Bakers Royale

Mini Black Forest Cake ~ An American classic that is as pleasing to your palate as it is to your eyes.

Mini Black Forest Cake

This classic and elegant cake reminds me of my childhood. Black Forest Cake was our family splurge dessert for birthdays.

As an adult, this is still one of favorites-although, I’m not quite sure if it’s more the cake or the nostalgic effect when I have it. » Read the rest of this entry «

Fran’s Dark Chocolate Espresso Mini Cakes ~ Small in quantity but dominating in flavor, the Fran in this cake is for Frangelico. It seeps and settles between the cake crumb to marry the chocolate and espresso in perfect unison.

Fran's Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake

By now, I’m sure you’ve noticed I like adding liqueurs, spirits, alcohol, wine, beer, cocktail mixes, booze, call it what you will, but I like the subtle complexity it adds to most desserts. Yes, of course I can do without—but why?

Aside from loving boozey desserts, I’ve been told I have an unhealthy chocolate and coffee dependency. Well, like any good addict I like company. . . . Calling all chocolate and coffee addicts, here’s another dessert to feed our addiction.

A few notes:
1. As always, no alcohol required. And as a rule I try not to add my alcohol to anything that goes in the oven, since it is often baked out. For that reason, I generally incorporate the alcohol into a simple syrup and brush it on the cake.
2. If you  prefer to make mini cakes as I do, you will need NordicWare’s mini 8oz. bundt cake pan. If not, this cake uses a traditional 10 cup bundt pan.
3. For best results use a scale for this recipe.
4. If you don’t like Nutella or do not have any on hand omit that portion and increase the sour cream to 1 cup. » Read the rest of this entry «