de Noel Cakes are becoming more popular but his kitchen staff told him Costco is now carrying them. So perhaps they are more popular (and more mainstream). Fleur de Cocoa’s namesake, and most popular, Buche de Noel Cake contains Dark Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Sponge Cake lightly soaked with Grand Marnier. But there are three other varieties, including one with Dark Chocolate Marion Berry Mousse, Marion Berry Coulis, and Dark Chocolate Sponge Cake.

Three Chocolate Buche de Noel from Douceur de France – Photo Courtesy of Douceur de France (GA)

Six types of Buche de Noel Cake are available at Douceur de France (Marietta and Roswell, GA). The most popular Buche de Noel Cake is the classic Chocolate Buche. Other varieties include: the Three Chocolate Buche; the Ardechois (Chestnut Bavarois [similar to a Mousse], with a center of pears sautéed in vanilla and honey, all encased in a gingerbread cookie crust; and the Madagascar (Vanilla Cream with Hazelnut Cremeux [similar to a Pudding] on top of a crunchy Almond Paste Crust with Hazelnut Streusel on the side. The co-owner, Danielle Beaudet, had this to say about Buche de Noel Cakes: “I have noticed that recently Buche have become much more popular in the U.S. When I first moved here, almost no one knew about them. Now we are literally making hundreds for our Atlanta clients! Most Americans, I think, prefer the traditional Chocolate Buche de Noel…”

A Slice of Dufflet Pastries’ Buche de Noel Cake – Photo Courtesy of Dufflet Pastries (Toronto)

Toronto-based Dufflet Pastries has been offering Buche de Noel Cakes seasonally for 35 years and they’re an annual tradition for many families as well as a mainstay at many office holiday parties. While some of Dufflet’s flavors and designs change each year, the Hazelnut Buche de Noel has been a best seller for many years — at Dufflet’s stores as well as through its wholesale division. This is a Hazelnut Sponge rolled with Hazelnut Mousse and glazed with Hazelnut Crunch Milk Chocolate Ganache. Also on the Buche de Noel line-up is a gluten-free Caramel Chocolate version, with Chocolate Sponge, Caramel Whipped Cream, Bittersweet Chocolate, and Gold-Dusted Chocolate Leaves.

Madagascar Buche de Noel from Douceur de France - Photo Courtesy of Douceur de France (GA)

Ardechois Buche de Noel from Douceur de France – Photo Courtesy of Douceur de France (GA)

So many Buche. So little time.

Tagged Cake Bakeshop, Douceur de France, Dufflet Pastries, Fleur de Cocoa

Mar 18 2015

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Bread, Cake, Cupcakes

Banana Cake, Banana Bread, and Banana Cupcakes

Banana Colada Cake from Phipps Bakery Cafe – Photo Courtesy of Phipps Bakery Cafe (Toronto)

Even though I sometimes prefer gooey, rich Cake, when I think about Cake with Banana, Banana Bread usually first comes to mind.

Starbucks’ Banana Nut Bread – Photo Courtesy of Starbucks

And why not? There’s certainly nothing wrong with a good, classic Banana Bread. For home bakers, it’s a good way to use up overripe Bananas. And we want to purchase, in addition to bake, our Banana Bread. As reported by Bloomberg News, after Starbucks purchased French-style bakery, La Boulange, it stopped selling its Banana Nut Bread. What happened? You guessed it. Customers missed the Banana Nut Bread and Starbucks brought this classic back.

Banana Caramel Cupcake from Kara’s Cupcakes – Photo Courtesy of Kara’s Cupcakes (CA)

Of course, as with so many other desserts, Banana Cake has gotten fancy. Not just layer cake fancy. But fancy in terms of the added ingredients.

Paradise Cake from Kara’s Cupcakes – Photo Courtesy of Kara’s Cupcakes (CA)

Alfredo Garcia, of California-based Kara’s Cupcakes, summarizes the evolution of Kara’s Banana offerings. First, there were Banana Cupcakes. Then Banana Caramel Cupcakes joined the line-up. And after Kara’s expanded its Cake line, passion fruit filling and toasted coconut flakes were added to Banana Cake and Paradise Cake was created. Alfredo remarks “We feel Banana Baked Goods have always been popular, but we are now seeing more creative ways of offering the delicious treat.”

