Vanilla Almond Sandcastle Cake Food

MOIST VANILLA ALMOND CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat Oven to 325 degrees. Line 1/4 Sheet pan with parchment paper, and then spray bottom (on top of the parchment) and sides of the sheet pan with cooking spray.
• Sift Dry Ingredients in a bowl and then whisk until well blended.
• Combine and stir Wet Ingredients in a separate bowl or pitcher.
• With a stand mixer (preferred) or handheld mixer, cream sugar and salted butter together until creamy and fluffy. Add oil and corn syrup and beat until incorporated. Add 1 egg(s) and cream until well blended, scraping sides of the bowl as needed.
• On low speed, alternate adding Dry ingredients and Wet ingredients to the Creamed Ingredients, a little at a time. I do 1/3 Dry, 1/3 Wet, and so on, adding one-third at a time and blending on low after each addition. Continue to mix just until the batter looks well blended and smooth (avoid overbeating). Scrape sides of the bowl as needed.
• Using a whip attachment and a clean bowl, whip the 2 egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. (Make sure your bowl and beaters are clean and free from grease so that the whites will whip).
• Carefully fold the Whipped Whites into the cake batter, one half of the whites at a time. The batter is ready when no egg white streaks remain and it should look smooth and uniform.
• Spread into prepared pan and make sure the batter is evenly distributed. An offset spatula works well for this.
• Bake on the middle or top rack (avoid bottom rack) of preheated 325-degree oven for 18 minutes, then turn the oven down to 300 degrees. Set the timer for an additional 6-8 minutes. Check the cake at this point. If it is jiggly at all when lightly touching the top of the cake, continue baking for 1-6 more minutes. The cake is done when a paring knife or toothpick comes out mostly clean when stuck quickly in the cake. A couple moist crumbs on your knife are fine, but they shouldn't look wet. Allow to cool completely.
• Either follow the Baker's Shortcut (Note #4) or choose your round cake size using the Cut and Stack method (Note #2). Leave the cake in the sheet pan, and using a slight sawing motion, cut the cooled cake into your desired cake size with cake rings (You can use a knife and the cake rings as a guide for any halve pieces that you cut.) Brush lightly with simple syrup (optional, Note #3).
• Wrap thoroughly in plastic wrap and freeze cake in the pan for 2 hours or overnight. (You can even bake the cake up to a week ahead of time and freeze). The cake will be much easier to layer if it is cold or frozen. To wrap the cake, place another sheet of parchment on top of the cake (this will prevent the plastic wrap from sticking to the cake), and wrap the whole pan with plastic wrap. (I pull the plastic wrap out and place the pan on top of it. Then I wrap 2-3 ways horizontally and one way vertically so that there are two layers of wrap on all sides of the pan including the bottom).
• Whisk the powdered sugar and Instant Clearjel (if using) together until well-blended. Set aside.
• Using a stand mixer (preferred) or handheld mixer and a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until broken up and softened.
• Add the room temperature salted butter and continue to beat, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Add the shortening and beat and scrape the sides until there are no lumps.
• While the mixer is on low, slowly add the powdered sugar mixture.
• Add the pure vanilla and almond extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Then beat the buttercream on high for two-three minutes. This will add air into the buttercream and make it light and fluffy. The Instant Clearjel will cause the buttercream to thicken slightly during the next 10 minutes as it sits.
• Combine all ganache ingredients and heat in the microwave at 50% power for 20-30 second increments. Whisk for 30 seconds to one minute in between each heat. (It should only take two to three heats in the microwave. Lots of whisking will melt your white chocolate and candy melts faster and prevent them from overcooking in the microwave).
• The easiest way to layer the cake is to layer the cake from frozen the day before you plan to serve it. If serving the cake the same day you are layering it, use refrigerated cake layers instead of frozen. Piece together the bottom layer, filling in with cake scraps if needed. You can use the cake ring as a guide.
• Fill the three cake layers with around 1/4 inch of buttercream. I recommend frosting a thin crumb coat of buttercream on the outside of the cake which will catch all the crumby edges, then allow it to set up in the freezer for about 10 minutes until the buttercream is firm. An offset icing spatula (I use the small and medium-size on all my cakes) helps with this. Then spread on the second layer of buttercream and decorate as desired.
• If using, microwave the reserved ganache on 50% power until thin, and drizzle down the sides of the cake using a spoon or squeeze bottle. There is enough buttercream to frost an extra-tall row of rosettes around the top of the cake using a pastry bag and 1M star tip (or get creative with a different design!).
• You can let the cake set up in the fridge, but remove it from the fridge 1-3 hours before serving so it can come back to room temperature. This cake has the best texture at room temperature. Enjoy!

