breakfast

Bready or Not Original: Apple Custard Cake

Posted by on Jul 31, 2024 in apples, Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, cake | Comments Off on Bready or Not Original: Apple Custard Cake

This newest entry in my series of apple cakes is on the fancier side. This Apple Custard Cake is light, airy, and loaded with fruit. It truly does have a gourmet vibe.

Apple Custard Cake

While it’s not difficult to make, it is tedious to construct. This is a recipe that dirties a lot of dishes. Bowl after bowl after bowl. That said, the result truly is something special.

Apple Custard Cake

If you’re going to go through a lot of fuss, it should be worthwhile, right?

Apple Custard Cake

Bready or Not Original: Apple Custard Cake

This is a fancier apple cake that is light and divine, the apple pieces suspended in airy, moist crumb. Be warned, this recipe dirties a lot of dishes, but the result is both gorgeous and delicious.
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Keyword: apple, cake, springform pan
Author: Beth Cato

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • parchment paper
  • uneven spatula

Ingredients

  • 4 medium baking apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Cortland
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1 medium lemon zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour plus 2 Tablespoons
  • 1 Tablespoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs divided
  • 2/3 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk or half & half
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 1/3 cup white sugar for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the disc of the springform pan. Use nonstick spray on pan. Add the cut parchment paper. Spray again over the paper, making sure to cover the sides of the ring.
  • Thinly slice the apples. Place them with the raisins in a big bowl. Measure out 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to place in bowl; use any remaining juice for something outside of the recipe. Add all of the zest, the cinnamon, and nutmeg, and stir to coat the fruit. Set aside for a while; there are a lot of other bowls to dirty.
  • In a separate bowl, stir together the whole wheat pastry flour, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, the baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In another mixing bowl, beat together 2 of the eggs with the 2/3 cup sugar, until they are thickened and pale. Add the vanilla. Measure out the milk and oil. Take turns adding the milk and oil to the egg mixture alternatively with the dry ingredients.
  • In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg. Add 1 cup of the batter along with the remaining 2 tablespoons flour. Mix until just combined. Set aside to use for the topping.
  • Fold the apple bowl contents into the main batter and mix until everything is coated. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Use an uneven spatula to spread the reserved batter over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup white sugar over the top of the cake.
  • Place the cake on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until the top is golden brown, about 1 hour. The edges should be pulling away from the sides. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for about 30 minutes. Run a knife around the sides of the inner ring. Pop the release to open the pan and lift away the ring to allow it to cool more.
  • Cake can be kept wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge. Slices can also be individually wrapped and frozen for weeks.

OM NOM NOM!

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    Bready or Not: Dutch Apple Loaf Cake

    Posted by on Jul 3, 2024 in apples, Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, cake | Comments Off on Bready or Not: Dutch Apple Loaf Cake

    Need a smaller portion apple cake? Use your loaf pan! This Dutch Apple Loaf Cake has a crumble topping that is a bit messy, sure, but it’s also delicious.

    Bready or Not: Dutch Apple Loaf Cake

    I used three small apples in this cake, which came to about 2 cups diced up. That would probably equal two mediums or one really huge apple. You have more wiggle room in this recipe’s fruit content than you would in, say, an apple pie where the volume is more obvious.

    Bready or Not: Dutch Apple Loaf Cake

    This is an especially nice recipe to cut into slices and freeze for later. They thaw fast, too, making them great to pack for the road to enjoy on a trip or for a snack or lunch–though remember, they might be a little crumbly, so maybe eat where the birds can enjoy those crumbs.

    Bready or Not: Dutch Apple Loaf Cake

    Bready or Not: Dutch Apple Loaf Cake

    This loaf cake is a lovely smaller portion cake that is perfect for a breakfast, brunch, or to freeze in slices to eat later.
    Course: Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: apple, walnuts
    Author: Beth Cato

    Equipment

    • 9×5 loaf pan
    • parchment paper
    • nonstick spray

    Ingredients

    Topping:

    • 1/4 cup white sugar
    • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold, cut up

    Cake:

    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
    • 1 cup white sugar
    • 2 large eggs room temperature
    • 1/4 cup buttermilk or soured milk (see note)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 cups apple pieces peeled and diced (about 3 small apples)
    • 1/2 cup walnuts chopped

    Instructions

    Mix topping

    • Combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Tuck into fridge while the loaf is made.

