Desserts

Diplomat Cream

Makes about 4 cups Diplomat Cream, a blend of pastry cream and whipped cream, can be used as a filling for cream puffs or chocolate éclairs, or as a layer in a trifle or icebox cake. The pastries should be baked and cooled before you make the diplomat cream; once […]

Desserts, Free Recipes

Eggnog Bundt Cake

Makes one 9-inch loaf cake This recipe makes enough batter for one large bundt cake or one 9-inch loaf pan. If your bundt pan or loaf pans are on the smaller side, fill the pan about 2/3 of the way full. You can transfer any remaining batter to another cake […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Filling Cake Pans for Perfect Results

Whether tried-and-true or new-to-you, some cake recipes leave you guessing when it comes to filling the pan. Here are some basic pan-filling standards for sheet cakes, layer cakes, or the ever unpredictable bundt or tube cakes.

Cakes

Flourless Chocolate Soufflé Cake

Makes one 8-inch cake Ingredients 5 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter plus extra for greasing 10 large eggs (divided use) 2/3 cup sugar (divided use) 1/4 cup Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional) Directions Preheat the oven to 375°F. […]

Desserts

Grilled Pound Cake with Coffee Ganache

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 1 Pound Cake, cut into 1-inch-thick slices 1 cup Coffee Ganache 1 cup whipped cream or vanilla ice cream 1 cup coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts Directions Preheat a gas grill to medium-high. If you are using a charcoal grill, build a fire and let it burn […]

Chef's Blog

Halloween Decisions: Angel or Devil’s Food Cake

Happy Halloween! It’s the spookiest day of the year and while candy is great, we prefer to bake! The hardest part is deciding which cake to make.  Here are our favorite recipes for indulgent and rich Devil’s Fudge Cake, and light and airy Angel Food Cake. Devil’s Fudge Cake Makes […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Happy 75th Birthday, CIA!

This weekend, we are celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the founding of The Culinary Institute of America. This great celebration is not ours alone, and we hope as a friend of the CIA, you’ll help us mark the occasion by channeling your inner foodie and eating something worthy of 75 […]

Cakes, Desserts

High-Ratio White Cake

High-ratio cakes have a higher quantity of sugar than some other cakes, which makes them exceptionally moist and tender, and gives them a slightly longer shelf life. Their unique mixing method is simple and leaves you with a cake that’s perfect for kids’ birthday cakes or your next pot-luck. Makes […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Icing a Cake Like a Pro

If you’re ready to take your cake-skills up a notch, this lesson is for you. With just one extra step called a crumb coat, you can make your homemade cakes look fresh from the bakery. When icing a cake, you may wish to use a turntable. Some pastry chefs prefer […]

Cakes

Italian Buttercream

Makes about 6 cups Italian buttercream starts with a very stable meringue, making it creamy and light, but also very sturdy. It is almost impossible to mess this recipe up, so don’t panic. If your buttercream appears melted, it means it’s too warm. Place the whole mixing bowl in the […]

Desserts

Lemon Buttermilk Cake

Makes one 8-inch layer cake If you make the cake layers ahead of time, wrap them tight and keep them refrigerated. Wait to soak the cakes with the syrup until you’re ready to ice the cake. Ingredients Cake 3 1/4 cups (1 lb 4 oz) all-purpose flour 1 1/4 teaspoons […]