Banana Cupcakes from The Sweet Stash – Photo Courtesy of The Sweet Stash (Nashville)

And alcohol pairs beautifully with Banana Cake. The Whiskey Banana Cupcake is the most popular Banana item for Nashville-based Sweet Stash. Whitney May, who owns The Sweet Stash with her husband, says “We find Banana is a polarizing flavor for the masses. It seems like people either love it or hate it. But I think the whiskey [in the Whiskey Banana Cupcake] brings more people to the dark side…”

Even though Banana Cake is popular, Chocolate Cake isn’t going anywhere.

Phipps Bakery Cafe’s Chocolate Banana Cake – Photo Courtesy of Phipps Bakery Cafe (Toronto)

Janet Schreiber, owner of Toronto-based Phipps Bakery Cafe has this to say “Although anything with Bananas is popular, I would have to say the most popular Banana Cake would have to be the Chocolate Banana Cake. Probably because chocolate is such a popular dessert ingredient.”

Banana Cake from Piece of Cake Bakery – Photo Courtesy of Piece of Cake Bakery (Portland, OR)

Marilyn DeVault of Portland, Oregon-based Piece of Cake Bakery also agrees that Banana Cake is not as popular as Chocolate Cake. She offers up one of her Banana Cake secrets: Mash your own Bananas instead of using commercially prepared pre-mashed Bananas.

I’m tempted to make Banana Bread this weekend. Maybe I’ll include some ground hazelnuts and Chocolate Chips for good measure. That’s the problem with writing about Desserts – I want to eat them all!

Tagged Kara's Cupcakes, Phipps Bakery Cafe, Piece of Cake Bakery, Starbucks, The Sweet Stash

Sep 28 2014

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Cake, Cupcakes

Banana Cake and Banana Cupcakes

Banana Peanut Butter Cupcake from Prairie Girl Bakery – Photo Courtesy of Prairie Girl Bakery (Toronto)

Since they’re available year-round, I take Bananas for granted. And while I really like Banana Cake and Banana Cupcakes, I think I take them for granted as well. So the time has come for me to give Banana Desserts their due.

Banana Cream Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory – Photo Courtesy of The Cheesecake Factory

It’s not surprising that Bananas would find their way into Cake and Cupcakes. This tropical fruit is very versatile and pairs beautifully with Chocolate, Caramel, Rum, Coconut, and so much more.

Banana Split Cupcake from H Bake Shop – Photo Courtesy of H Bake Shop (NYC)

Interestingly, I came across many more Banana Cupcakes than Banana Cakes. Hmmm….are Cupcakes more popular than Cake, overall, or are Banana Cupcakes just more popular than Banana Cake? Further investigation, preferably involving the sampling of Banana Cake, is needed!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cupcake from For the Love of Cake – Photo Courtesy of For the Love of Cake (Toronto)

But regardless of which is more popular, people sure like their Banana Baked Goods — particularly when paired with a thick Cream Cheese frosting or rich fillings.

Banana Cake from Icing on the Cake Bakery – Photo Courtesy of Icing on the Cake Bakery (Los Gatos, CA)

Lynn Magnoli, owner of Los Gatos-based Icing on the Cake Bakery, said “Our fresh Banana Cake is our #1 selling Cake. It is well known and famous, with cream cheese icing,”

Banana Chocolate Cupcake from Prairie Girl Bakery – Photo Courtesy of Prairie Girl Bakery (Toronto)

Toronto-based Prairie Girl Bakery offers two “Everyday” Banana Cupcakes — a Banana Cupcake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing and a Banana Cupcake with Peanut Butter Icing (the more popular one). And some “Treats of the Week” (specials) feature Banana — such as a Banana Caramel Cupcake. As Orna Quinn, Prairie Girl Bakery’s Catering Manager, notes: “As these [Banana] Treats of the Week have been well received, we can imagine creating new treats that involve Banana.”

