Fresh Peach Cardamom Sheet Cake With Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Food

FRESH PEACH CARDAMOM SHEET CAKE WITH SALTED CARAMEL CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• For the cardamom sheet cake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking pan and line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cardamom, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla extract and mix to incorporate. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture, and mix on low speed just to combine. Add the yogurt or sour cream and mix just to combine. Add another 1/3 of the flour mixture and mix just to combine. Add the heavy cream and mix just to combine. Add the remaining flour and mix just to combine. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
• Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it all the way to the sides of the pan and even out the top. Bake the cake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
• Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for 15 minutes. While the cake cools, heat the peach or apricot jam for a few seconds in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat to loosen it. If there are chunks of fruit in the jam, blend it using a hand blender or a mini food processor to make it smooth. Using a toothpick or a skewer, pierce the top of the cake all over. Pour the warm jam over the top of the cake and use a spatula to spread it in a thin layer over the whole surface of the cake. Let the cake cool completely, at least 1 hour.
• You can prepare the cardamom sheet cake one day in advance. When the cake is completely cool, cover the pan with plastic wrap and keep at room temperature or store in the refrigerator until ready to frost and dress.
• For the salted caramel cream cheese frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Mix in the salted caramel spread and salt. Sift 1 cup (250 ml) of powdered sugar into the bowl, then mix on low speed to combine. Sift another 1 cup (250 ml) of powdered sugar into the bowl, then mix on low speed to combine. Taste the frosting: it should be sweet, but not too sweet, with a clear salty note. Add more powdered sugar or salt, if you think the frosting needs it. Once you get the taste right, beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes to make the frosting super smooth and fluffy.
• The frosting might be slightly loose at this point, but you want it to hold its shape on the cake. Refrigerate the frosting for 15 to 30 minutes to stiffen it some before spreading over the cake. Alternatively, you can prepare the frosting in advance, refrigerate it, and return it to room temperature 30 minutes before you want to assemble the cake. Give the frosting a good stir before spreading over the cake.
• For the honey candied pistachios: Line a large plate or a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the pistachios and toast the nuts for 3 to 4 minutes, shaking the skillet regularly. Drizzle the honey over and stir to coat the pistachios. Cook, stirring continuously using a spatula, for 2 minutes more. (Keep a close eye on the nuts to make sure they don't burn. Lower the heat if necessary.) Transfer the nuts to the prepared plate or baking sheet, then use 2 forks to separate the nuts. Sprinkle with salt, then let cool completely.
• To assemble the cake: Halve the peaches, pit, then each half into 4 slices.
• Slide a sharp knife all around the cardamom sheet cake, then lift the cake out of the pan. Transfer to a large serving plate or a cutting board. Scoop the frosting onto the top of the cake, then use an offset spatula to spread it all the way to the edges of the cake. Arrange the peach slices over the frosting, overlapping them slightly. Sprinkle with honey candied pistachios.
• SERVING: To portion the cake, use a very sharp knife to slice right through the peaches. If the peaches you used are ripe, the job should be easy.
• STORAGE: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Return to room temperature before eating.
• Recipe Credit: Marie Asselin, FoodNouveau.com. Cake recipe adapted from Sarah Kieffer, The Vanilla Bean Blog.

CARROT CAKE WITH SALTED CARAMEL-CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Grease bottoms and sides of four 8-inch round cake pans with shortening.
• In large bowl, beat cake mix, milk, melted butter, eggs, cinnamon and nutmeg with electric mixer on medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in carrots and pecans. Spoon and spread batter evenly in pans (about 1 1/4 cups batter each).
• Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack; cool completely, about 1 hour.
• In large bowl, beat cream cheese and softened butter with electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth. Beat in 1/4 cup caramel sauce and the vanilla. On low speed, beat in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until smooth and creamy.
• Frost cake using 2/3 cup between layers. Frost sides with a thin layer of frosting so sides are covered but still showing through. Spread remaining frosting on top. Refrigerate uncovered at least 2 hours.
• When ready to serve, carefully pour and spread 1/3 cup caramel sauce over top of cake, allowing some to drip down sides; sprinkle sea salt on top. Cover and refrigerate any remaining cake.