    Create loaf cake

    • Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Cut parchment paper to fit into loaf pan like a sling, the paper extending up both long sides. apply nonstick spray into middle.
    • In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Add the buttermilk and vanilla.
    • In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Fold in the apple pieces and the walnuts. Pour batter into the pan and even out. Sprinkle topping mix to cover.
    • Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Cool for 20 minutes in pan before using the parchment to lift the cake onto a rack. Keep stored at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap or otherwise covered. Pieces can also be individually wrapped and frozen.

    OM NOM NOM!

      Notes

      To make soured milk as a buttermilk substitute, add 3 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar to a liquid 1/4 cup, then add milk to half & half to the 1/4 line. Let sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature. It should curdle. Use full amount in recipe.
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      Bready or Not Original: Apple Butter-Pecan Roll

      Posted by on Jun 19, 2024 in Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, nutty, yeast bread | Comments Off on Bready or Not Original: Apple Butter-Pecan Roll

      This Apple Butter-Pecan Roll is something special, a gorgeous and small round of braided bread jeweled with pecans. It’s perfect for a few people to share as a treat.

      Bready or Not Original: Apple Butter-Pecan Roll

      Honestly, I’d rather have this than most cakes. It is as delicious as it looks, but it does take time to make and dirties a lot of dishes in the process. Definitely a special occasion kind of thing.

      Bready or Not Original: Apple Butter-Pecan Roll

      I modified this immensely from a recipe called Sweet Potato-Pecan Sweet Roll in Bake from Scratch’s September/October 2023 issue. Obviously, I replaced the sweet potato, but I also extensively rewrote the recipe to try to clarify what should be used and when. I find it very confusing when, in an already complicated recipe, I need to divide things within the ingredient list.

      Bready or Not Original: Apple Butter-Pecan Roll

      I hope that some of you take on the challenge of this recipe and find my new version doable even if it is still daunting!

      Bready or Not Original: Apple Butter-Pecan Roll

      This recipe results in a gorgeous small coronet of braided bread, shining with glaze and jeweled by pecans. It is perfect for a few people to share.
      Course: Bread, Breakfast, Dessert
      Keyword: pecans, yeast bread
      Author: Beth Cato

      Equipment

      • instant read thermometer
      • nonstick spray
      • cake pan
      • Rolling Pin
      • kitchen shears or knife

      Ingredients

      Dry dough ingredients

      • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
      • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar packed
      • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
      • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
      • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

      Wet ingredients for dough

      • 1/2 cup buttermilk or soured milk [see note]
      • 1/3 cup apple butter
      • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened

      Filling

      • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
      • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
      • 3 Tablespoons brown sugar packed
      • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened
      • 1/4 cup toasted pecan pieces

      Topping

      • 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
      • 1 1/2 Tablespoons milk or half & half
      • 1 teaspoon unsalted butter melted (5 grams)
      • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
      • 2 Tablespoons pecan pieces

      Instructions

      • In a large bowl, whisk together the dry dough ingredients: flour, brown sugar, salt, yeast and nutmeg. Dig a well in the center.
      • In a small saucepan, gently bring to medium heat the wet dough ingredients: buttermilk/soured milk, apple butter, and butter. Stir until the butter is melted and an instant-read thermometer is over 100-degrees. (Don’t go over 120 or the heat may kill the yeast.)
      • Pour the saucepan contents into the well in the flour. Use a big spoon to stir until combined.
      • Heavily flour a clean surface. Turn out the dough onto it and knead until the mixture is elastic and only mildly tacky, about 8 to 10 minutes. Flour hands and surface more if necessary.
      • Apply nonstick spray inside a medium bowl. Place dough inside, turning to grease all sides. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for about 40 minutes.
      • Meanwhile, put nonstick spray in a round cake pan.
      • In a small bowl, stir together the first three filling ingredients: cinnamon, ginger, and brown sugar.
      • Punch down the dough and let it rest about 5 minutes. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface again and roll into a 14×8-inch rectangle. Spread the 2 Tablespoon softened butter over the dough, leaving a bare 1/2-inch frame around the edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture over the butter, forming a thick layer. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of pecan pieces on top.
      • Roll up the dough, long-ways, and pinch the seam to seal it. Rock and roll the dough tube, stretching it out, evenly extending the length to 15 inches. Arrange it so the seam is on the side facing you.
      • Use kitchen shears or a knife to cut the log in half lengthwise, but leave it connected by an inch at one end. Turn the cut sides to face upward. Carefully twine them together in a simple braid, bringing the uncut end around to tuck underneath, forming a braided circlet. Place inside cake pan with the cut sides facing up. Cover again to rise in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes.
      • Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
      • Place bread in hot oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes; an instant-read thermometer plunged into the middle should be over 190 degrees. If it’s looking very brown near the end, cover it with foil for the rest of the bake.
      • Cool for about 20 minutes as the glaze is made.
      • Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, butter and salt. Dribble over warm bread so that the glaze cascades along the ridges. Sprinkle pecan pieces over the top.
      • Serve immediately. Any leftovers are best if warmed briefly in the microwave or oven.