Sweet Elizabeth’s Cakes – Photo Courtesy of Sweet Elizabeth’s Cakes (Philadelphia)

Elizabeth Paradiso, co-creator of Philadelphia-based Sweet Elizabeth’s Cakes, explains: “Our Roasted Banana Cake is super popular! We make it seasonally, usually around Easter/Springtime and around deep wintertime. While the Cake is a hit, it’s not the most popular flavor we create. I think one of the draws of this Cake is the Nutella Buttercream we pair it with.”

Bananas Foster Cupcakes from NoRA Cupcake Company – Photo Courtesy of NoRA Cupcake Company – Middletown, CT

On the line-up at NoRA Cupcake Company (Middletown, CT): a Fat Elvis Cupcake (a Banana Cake filled with Marshmallow Fluff, topped with a peanut butter icing that is then rolled in candied bacon bits) and a Bananas Foster Cupcake (a Banana Cinnamon Sugar Cake, filled with Caramel, topped with a Vanilla Whipped Frosting that is drizzled with more Caramel as well as Pecans). Other Banana Cupcakes include a Choco Nutty Nana and a Banana Split. NoRA Cupcake’s Carrie Carella reports that the Fat Elvis is the most popular Banana Cupcake.

Espresso on Banana Cupcake from Butter Lane Bakery – Photo Courtesy of Butter Lane Bakery (NYC)

The Vanilla Cupcake is the most popular Cupcake at New York City-based Butter Lane Bakery, but owner Lisa Liu said that her favorites are the Banana Cupcakes.

Let’s hear it for Banana Cake and Banana Cupcakes!

Tagged Banana, Butter Lane Bakery, Icing on the Cake Bakery, NoRA Cupcake Company, Prairie Girl Bakery, Sweet Elizabeth's Cakes

Apr 20 2014

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Cake, Coffee Cake

Coffee Cake

Sour Cream Coffee Cake from Jim & Patty’s Coffee (Portland, OR) – Photo Courtesy of Jim & Patty’s Coffee

Years ago, the cakes I drooled over were gooey – rich with filling, frosting, and cream. Now I find myself gravitating more to Bundt Cakes and Coffee Cakes. (Lest anyone become alarmed, this is NOT to say I’ve sworn off gooey cake.)

Of course the age-old question is “Why isn’t Coffee Cake made with Coffee?” After all, there’s Chocolate in Chocolate Cake. Well, one theory is, since this Cake was often served with Coffee, it was given the name “Coffee Cake.”

Let’s start at the beginning. What is Coffee Cake? It’s a sweet cake-like bread typically eaten at breakfast or brunch, and sometimes served warm. Coffee Cakes often sport streusel toppings – crumbly mixtures of flour, sugar, butter, and spices. To liven up Coffee Cakes, they may be filled with cinnamon and sugar or even cream cheese.

How popular is Coffee Cake? And what varieties are out there?

The Sugar Cube’s “Crack Coffee Cake” – Photo Courtesy of The Sugar Cube (Portland, OR)

Kirsten Jensen of The Sugar Cube, based in Portland, Oregon, said the Coffee Cake is one of the most popular breakfast items. In fact, it’s called “Crack Coffee Cake” because it’s so addictive – people keep coming back for it. Crack Coffee Cake has a moist Coffee Cake base, studded with liberal amounts of seasonal fruit. It’s flavored with spices such as Saigon cinnamon, ginger, fresh nutmeg, and cardamom. And it’s topped with toasted pecans, brown butter, more spices, and oats. Kirsten believes it’s all about the crunchy topping. She thinks Coffee Cake evokes memories of conversations had while sitting around the family breakfast table.

Crumb Cake from Sweet Sam’s (New York City) – Photo Courtesy of Sweet Sam’s

Sweet Sam’s, a New York City-based bakery that ships nationwide, offers five types of Coffee Cakes. The most popular Coffee Cake is the Crumb Cake – its cake base is piled high with crumbs. Taking 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th places respectively are: Coffee Streusel Cake (with a filling of finely chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and sugar); Blueberry Crumb Cake (blueberries are in the cake base and the topping); Apple Crumb Cake (diced apples are in the cake base and sliced apples are in the topping); and Chocolate Chip Crumb (semi- sweet chocolate chips are scattered throughout the cake base and topping).