CARAMEL CAKE WITH CARAMEL CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• FOR THE CAKE:.
• Preheat oven to 350°. Grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans; line with lightly greased parchment or wax paper.
• Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside. Place 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, and 1 cup butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed 5 minutes or until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Add flour mixture and 1 cup milk alternately to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture and beating at low speed after each addition. Pour into prepared pans; sharply tap pans once on counter to remove air bubbles. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire rack. Place 1 layer on a cake plate.
• Combine 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, evaporated milk, and 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Cook (without stirring) until a candy thermometer registers 238°. Transfer to a heat-resistant bowl, and beat 3 minutes or until thickened and easy to spread. Quickly spread filling over cake layer on plate. Cover loosely with plastic wrap; chill 15 minutes or until set.
• Spread a thin layer of Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting over filling. Top with second layer. Frost cake. Chill 20 minutes or until frosting sets, then cover and chill 4 hours or overnight. Let stand 10 minutes at room temperature before serving. Garnish, if desired.
• Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:.
• Melt brown sugar and 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil over medium heat; remove from heat. Whisk in cream; blend well. Transfer to a heat-resistant bowl. Cool at room temperature, stirring occasionally.
• Place remaining 6 tablespoons butter and cream cheese in a large bowl; beat with a mixer on medium-high speed until smooth. Beat in vanilla and salt. With mixer running, slowly pour in cooled brown sugar mixture; beat until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, beating well after each addition until completely smooth. Chill slightly for a firmer texture, stirring occasionally.
• Pecan Praline (topping):.
• Combine sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small skillet over medium-high heat; cook (without stirring) until golden. Stir in pecans; remove from heat. Rapidly spread mixture onto greased foil. Cool completely. Break into small pieces; store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

APPLE SHEET CAKE WITH CINNAMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Prepare the cake: Heat oven to 350 degrees and set a rack in the center. Butter and flour a 9-by-13-inch glass or light colored metal baking pan.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar and eggs until pale and foamy. Add the applesauce, oil, spices and salt. Whisk to combine.
• Add the 2 cups flour, baking powder and baking soda, and whisk until well combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and firmly tap the pan on a countertop a few times to release air bubbles. Bake the cake until golden and puffed, and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. Cool the cake in the pan on a rack.
• When the cake is cool, make the frosting: Add the cream cheese, butter and cinnamon to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium-high until smooth, stopping the mixer occasionally to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. Turn the speed to low, and slowly add the confectioners' sugar. Mix until the sugar is moistened, then turn the speed up to medium-high and whip until smooth and fluffy.
• Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

OLD-FASHIONED CARROT CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar and oil. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt and nutmeg; beat into egg mixture. Stir in carrots., Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in another large bowl, cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar. Add enough milk to achieve desired spreading consistency. Reserve 1/2 cup frosting for decorating if desired. If desired, stir walnuts into remaining frosting. , Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. If decorating the cake, tint 1/4 cup reserved frosting orange and 1/4 cup green. Cut a small hole in the corner of pastry or plastic bag; insert #7 round pastry tip. Fill the bag with orange frosting. Pipe twelve carrots on top of cake, so each slice will have a carrot. Using #67 leaf pastry tip and the green frosting, pipe a leaf at the top of each carrot. , Store cake in the refrigerator.

PEACH CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• The cake--center oven rack and preheat oven to 375°; grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
• In the bowl of a mixer, combine the eggs, sugar, and oil; mix on medium speed until just blended.
• In another bowl, dry whisk the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon together.
• Add to the egg mixture and beat until just combined; the batter will be sticky.
• With a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the peaches and nuts.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until cake tests done.
• Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then unmold onto a cake rack; let cool completely.
• The frosting--with the mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar and ginger; beat until smooth.
• Apply the frosting to the cooled cake.
• Cut into thick slices and serve.