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Baking Expert
Catherine Christiansen
Favorite Cakes for Summer Picnics, Barbecues, and Scrumptious Eating
Break out the vintage cake stand for these lovely gems, a trio of tried and true favorites. On the list: an angel-kissed, fluffy coconut layer cake; classic, cream cheesy carrot cake; and deep, dark, dense, cinnamon-scented chocolate sheet cake.
The coconut cake combines the best elements of the Southern classic; lovely yellow cake, luxurious filling with the zing of sour cream and seven-minute frosting anchoring mounds of toasted coconut. Keep lightness in mind when preparing this cake, the egg whites should be gently added, the cake assembled with a delicate touch.
A hint of lemon livens up the cream cheese frosting on the carrot cake, while loads of shredded carrots give a nod towards nutrition. But in the end it’s all about deliciousness; this cake has never, ever failed to please. Even the freakish soul who professes to dislike sweets is often swayed by its wholesome simplicity. When it comes to technique, this one is a slam-dunk; just combine the batter ingredients, bake it off and whip up the frosting. Press a few cups of toasted pecans around the sides for added crunch, or toss a small can of drained, canned pineapple into the batter to boost the moistness.
Sugar-rush recollections of summer picnics swirl around every bite of the cinnamon chocolate cake, my mother’s one claim to culinary fame. The recipe is a slight variation on the Texas Sheet Cake (sometimes called a “sheath” cake—it is a perfect landing place for a knife, or maybe the antithesis of a skin tight dress?). Whatever the name, the hint of cinnamon adds extra flavor nuance, and the whole thing is a fudgy extravaganza. Poking holes in the warm cake allows the liquid frosting to permeate the cake before the glaze sets. This is another cake that benefits from nuts; a cup of lightly toasted walnuts gives texture and adds character to an already scrumptious, simple meal-sealer.
Coconut Layer Cake with 7- Minute Frosting
recipe
Mom’s
Chocolate-Cinnamon Sheet Cake with warm
Chocolate Frosting
recipe
Carrot Cake with
Cream Cheese Frosting
recipe
Read more about Catherine Christiansen.
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