New York City-based sugar Sweet sunshine has “The Real Deal” Coffee Cake on its line-up and it’s one of the most popular breakfast Cakes. Peggy, one of the co-owners, thinks its popularity is due largely to its cinnamon swirl.

The Andersonville Coffee Cake from Swedish Bakery (Chicago, IL) – Photo Courtesy of the Swedish Bakery

The Swedish Bakery specializes in European-style Pastries and Cakes. While this Chicago-based bakery typically offers 10 different Coffee Cakes in its store, customers can order any of the 35 Coffee Cakes on Swedish Bakery’s Coffee Cake line-up. The most popular Coffee Cake is the Andersonville – named after the Chicago neighborhood in which the bakery has been located for more than 80 years. The Andersonville, a Swedish Coffee Cake, has a cardamom dough base with almond and cinnamon fillings. Pecan Streusel, Coconut Custard, Plain Streusel, and Chocolate Chip Streusel are some of the popular American-style Coffee Cakes. The Swedish Bakery doesn’t plan to add any new Coffee Cakes this year. According to Eliza Williamson, the General Manager, “We like to keep it simple and traditional for our customers. They know what they want and we’ve got it!”

Grilled Coffee Cake from Southport Grocery and Café (Chicago, IL) – Photo Courtesy of Southport Grocery and Cafe

In the bakery case of Chicago-based Southport Grocery and Cafe, you can find Coffee Cake. Southport’s version is made with sour cream. In the Cafe you can also order Grilled Coffee Cake. The Cake is cut in half and house-made cream cheese is added. The Cake gets caramelized on the top and bottom, while the cream cheese melts. Jake Davis of Southport thinks Coffee Cake is popular as it reminds us of our families and spending early morning hours huddled over a pan of fresh baked Coffee Cake. And as Jake notes, while Coffee Cake is simple, you can add a little something to it, such as bacon crumble, fruit jam, etc., to take it to a whole new level without going overboard.

I’m ready to bake, or better yet, eat, Coffee Cake!

Tagged Coffee Cake, Grilled Coffee Cake, Southport Grocery and Cafe, sugar Sweet sunshine, Swedish Bakery, Swedish Coffee Cake, Sweet Sam's, The Sugar Cube

Mar 23 2014

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Cake

Babka

Eli’s Chocolate and Raisin Nut Babkas (New York City) – Photo Courtesy of Eli’s

Babka is a sweet yeast cake that’s quite adaptable. According to King Arthur Flour and The New York Times, Babka (or Baba) is commonly served on Easter Sunday in many Eastern European countries and is typically baked in a fluted round tube pan. An Americanized Eastern European Jewish version, filled with cinnamon or chocolate and topped with streusel is more like a coffee cake. It’s often baked in a loaf pan and while it’s not a Chanukah dish, it’s often served at Chanukah.

How popular is Babka?

Zucker Bakery’s Chocolate Babka (New York City) – Photo Courtesy of Zucker Bakery

Melissa Feit, a baker and co-owner of New York-based Zucker Bakery, reports “Our [Chocolate] Babka has always been a bakery favorite, but it recently became more popular due to an article written about it on the Serious Eats blog. Since then, our production has greatly increased. We’ve talked about adding more varieties in the near future (possibly including Orange, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, etc.). As far as trends, the weekends become busy when people partake in brunches. And of course, holidays!”

And when both Chocolate and Cinnamon are in the Babka line-up, which is more popular?

Greens & Ackermans’ Round Cinnamon Babka (New York City) – Photo Courtesy of Greens & Ackermans

At Greens & Ackermans, a bakery based in New York with online sales, Chocolate is the more popular Babka variety. Both the Chocolate and Cinnamon Babka are available in different sizes – ranging from a Mini to a Full-Size Loaf to an even larger Round Babka. And Greens is experimenting with new Babka flavors. An interesting trend relayed by Greens: Babka is becoming increasingly popular for corporate gifts.

How has Babka been gussied up?