      OM NOM NOM!

        Notes

        To make soured milk, place 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar in a liquid measuring cup. Pour in milk or half & half to equal the 1/3 cup called for by this recipe. After about 10 minutes, the mixture should be thick and curdled.
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        Bready or Not: Cider Pound Cake

        Posted by on Jun 5, 2024 in apples, Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, bundt, cake | Comments Off on Bready or Not: Cider Pound Cake

        This luscious Cider Pound Cake, made in a tube pan, is great by itself or eaten alongside fruit and/or ice cream.

        Bready or Not: Cider Pound Cake

        There are no apples in this cake. That means it’s fast and easy to make, too. No peeling, or dicing or grating. Instead, the recipe relies on sparkling apple cider for sweetness and gentle flavor.

        Bready or Not: Cider Pound Cake

        “Sparkling cider” means nonalcoholic. That doesn’t mean you should use any old apple juice, though. Apple cider has more flavor and heft (i.e. not so watery). I used a seasonal version from Aldi that is all Honeycrisp, but any basic sparkling cider will do!

        Bready or Not: Cider Pound Cake

        Modified from Centennial Kitchen Fall Baking Magazine 2021.

        Bready or Not: Cider Pound Cake

        This recipe includes no actual pieces of apple, instead getting sweetness and fresh flavor from sparkling (meaning nonalcoholic) apple cider. The outside of the cake will form a crunchy crust, while the inside is tender and moist. Modified from Centennial Kitchen Fall Baking Magazine 2021.
        Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
        Keyword: apple, bundt cake, cake, cider, tube
        Author: Beth Cato

        Equipment

        • large tube pan
        • nonstick spray

        Ingredients

        Cake

        • 2 cups unsalted butter (4 sticks) softened
        • 2 cups white sugar
        • 6 large eggs room temperature
        • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
        • 1/4 teaspoon salt
        • 1/2 cup sparkling apple cider

        Glaze

        • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
        • 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
        • 1 Tablespoon sparkling apple cider

        Instructions

        • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a tune pan with nonstick spray.
        • In a big bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until they are fluffy. Add the eggs in sequence, beating well after each addition.
        • In another bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Gradually add it to the large bowl along with the apple cider, going back and forth in increments. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth out the top.
        • Bake for 1 hour and 5 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes, until a toothpick plunged into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in pan for 20 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack to completely cool.
        • Once the cake is cool, in a small bowl, combine the three glaze ingredients to make a thick but moveable glaze. Dribble over cake so that it oozes over sides.
        • Let set at least 30 minutes before cutting. Store under a cake dome or cut into individual slices to encase in plastic wrap.

        OM NOM NOM!

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          Bready or Not: Spiced Apple Scones

          Posted by on Apr 17, 2024 in apples, Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, british | Comments Off on Bready or Not: Spiced Apple Scones

          These Spiced Apple Scones make for a delicious breakfast. They are great fresh, but they can also be frozen for a convenient meal on the go later in the week.

          Bready or Not: Spiced Apple Scones

          These are not super sweet. There is enough sugar inside to elevate them above what Americans regard as a biscuit; the glaze not only adds some sweetness, but a texture for contrast. If you want these plainer, just omit the glaze!

          Bready or Not: Spiced Apple Scones

          If you don’t have pie spice, just use cinnamon with perhaps a sprinkle of nutmeg.

          Bready or Not: Spiced Apple Scones

          Greatly modified from Bake from Scratch Magazine September/October 2023.