SANDCASTLE CAKE

Steps:

• Position the racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
• For the cakes: Coat two 8-inch round cake pans and two 6-inch round cake pans with nonstick baking spray with flour.
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl and set aside.
• Combine the butter, brown sugar, vegetable oil and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until fluffy and light, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Add half the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture and mix on low speed until just incorporated. Add the buttermilk and mix again until combined. Add the remaining flour mixture and mix until just combined. Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula, folding in any ingredients that didn't get incorporated. Divide the batter between the prepared pans, filling each no more than 3/4 full.
• Bake until a toothpick inserted near the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes for the 6-inch cakes and 40 to 45 minutes for the 8-inch cakes.
• Cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto wire racks to cool completely. If necessary, level the cakes with a serrated knife or cake leveler.
• For the frosting: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whip attachment, combine the butter and confectioners' sugar. Beat on low speed, gradually increasing to high as the sugar is incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the dulce de leche in three additions until thoroughly combined. Beat in milk or cream 1 tablespoon at a time until the mixture is a spreadable consistency, about 2 tablespoons. Beat in the fine sea salt.
• Transfer 3/4 cup of the frosting to a piping bag and set aside. Cover the remaining frosting with a damp towel so it doesn't dry out.
• For assembly: Place an 8-inch cake layer on an 8-inch cake board. Top with 1 cup caramel frosting, spreading evenly to the edges. Top with a second layer. Cover the entire cake with a layer of frosting, using a cake smoother or bench scraper to make the frosting as smooth and even as possible. Chill for 20 minutes or until the frosting is firm.
• Pour half the graham cracker crumbs onto a rimmed baking sheet. Remove the chilled cake from the refrigerator and roll the sides in the crumbs. Cover the top of the cake evenly with crumbs, gently patting them into the frosting. (The crumbs should stick naturally, but if they don't, brush the cake with a light coating of water using a pastry brush and roll again.)
• Place a 6-inch cake layer on a 6-inch cake board and top with 1/2 cup caramel frosting. Repeat the frosting, chilling and crumb-coating process as before. Place the finished 6-inch tier on top of the 8-inch cake. Anchor the two cakes together using one long cake dowel, if desired. Refrigerate the cake while you prepare the remaining decorations. Reserve the pan of graham cracker crumbs to use later.
• Make the spires and turrets by frosting the top inner edges of two cake cones with the caramel frosting. Nest a second cake cone inside each frosted one. Coat the outsides of the cones with frosting using a small offset spatula, then roll both cone stacks in the reserved graham cracker crumbs until completely coated.
• Frost the exterior of two sugar cones with the caramel frosting and roll in the graham crumbs. Snip a small hole at the end of the piping bag and pipe a thick line of caramel frosting on the inside of each cake cone and top with the coated sugar cones so they point upward.
• Trim away 1 inch from the bottom of one of the remaining sugar cones with a serrated knife using a gentle sawing motion. Cover the cone with caramel frosting and roll in the crumbs. Coat the remaining sugar cone with frosting and roll in the crumbs. Refrigerate all the decorated cones until firm, about 15 minutes.
• Remove the cake from the refrigerator and position the two assembled cake cone towers on either side of the front of the cake. Anchor each in place using a dot of frosting. Arrange the two remaining decorated sugar cones on top of the cake. Pipe a mound of frosting under each cone to anchor it in place.
• Put the brown sugar cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with honey. Toss with a fork to coat the cubes with honey, then toss with some of the remaining graham cracker crumbs. Arrange the coated cubes around the top edges of the cake tiers. Use a dot of piped frosting to anchor each cube in place.
• Use the remaining frosting to cover the serving plate. Generously sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumbs over the frosting to create a sandy beach appearance. (You may have leftover crumbs.) Refrigerate while you prepare the candy decorations.
• Make the decorations: Combine the orange and red candy melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring well with a rubber spatula between each, until the candy is melted and smooth. Transfer the candy to a piping bag, snip the end and pipe into the starfish candy mold. Put the candy molds on separate small trays or baking sheets. Rap each pan on the countertop to remove air bubbles and freeze until set, about 20 minutes. Turn the candy out onto a work surface immediately after removing from the freezer.
• Place the white candy melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring well with a rubber spatula between each, until the candy is melted and smooth. Transfer the candy to a piping bag, snip the end and pipe into the shell and sand dollar molds. Put the candy molds on separate small trays or baking sheets. Rap the pans on the countertop to remove air bubbles and freeze until set, about 20 minutes. Turn the candy out onto a work surface immediately after removing from the freezer. Allow all the candy decorations to come to room temperature.
• Dip a dry art brush in the cocoa powder and tap off excess. Lightly brush across the white candy pieces to give them dimension. Arrange the candy shells and starfish around the cake tiers as desired.
• To make the castle doors and windows, put the melted semisweet chocolate in a piping bag and snip a small hole at the end. Put the printed template on a small sheet pan. Cover the template with parchment paper and pipe chocolate onto the paper following the outlines of the shapes on the template. Use a toothpick to spread the chocolate into corners and fill any holes. Freeze the chocolate until firm, about 10 minutes, then turn the pieces over using a toothpick. Handle the pieces as little as possible to avoid melting the chocolate.
• Pipe caramel frosting on the back of each chocolate piece and attach to the sandcastle.
• Use a metal skewer or cocktail pick to gently tap a hole into the tip of each sugar cone. Insert the cupcake flags into the sugar cone spires.
• Bring the cake to room temperature before serving.

