Tuesday, June 2, 2009

TWD - Cappuccino Cinnamon Squares



Tuesdays with Dorie is an incredible group of bakers from all over the world. We're baking through Dorie Greenspan's book Baking from My Home to Yours. A different member chooses the recipe each week and we make it and blog about it. Sound like fun? We're accepting new members again and we'd love to have you.

This week's pick was chosen by Tracey of Tracey's Culinary Adventures. After my less than successful result last week, I was geared up for this one. Timing, however, is not one of my talents. I decided that I would put it in the oven at 8:30 even though the oven repair guy was coming between 9:00 and 12:00 to replace the panel (for the second time--and the oven is just 6 months old, grrr). It took 5 minutes the last time they replaced the panel, and I figured that wouldn't hurt my cake. Nonetheless, I took no process photos in my rush to get this done before he arrived.

This recipe was so easy to put together and is made without a mixer! The batter was delicious (good thing I didn't taste it until the cake went into the oven). I was a little concerned because it seemed like a very skimpy amount of batter. I didn't use a whisk, electing to use a spatula for the whole prep, which worried me a little. Maybe I was supposed to beat some volume into the batter with the whisk?

There seems to be an unwritten rule that the repair person doesn't come until 15 minutes before the end of the time window, especially when it's Saturday morning. But I discovered this rule doesn't apply when you put something in the oven before he's due. He showed up at 8:35, 25 minutes early and 10 minutes into baking. Naturally, the power to the oven had to be turned off. He may not have replaced one of these panels before because it took about 15 minutes for him to swap it out. 

A quick peek in the middle of my bizarre baking cycle confirmed that all was well. The cake was rising nicely, didn't have any fallen doming and smelled fantastic. I have no idea how long it baked, but it tested done at some point and I pulled it out of the oven to cool.


Note my new Fat Daddio pan. Evidence of why I am the master rationalizer:

1.  Just took vacation in Paris, but used airline miles and hotel points so vacation cost = $0
2.  Ooo...shiny new pan...want...just went on vacation...but it was free...
3.  Buy pan

See what I mean? The vacation wasn't totally free. We did eat, and that wasn't free. We bought a lot of chocolate (much to the amusement of US Customs), also not free. But this is how my brain works.

Back to the cake (I seem to have trouble concentrating today, yes?)

After it cooled, I made the frosting (only two ingredients), spread it on the top, stepped back and admired the cake that almost was a do over....


But to me it's not the look that matters, it's the taste. And this one? Phenomenal. Amazing. Difficult to pass by without shaving some off the side to savor. The cappuccino flavor of the cake and the frosting were fantastic together. This is easily doable as a weeknight dessert, and would be tasty even without the frosting.

This one is easily on my top five list of the desserts I've made from this book. If you're interested in the recipe, stop by Tracey's blog as she'll be posting it. 

42 comments:

Mary said...

I agree that this one was difficult to walk by without cutting a tiny side piece just to "even it out." I am going to have you 'rationalize' some new kitchen purchases for me... :)

Cakelaw said...

Great job Leslie - it looks fabulous. of course you should have your pan if your holiday was free :) Chocolate souvenirs are a very wise purchase in my books.

Amanda said...

I'm glad this worked out for you! It did smell Heavenly, but something went wrong with mine. Amazingly, my ribbon didn't sink LOL

Lady Baker said...

You shall have your cake (pan) and eat it too! (err-the cake that is, not the pan)...oh well, anyway yours looks AMAZING! Your frosting looks perfect!

I loved the smell of this too as it was baking!!!

Pamela said...

You're right. Each time I went near this cake, it beckoned me. I really could not stop myself. Your frosting looks amazing with those perfect swirls!! And you totally deserved that new pan.

natalia said...

Ciao ! The smell was so delicious that I'm glad I brought it away (and they liked it even without butter !!)

Anonymous said...

I'm with you. This cake was so addictive. Your chocolate swirls on top look so shiny and delicious.

Anne said...

That looks awesome! I'm glad it worked despite the drama with your oven (hopefully that is all handled!) I, on the other hand, keep begging for mine to go out. It's about the same age as I am (and a "pretty" almond color) and we have a home warranty for a little while longer! You've convinced me to try this cake now...

Hindy said...

I'm envious of that pan! Glad you enjoyed the recipe. We loved it too.

Jessica of My Baking Heart said...

Nice photos! I'll have to try the Cappuccino version next time! :)

PheMom said...

Your cake looks absolutely perfect - oh the chocolate swirls!

Isabelle said...

I'm with you. This cake was so addictive! I try the Cappuccino version next time!

spike. said...

oh, I like your new pan. and your cake looks great, glad you liked it

Beryl said...