Chocolate Babka from Breads Bakery (New York City) – Photo Courtesy of Breads Bakery

New York-based Breads Bakery has won acclaim for its Chocolate Babka. What’s in it? Nutella and Chocolate Chips. Breads Bakery’s Uri Scheft said he likes taking classic pastries and putting his unique twist on them. For the Jewish New Year he adds apple to Babka. (Note: on the Jewish New Year, apples are often dipped in honey to symbolize the wish for a Happy New Year.) And around special holidays Uri has added other ingredients, such as halvah (a sweet confection made of crushed sesame seeds and honey) to Babka. (Also see the Dessert Surveillance posting on Breads Bakery.)

I’d love to see a Babka with White Chocolate, but then again I love White Chocolate!

Tagged Breads Bakery, Chocolate Babka, Cinnamon Babka, Greens & Ackermans Bakery, Zucker Bakery

Mar 09 2014

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Cake

Carrot Cake

Extraordinary Carrot Cake from Extraordinary Desserts (San Diego, CA) – Photo Courtesy of Extraordinary Desserts

I like Carrot Cake. I really do.

But that doesn’t stop me from thinking that Carrot Cake is a bit like a chameleon. Since Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, Carrot Cake is sometimes viewed as a “health food.” And certainly some recipes for Carrot Cake call for modest amounts of oil or butter and sugar. (Perhaps they’re more Carrot Tea Loafs than Carrot Cakes). But traditional Carrot Cake is usually quite rich and sweet — and is often made even more delectable and decadent with a cream cheese frosting and filling. Yet even these rich Carrot Cakes are still covered by a “health food halo.” In fact, according to Sylvia Lovegren, author of Fashionable Food: Seven Decades of Food Fads, in the 1970s especially, Carrot Cake was found at many health food restaurants.

Sweet Celebrations: The Art of Decorating Beautiful Cakes by Sylvia Weinstock with Kate Manchester – Photo Courtesy of Simon & Schuster

And in keeping with the Jekyll & Hyde aspect of Carrot Cake, this “health food” is the centerpiece of many celebrations. A recipe for Carrot Cake appears in “Sweet Celebrations: The Art of Decorating Beautiful Cakes” by Sylvia Weinstock, noted wedding cake master baker and decorator.

So, how popular is Carrot Cake?

Carrot Cake from Buttercup Bake Shop (NYC) – Photo Courtesy of Buttercup Bake Shop

Nathaly Abreu, Director of Operations for New York City-based Buttercup Bake Shop said “Our Carrot Cake has gotten more popular through the years. It seems to be that one Cake that everyone comes in asking for. We do make Carrot Cupcakes for special order and if there are extras, we do sell them to our walk-in customers. Seems to me that Carrot Cake is giving Red Velvet Cake a run for the money.” (Also see the Dessert Surveillance posting on Red Velvet Cake.)

A Slice of Super Chunky Carrot Cake from Icing on the Cake Bakery (Los Gatos, CA) – Photo Courtesy of Icing on the Cake Bakery

According to Lynn Magnoli, owner of Icing on the Cake Bakery in Los Gatos, California, “Carrot Cake has been on the Icing on the Cake Bakery menu since day one, 29 years now. It has not lost popularity.” It’s the Bakery’s third most popular Cake (behind Fresh Banana and Chocolate Buttermilk). Known officially as Super Chunky Carrot, this Carrot Cake is studded with raisins and walnuts.

Cookies from Renaissance Confections (NYC) – Photo Courtesy of Renaissance Confections

Renaissance Confections, based in New York City, is known for its Carrot Cake. Renaissance’s founder, Debonda Kay, also thinks Carrot Cake is becoming more popular. “It seems to be everyone’s favorite Cake, and customers can’t get enough of it in any form. We do sell Carrot Cake Cookies — regular ones as well as gluten-free, fat-free and vegan.” Renaissance Confections also sells Carrot Cupcakes.