          Bready or Not: Spiced Apple Scones

          Brighten your morning with these delicious fruit-filled scones! Make a batch over the weekend, and freeze them to pull out throughout the week. Greatly modified from Bake from Scratch Magazine September/October 2023.
          Servings: 8 scones
          Author: Beth Cato

          Equipment

          • baking sheet with parchment or scone pan
          • knife or bench knife

          Ingredients

          Scones

          • 2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for surface
          • 1/4 cup white sugar
          • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
          • 1 1/4 teaspoons pie spice
          • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
          • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
          • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter cut into cubes and cold
          • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
          • 1 cup half & half or milk, plus more for tops if desired
          • 1 medium baking apple (about 120 grams) peeled and diced

          Glaze

          • 1 cup confectioners' sugar plus more if needed
          • sprinkle pie spice
          • 1 Tablespoon half & half plus more if needed
          • 1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla extract

          Instructions

          • Preheat oven at 375-degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or pull out a scone pan.
          • In a big bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Cut in the butter, mashing it until it resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the vanilla and half & half, stirring until just combined. Fold in the diced apple.
          • If using a baking sheet to bake, flour a work space. Flour hands and fold and pat the dough into a thick disc. Use a knife or bench knife to slice it into 8 wedges. Move wedges, spaced out, onto baking pan. Alternatively, press dough into scone pan to evenly fill each hole. Whichever method is used, chill scones for about 15 minutes.
          • If softer scones are desired, measure out a tablespoon of milk and brush that atop the scones. If crisper tops are wanted, leave the scones be.
          • Bake scones until tops are golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for about 20 minutes.
          • Make the glaze. Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, a sprinkle of pie spice, half & half, and clear vanilla until they achieve a thick but oozy texture. Drizzle over scones.
          • Enjoy scones right away, or store at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 2 days. They can also be frozen and thawed for later enjoyment.

          OM NOM NOM!

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            Bready or Not: Coffee Cookie Bars

            Posted by on Apr 3, 2024 in Blog, blondies, Bready or Not, breakfast, cookies | 1 comment

            These Coffee Cookie Bars are infused with coffee flavor inside and out, the perfect complement to the chewy sweetness of the bars.

            Bready or Not: Coffee Cookie Bars

            If the caffeine doesn’t give you a boost, the sugar will. These bars are not only sweet, but tend to caramelize along the edges and bottom. That means you need to be careful that the foil doesn’t adhere!

            Bready or Not: Coffee Cookie Bars

            These bars are great for a breakfast, snack, or dessert.

            Bready or Not: Coffee Cookie Bars

            Modified from Better Homes & Gardens Christmas Cookies 2021.

            Bready or Not: Coffee Cookie Bars

            These chewy, sticky bars are infused with potent sweetness and espresso. Modified from Better Homes & Gardens Christmas Cookies 2021.
            Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
            Keyword: coffee
            Author: Beth Cato

            Equipment

            • 9×13 pan
            • aluminum foil
            • nonstick spray
            • pastry brush

            Ingredients

            • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
            • 1 Tablespoon espresso powder plus 2 teaspoons
            • 1 Tablespoon milk or almond milk
            • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) melted
            • 2 large eggs room temperature
            • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar packed
            • 1/2 cup white sugar
            • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
            • 3 cups all-purpose flour
            • 1 teaspoon baking soda
            • 1 teaspoon salt

            Instructions

            • Preheat oven at 350-degrees. Line a 9×13 pan with foil and apply nonstick spray or butter.
            • In a small bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and 1 Tablespoon espresso powder. Set aside 1/4 cup of this mixture.
            • In a big bowl, mix together the milk and the remaining 2 teaspoons espresso powder. Add the melted butter, eggs, both sugars, and vanilla, mixing well. Follow up with the flour, baking soda, and salt, scraping the bottom of the bowl to make sure everything is combined. Set aside 1 cup of the dough.
            • Place the bulk of the dough in the bottom of the prepared pan and even out with hands. Pour the larger amount of the sweetened condensed milk mixture over the top and spread out evenly. Crumble the reserved 1 cup of dough over the top.
            • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until set. Immediately brush the reserved 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk/espresso powder over the top. Cool completely.
            • Lift onto cutting board to slice into bars. Be wary that caramelization may make the base quite sticky, so make sure no foil adheres to the bars. Store in a sealed container at room temperature.

            OM NOM NOM!

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