Ahh oven repair men- an unpredictable breed. My thermostat blew a few months back and it was quite an experience getting it fixed. Glad your squares didn't suffer!

Amy of Sing For Your Supper said...

These really look great!! I love that last picture with the swirly frosting!!

-Amy
www.singforyoursupperblog.com

chocolatechic said...

What kind of chocolate did you bring home from France?

I need to live vicariously through you.

vibi said...

Very nice Leslie! ...I on the other hand, think it looks pretty darn nice!

I was mostly surprised by the great combination coffee was with cinnamon, just like great cinnabuns!

Well done!

Melissa said...

Well, it figures the repairman would show up when you don't want him to, AND take longer than necessary! I'm glad it turned out to be so delicious, though. The cappuccino version sounds great!

Anonymous said...

This cake was definitely prone to snacking. Your frosting looks fab!

Jennifer said...

Your cake looks awesome! This was definitely a keeper!!!!!

Sweet as Coco said...

Your cake looks great! Isnt that the golden rule that the repair man comes early when you arent prepared? I had a guy come 30 minutes early last week....I came running to the door in my robe and wet hair. ugh. ;)

dharmagirl said...

love your rationalization here:) your cake looks fabulous!

Cathy said...

Okay, I've heard lots of crazy oven stories before, but yours takes the cake (cinnamon squares?) Figures the oven guy would show up early right as you are using your oven. Love your rationalizations (it WAS free) and LOVE your cake - it looks incredible!

Anonymous said...

Your cake looks wonderful! It was hard to NOT pick off pieces of it.

MacDuff said...

This looks awesome! And oh lord, I didn't do the chocolate topping but your photo is to die for...

Tammy said...

your frosting looks just wonderful

Andrea at Nummy Kitchen said...

Your cinnamon squares look just perfect, glad that you found a new personal top TWD recipe, that is always fun. Love your new pan, no need to rationalize a pan purchase, I understand, it's okay :)

Anonymous said...

Wow, your Cinnamon Square looks soo moist and delicious! I love the coloring. I loved this recipe too! (And the new pan!)

Carol Peterman/TableFare said...

I loved this one too. You wouldn't happen to have a Wolf oven? We have had the panel on it replaced twice now, but at least that is over 3 years.

Joy said...

What a great story! And I'm impressed at how sturdy the cake is, and your frosting's so pretty! It sounds like you had a fantastic vacation!

Unknown said...

Thanks for baking with me this week! Your post totally cracked me up. I can always find ways to rationalize new baking tools so I know exactly where you're coming from. Your cake looks terrific - I'm glad you were such a big fan!

Anonymous said...

that rationalization totally makes sense. :) your cinnamon squares look awesome - love the frosting swirls.

Craving Ellie in My Belly said...

These were delicious, yours came out great - the frosting looks awesome! You totally deserve that cake pan, especially if you got to Paris on airline miles!

margot said...

Oh, the ever-convenient three hour timeframe for repairs; hopefully your oven is fixed for good now. I'm glad it ended up working out so well for you - that frosting looks great - and even ended up in your top five, that's high praise with all the great recipes we've had lately.

Marthe said...

Paris was amazing, we bought chocolates at 2 chocolatiers ( Pierre Marcolini and Patrick Roger) but I haven't tried them yet as I felt terrible all day yesterday and as the day progressed it only got worse.... So my last day in Paris was not so good....
O well, at least I have a great excuse to go and visit paris again!!

Peggy said...

So you loved Paris? We are trying to decide between Paris and Rome for an upcoming trip. Convince me!
Your cake looks fabulous.

TeaLady said...

lucky you the inconvenient repair man's visit didn't ruin these. They look good.

Lucky you to make Paris. Beautiful city.

lola said...

You must be a swirl expert, they look fabulous. This was a good recipe. What a great trip and chocolate too. I bring home chocolate every visit I make to the States. I have one undercounter refrigerator just to store my chocolate and nuts, because I live in a warm and humid climate. Thanks for your input to my blog. lola

Jacque said...

That's Murphy's law at work, that's for sure.

I'm glad it ended up working out for you. Your frosting looks fantastic!

Susan @ SGCC said...

Your cake looks perfect! I guess that little "rest" in the middle of baking didn't hurt it. Maybe that's where I went wrong! Mine caved in like an old coal mine!

Unknown said...

I think the rule is that they come whenever it is the least convenient time for you! Your frosting looks fab.

The Food Librarian said...

I love that it all worked out even with the crazy baking. I hope this is the last visit by the repairman for a long time! :) The squares look perfect!