Two Varieties of Carrot Cupcakes from Carrot Cake by Mike (Orange Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting and Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting) – Photo Courtesy of Carrot Cake by Mike (Seattle, WA)

Mike of Seattle-based Carrot Cake by Mike also thinks Carrot Cake is becoming more popular. “When I started this adventure I thought there would be a small cult following of Carrot Cake purists, but I am amazed at how many people tell me that Carrot Cake is their absolute favorite Cake…” He reports that his most popular Carrot Cake is the 8″ Double Layer Round Cake. “I find that the majority of our individual orders are to families wanting to celebrate the birthday of the Carrot Cake connoisseur of the group. Our 8″ Cake is perfect for 10 – 12 servings and when you make it a double layer those servings are quite generous.” Of the various frosting varieties, the Traditional Cream Cheese frosting is definitely the most popular but people also request the Lemon Cream Cheese frosting and the Coconut Cream Cheese frosting.

Carrot Cake-cup from Bee’s Knees Baking Co. (NYC) – Photo Courtesy of Bee’s Knees Baking Co.

Carrot Cake doesn’t have to look like Carrot Cake. New York City-based Bee’s Knees Baking Co. creates portable Cakes, known as Cake-cups. A Carrot Cake-cup is on the menu and Billy Mayer of Bee’s Knees said that spring brings increased demand for the Carrot variety.

I think it’s time for a slice of “healthy” Carrot Cake!

Tagged Bee's Knees Baking Co., Buttercup Bake Shop, Carrot Cake, Carrot Cake Cookies, Icing on the Cake Bakery, Renaissance Confections

Feb 09 2014

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Cake, Cupcakes

Red Velvet Cake and Cupcakes

Red Velvet Cake from the Buttercup Bake Shop (NYC) – Photo Courtesy of the Buttercup Bake Shop

With red cake and white frosting (usually cream cheese), Red Velvet Cake and Cupcakes are some of the most striking of desserts.

Although Red Velvet Cake is often thought of as a Southern specialty, its origin may be a little murkier. According to Colman Andrews, author of The Taste of America, Red Velvet Cake was popular at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York in the 1920’s. This might be before it was enjoyed in the South.

How do you get the cake to turn red? Typically red food coloring. However a pigment in cocoa powder (an integral Red Velvet component) helps the red hue along, especially when mixed with acidic ingredients.

Red Velvet is certainly a showy dessert, but is it a popular one? The answer seems to be “yes.”

Red Velvet Cake from SusieCakes Bakeries (Northern and Southern California) – Photo Courtesy of SusieCakes Bakeries

Susie, of SusieCakes Bakeries, located in both Southern and Northern California, said her Red Velvet Cake and Cupcakes are extremely popular.

Red Velvet Cupcake from Bumblebee Bakeshop (San Francisco) – Photo Courtesy of Bumblebee Bakeshop

Red Velvet Cupcakes and Cake are so popular, they’re the top seller for the Bumblebee Bakeshop, based in San Francisco.

Red Velvet Cake from Ruggles Café Bakery (Houston) – Photo Courtesy of Ruggles Café Bakery

Houston-based Ruggles Cafe Bakery offers 30 different desserts on a daily basis. And Red Velvet Cake is one of the 10 most ordered desserts at the bakery. Ruggles’ Alexia Nino speculates that one of the reasons Red Velvet is so well liked is the frosting “….. the general crowd is looking to get their cream cheese frosting fix…”

The Cheesecake Factory’s Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake, Distributed by Harry & David – Photo as Seen on the Web Sites of Both Companies

Of the many different Cheesecakes offered by the Cheesecake Factory, Harry & David distributes 9 different ones. It’s probably safe to assume these are the 9 most popular flavors. And yes, you guessed it, Red Velvet Cheesecake is in this group of 9. (Also see the Dessert Surveillance Posting on Cheesecake.)

Blue Dot Donuts' Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Donuts (donuts to the left) - Photo Courtesy of Blue Dot Donuts

Blue Dot Donuts’ Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Donuts (New Orleans) – Photo Courtesy of Blue Dot Donuts

What’s more, Red Velvet is not restricted to Cake and Cupcakes. Blue Dot Donuts in New Orleans offers a Red Velvet and Cream Cheese Donut. “Red Velvet Cake” is a Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream flavor, complete with Red Velvet Cake pieces and a Cream Cheese Frosting Swirl. You can find plenty of recipes for Red Velvet Cookies – usually with a Cream Cheese Frosting or Filling.

