Tuesday, October 5, 2010

TWD: Double Apple Bundt Cake



I'm sure if you gave my husband truth serum he'd tell you that I have a whole host of annoying habits, but the only one I know of that really really bugs him is when I buy myself presents in the month before my birthday. I was trying REALLY hard to be good this year, and was doing so well until Dorie Greenspan's highly-anticipated book, Around My French Table, was released a month earlier than planned. I tried to ignore it -- added it to my Amazon cart and then deleted it, added it again and deleted it -- but in the end my pointer finger was powerless against the Place Order button. Sorry honey. The good news is that as a recreational baker/wannabe photographer/book collector/clothes lover/handbag hoarder, I've got to be right up there in the top 10 Easiest People In The World To Buy For. The other good news is that we won't have to wait until late October to start enjoying regular dinners out of Around My French Table -- I've already made the gourgeres and the roast chicken for les paresseux -- and they were both fabulous. But to make it up to my hubs for violating the sacrosanct "no self-gifting in the 30 days prior to gift-giving occasion" rule, I figured I better bake him a bundt cake.

As luck would have it, this week's TWD recipe is Double Apple Bundt cake, and the timing of this cake is perfect, as we've finally seen a hint of real fall weather around here. I've made this bundt cake before -- I don't remember exactly why or when -- but I do remember it being delicious. I made a full bundt the first time I made it, but this time, I went with a loaf cake and a dozen mini bundts (because my 5 year old was having a friend over, and 5 year old girls appreciate cute food).

The "double" in this double apple bundt refers to shredded apple and apple butter. The cake also calls for a nice assortment of fall spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger), nuts, and raisins. I did not ice it, and served it our favorite way -- in a domed cake stand on the kitchen island with a knife next to it -- and we helped ourselves to slices and/or mini cakes for several days (this one is a good keeper). The cake has a great texture and hearty fall flavors - definitely a perfect fall snack cake. Our little houseguest chose a mini cake over pancakes for Sunday morning breakfast. This was a hit around here for sure.

Lynne of Honey Muffin chose this week's Double Apple Bundt Cake. Be sure to visit her blog for the recipe. Thanks for a great pick, Lynne!

17 comments:

Kayte said...

5 year old girls...ALL girls appreciate cute food!! Yours is very cute, I have to say. We loved these, I did minis here as well, so that they would be portable as well and out the door before I ate too much of it. Remember that for when J gets older...girls might like cute food, but boys love portable food!! So happy to hear (actually I already knew this) that you hit shop now and didn't wait for Birthday or Christmas for the AMFT book...and no kidding, with that list you have to be the easiest person to shop for!! Great looking cakes.

chocolatechic said...

Cute food..I love it!


I used to have a domed cake plate till someone broke it (husband).

Then I bought a regular cake plate~~till someone broke it (husband).

Now I have nothing.

I think husband needs to purchase me a gift.

AmyRuth said...

Really....I mean how hard is it to shop for a cute baker woman like you, right? clothes, clothes, shoes, shoes, & did I say shoes? Maybe a new book or bundt pan here and there to go with the new purse. Yep, we are easy. he he
Now I love that you made cute little cakes for your girl and her friends. Neat!
AmyRuth

AmyRuth said...

Really....I mean how hard is it to shop for a cute baker woman like you, right? clothes, clothes, shoes, shoes, & did I say shoes? Maybe a new book or bundt pan here and there to go with the new purse. Yep, we are easy. he he
Now I love that you made cute little cakes for your girl and her friends. Neat!
AmyRuth

Beth said...

Your mini bundts look so good. Glad you liked the early birthday gift!

Audrey said...

Technically, isn't the new Dorie a present for the whole family? So it shouldn't count...

I've had this cake bookmarked in BFMHTY for EVER, so now that it gets your vote I'm going to try it sooner rather than later. I love apple cakes of all kinds, and with apple butter it must be especially good. I'm sorry to be going home, but I am looking forward to some New England fall color and fall baking!

Unknown said...

Your new cookbook may have been a self-gift, but really it is a gift to everyone. I can't wait to get cooking with it. Your mini-cakes look great - we loved this one too.

Flourchild said...

I agree a perfect fall dessert! Im glad you enjoyed it!
The new Dorie cookbook is amazing! Im glad your going to cook along with us!!

Tia said...

they look beautifully ruggedly textured and CUTE! 'ted.tkachuk@telus.net

Anonymous said...

So glad you liked it and baked it again!! Looks fabulous!

Di said...

Gillian and I ate a lot of our cake for breakfast. =) And I had to laugh--we have that unwritten rule about not purchasing things too close to birthdays, Christmas, etc. But sometimes it has to be broken. =)

Cakelaw said...

Your cakes look fabulous - I love the moistness of the loaf cake in particular.

Anonymous said...

What motivates you buy-myself-what-should-clearly-be-a-gift people? My husband is the same way. Drives me crazy! I did love your description of how to serve this cake. That is my favorite way!

Jessica said...

Ummm . . . grown up girls appreciate cute food, too! Those little bundts are just adorable -- or maybe it's just my inner 5 year-old coming out (to be honest, she's never that far away). I sympathize with your plight; sometimes you just need the darn thing right away, and a month can feel like a year. Happy almost birthday!

spike. said...

I buy myself early bday gifts too- usually new shoes. Nothing wrong with gifts, especially when you buy them for yourself! The cake looks great- glad it was enjoyed

mike said...

Well you deserve it (just keep saying that to yourself)! What wonderful little bundt cakes - I have a domed cake stand in the basement with dishes underneath...little cakes sound better. Just got my AMFT yesterday and not regretting it (so far)! Intimidating recipes (for me) - but that's the adventure. Beautiful post Cathy!

TeaLady said...

The wasy I see it, cook books don't count. It is FOR THE FAMILY cause you are cooking/baking FOR THEM!!! Works for me.

Minis. Love 'em

 
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