Saturday, November 4, 2023

Fall Cakes

 Everyone thinks that November and fall in general belong to pies. Yet a slice of homemade cake is just as delicious and comforting. It's also a wonderful dessert after a Sunday roast or Thanksgiving meal.

A warm spice cake is always perfect on a chilly day. Think of making a scratch one redolent with cinnamon and nutmeg. You could add raisins if you wanted or pecans for an earthy flavor. As for decorating, dust on confectioner's sugar if you have a simple Bundt or pound cake. As far as a layered cake or even cupcakes, a cream cheese frosting can work. You can a lso try a cinnamon or maple syrup buttercream for a fancier look. Another warming spice treat is a cinnamon coffee cake. This is perfect for Sunday brunches or a nice snack with ahot coffee or tea after a brisk walk, You can create a buttery streusel or crumb topping that can also be swirled throughout the cake. Crumb cake muffins are another fall bake , Again these are redolent with cinnamon and brown sugar to give them an earthy, spicy flavor. These are even perfect to end a breakfast with or for a morning snack with a hot latte. Nutmeg is another autumn spice that works well in cake. Imagine a rich, dark slice rich with this spice along with butter and brown sugar flavoring it.

Of course apple and pumpkin are the flavors of the season. An apple cake is a nice alternative to pie or a galette Keep in mindthe best apples for cakes are ones that hold their shape during the baking rpocess otherwise if they're not you'll have a cake full of apple sauce. Use such tart sweet ones as Granny Smiths, Honey Crisps,Pink Ladies, Braeburns and Jonagolds. You can use one type or mix any of these for a subtle blend of flavors. Cinnamon is always ysed in these type of cakes  to emphasize the apple's flavor. A different type of apple cake is  a French style one from the blog Once Upon A Chef. This one uses a lot of butter and rum to create a truly melt in your mouth slice. Keep in mind that apples are also great in Bundt and pound cakes too. Pumpkin is not just for pie filling. A pumpkin cake is a wonderful change up for a Thanskgiving dessert. Use pumpkin puree for the batter. As far as spicing it , nix the premade pumpkin spice. Use the individual spices of nutmeg, clove, allspice  and ginger. You can vary the amount of spices used for either a bold or delicate flavor. pumpkin bread is another sweet treat.It's the perfect slice for when company comes.

A homemade cake for fall is a nice alternative to pie Bake one with the flavor or the season. Try a warm spice or a tart apple.Think a sweet pumpkin bread for a nice snack. All are wonderful on a crisp Autumn day.