Let’s hear it for showy desserts!

Tagged Blue Dot Donuts, Bumblebee Bakeshop, Buttercup Bake Shop, Red Velvet Cake, Red Velvet Cupcakes, Red Velvet Donuts, Ruggles Cafe Bakery, Susiecakes Bakeries

Dec 08 2013

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Cake, Cheesecake

Cheesecake

Available online from Harry & David, the Cheesecake Factory’s White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake

Cheesecake — that classic, rich, comfort food dessert has been fancied up and tweaked, although plain cheesecake is still very much available. (I’m defining “plain cheesecake” as unadorned New York style cheesecake, rich with cream cheese and usually also heavy cream or sour cream.)

New York Cheesecake from Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe

Cheesecake purists have a lot of company. Ralph Bencivenga, of Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe in Westfield, New Jersey, said that his New York Cheesecake is his best-selling cheesecake and Pure Cheesecakes in Los Angeles indicates that its Original Cheesecake is one of the top 10 flavors that get ordered equally on a regular basis.

Red Velvet Cheesecake from Pure Cheesecakes

But how has cheesecake been livened up? Interesting flavors, to start. Ralph of Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe has been noticing that his Red Velvet Cheesecake is becoming more popular. Red Velvet Cheesecake is also on Pure Cheesecakes’ Top 10 Flavors list. Other unusual flavors on this list: Caramelized Pear; Pistachio; Chocolate Truffle; S’mores; and Pumpkin. Strawberry Balsamic Cheesecake — an elevated version of a traditional flavor — is Brooklyn-based Biteme Cheesecake’s best-selling flavor.

A box of Biteme Cheesecakes

And interesting sizes and shapes. To prevent their customers from suffering from massive guilt after wolfing down too much cheesecake (I can identify with this!), and also because they’re cute and festive, some cheesecake purveyors are offering mini-cheesecakes. In fact, Biteme Cheesecakes are only available in mini sizes. While Pure Cheesecakes offers cheesecakes in full sizes, this bakery specializes in small cheesecakes. Pure Cheesecakes also sells Cheesecake Pops and Cheesecake Bars. When I asked about these Cheesecake Pops, Patricia of Pure Cheesecakes said: “Our Pops have been very popular for the last five years…especially for parties and events.”

New Skete’s Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake

Unlike delicate pastries, cheesecakes can be frozen so they can be shipped long distances, opening up interesting sales opportunities. If you don’t live near a Cheesecake Factory, fear not. You can order a Cheesecake Factory cheesecake from Harry & David. And earlier this year, The New York Times described a monastic order in upstate New York that supports itself from sales of its cheesecakes, which are shipped direct to consumers. These New Skete Cheesecakes are available in 13 different flavors.

I’m dreaming of cheesecake!

Tagged Bitme Cheesecakes, Bovella's Pastry Shoppe, Cheesecake Factory, Cheesecake Pops, Harry & David, New Skete Cheesecakes, Pure Cheesecakes

Oct 27 2013

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Cake

Bundt Cakes

Coca-Cola Bundt Cake from Baked

Why do I like to bake Bundt Cakes? For two reasons, really. The only decoration a Bundt Cake needs is a dusting of confectioner’s sugar or a glaze (and since decorating/frosting cakes is not my forte, this is a big deal for me). More importantly though, Bundt Cakes are delicious.

What is a Bundt Cake? It may be a bit of a circular definition, but a Bundt Cake is a cake baked in a Bundt Pan. A Bundt Pan is a tube pan with curved, fluted sides. And to add to the fun, Bundt Pans are also available in whimsical shapes – castles, flowers, pumpkins, etc.

Fleur De Lis Bundt Pan from Nordic Ware

There are plenty of us Bundt Cake fans. Nordic Ware, the company that trademarked Bundt Pans, has sold about 60 million of these pans to date.