GLAZED ALMOND MINI CAKES

Steps:

• Set an oven rack in the middle position. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Grease the bottom of an 8-by-12 inch metal baking pan and line the bottom with parchment. Then grease and flour the bottom and sides of the pan. Set aside.
• For the cake: sift together the flour and baking powder. Add the salt and stir to combine.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add 1 cup of butter and sugar and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl, as needed. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating on medium speed and scraping down the sides of the bowl between additions. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and beat to combine. On low speed, mix in half of the flour mixture, then mix in the milk. Mix in remaining flour mixture until just combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake until a tester comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool slightly, then unmold and cool completely.
• To make the cake filling, using a serrated knife, cut the cake into an 8x8-inch square. Set aside. Crumble the portion of the cake that was removed and reserve 2 1/2 cups. Add the remainder of the cake crumbs to a large mixing bowl along with the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter, jam and almonds. Mix well (your hands are the best tool here) to make a spreadable filling.
• To assemble the cake, use a serrated knife to split the cake crosswise into 2 halves. Arrange both halves so they're facing cut-side up. Brush the cake with about 2/3 of the cooled almond syrup. With a small offset spatula, gently spread the jammy filling over the entire bottom half of the cake and top with the top half of the cake, cut side down. Press gently to adhere. Flip the cake so the flat bottom is now facing up, to create a flat top. Freeze the cake until firm, 1 hour.
• With a serrated knife, cut off the rough sides on the frozen cake and cut into 16 squares. Set the cake on a cooling rack over a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Coat the cakes 1 at a time by pouring the icing around the edges and letting it drip down to coat the sides, then fill in the top. (Set the bowl over hot water and stir if it begins to thicken before you are done.) Top with sprinkles or non pareils before the icing begins to set.
• Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over low heat and cook to dissolve the sugar, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the almond extract and stir to combine. Cool completely.
• Melt the chocolate chips or candy melts in a double boiler and stir until smooth.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add the confectioner's sugar, corn syrup, hot water and vanilla. Mix on low speed until smooth. Add the melted chocolate and continue to mix to make a very smooth, pourable icing, about the consistency of molasses. Add food coloring as desired.

VANILLA ALMOND SANDCASTLE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease the pan with Pam for Baking. Stir together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a stand mixer using the flat beater, cream the butter for 30 seconds. Add the sugar and beat until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla and almond extract for 1 minute. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture, alternating with milk and beginning and ending with flour. Beat just enough to incorporate. Spoon batter into pan, spreading the batter so the sides are higherthan the center. Bake until the cake begins to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick in the center comes out clean, about 45-60 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes. While baking, mix together glaze. Tap the pan gently on a work surface to loosen. Invert onto wax paper and brush with the glaze. Let cake cool at least 2 hours before serving.