Gingerbread Pumpkin Baby Bundt Cake from the Corner Bakery Cafe

Corner Bakery Café is a nationwide chain of cafes offering breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, pastas, soups, and of real interest to me, baked goods. Ric Scicchitano, the Senior VP of Food & Beverage at Corner Bakery Café said that his company has been offering Bundt Cakes for over 20 years. Chocolate Bundt Cakes are the best sellers. When I asked if Corner Bakery Café has plans to add other Bundt Cakes to their menu, Mr. Scicchitano noted:

“We always have our Chocolate Bundts, but we change up our other Bundt Cakes on a seasonal basis. Our Gingerbread Pumpkin Bundt is a guest favorite that people look forward to every fall and our new Strawberry Bundt was a big hit over the summer. Other seasonal flavors include: Lemon; Caramel; Chocolate Cherry; and Banana.”

A Birthday Bundt Cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes

Even though Bundt Cakes are popular, I’m still a little surprised that a bakery chain, Nothing Bundt Cakes, bakes and sells only Bundt Cakes. These are special occasion cakes – iced with a thick frosting in a petal shape. All of the cakes are highly decorated; birthday cakes may sport mini birthday hats, flower decorations, etc.

Bundt Pan Trivia:

Bundt Pan sales took off after the 1966 Pillsbury Bake-Off contest. That year, the second prize was awarded to a “Tunnel of Fudge” Bundt Cake – a chocolate cake with a gooey fudge center. See the posting on Baking Contests.

I’ll be baking Bundt Cakes for the holidays!

Tagged Bundt Cakes, Corner Bakery Cafe, Nordic Ware, Nothing Bundt Cakes

May 13 2013

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Cake, Food Books

Single Subject Food Books

I recently attended a very interesting symposium on single subject food books. Andy Smith, a food historian, author, and educator, put the program together.

Currently there are about 200 single subject food books on the market and more are in the works. I had no idea this number was so high.

Michael Leaman, Publisher of Reaktion Books was one of the panelists. Reaktion Books specializes in one item food books through its Edible Series. Dessert-related books in The Edible Series include:

Cake
Pie
Pudding
Chocolate
Ice Cream

Wouldn’t the same people who are interested in the Cake book also be interested in the Pie book? Why do books have to be so specific? Are we in an era of such specialization that it’s carried over into our books?

Some of the panelists pointed out that single subject food books are actually not that narrow in scope. Since only one type of food is being examined, all aspects of that food – history, business, and anthropology – can be covered.

You can see this in the book, Cake. The Introduction to this book, sub-titled When is a Cake Not a Cake, defines “cake.” As the author, Nicola Humble, illustrates, determining whether a dessert is a cake or another type of sweet can be surprisingly complicated. And it can have real economic ramifications. In the UK, in 1991, McVities, the manufacturer of Jaffa Cakes sued the UK Inland Revenue arguing that its confections were “cakes” and not “biscuits” (cookies), and therefore were not subject to VAT (Value Added Tax). McVitie’s claim is that cakes dry out as they get stale while biscuits (cookies) soften and Jaffa Cakes dry out as they age. Incidentally, Jaffa Cakes are small round cakes covered on one side by orange jelly and chocolate.

Other advantages of single subject food books: They’re often shorter so readers can learn quite a bit about one food subject without investing a lot of time. From the publisher’s perspective, these books can be easier to market since it’s very clear (from the book’s title) what it will cover.

I’m waiting for a book on White Chocolate Cake!

Dessert Surveillance

the business behind what's delicious

Category Archives: Cake

Buche de Noel Cakes

Banana Cake, Banana Bread, and Banana Cupcakes

Banana Cake and Banana Cupcakes

Coffee Cake

Years ago, the cakes I drooled over were gooey – rich with filling, frosting, and cream. Now I find myself gravitating more to Bundt Cakes and Coffee Cakes. (Lest anyone become alarmed, this is NOT to say I’ve sworn off gooey cake.)

Of course the age-old question is “Why isn’t Coffee Cake made with Coffee?” After all, there’s Chocolate in Chocolate Cake. Well, one theory is, since this Cake was often served with Coffee, it was given the name “Coffee Cake.”

How popular is Coffee Cake? And what varieties are out there?

Babka

Carrot Cake

Red Velvet Cake and Cupcakes

Cheesecake

Bundt Cakes

Single Subject Food Books