Monday, April 21, 2008

Tuesdays With Dorie, Bill's Big Carrot Cake




I had one of those sinking feelings that I should not have ignored. I know that not every cake recipe will make a good cupcake- I know this. I also know I read more than one comment on the Tuesdays with Dorie website from others who had had the same experience I was yet to: The Incredible Sinking Cupcake.

But, what did I need a whole carrot cake for? And if I halved the recipe and made just one layer, I would still end up with half a cake that I really didn't have a need for. Hence the cupcakes. They are the perfect "bring to work giveaways". I work at a bank and there's no better way to my co-workers hearts than through their growling, desk-sitting tummies. So, even though I had the feeling, and I had read the comments, I decided I would forge ahead with my cupcakes. Luckily, I did decide to halve the recipe, so I ended up with only 16 sunken cupcakes, instead of 32. Phew.

I did at least try the cake on its own. I had added coconut, pecans and cranberries. Although the cake was good, I found it was a little too sweet. There's something about The Silver Palate's that is hard to beat as far as I'm concerned. I do like this cake better today than I did yesterday when I baked it, but you know what? I'll probably never make this one again.

So, when life gives you sunken cupcakes, make a trifle. My husband joked that a trifle, really should be called a tri-fail as this is what they are usually the result of. My trifle, thankfully was a hit. I layered the cake with creme fraiche that I sweetened only lightly with honey and added a layer of chopped pineapple in the middle. I also sprinkled the cake layers with Sherry- dry or cream, either will work. Topped with toasted coconut, it was a great ending to my boring dinner of chicken and spinach salad.

This week's recipe was chosen by Amanda of Slow Like Honey. Thanks Amanda! You can view the recipe on her site.

14 comments:

Engineer Baker said...

I agree - it's a lot better the second day. And I must be the only one without the incredible sinking cupcake! Your trifle looks like a tasty way to revive the sinking cupcake though!

Heather B said...

I made cupcakes too but they didn't sink. I wonder why so many did. Great save with the trifle. I bet it was delicious!

Mary said...

it turned out to be a beautiful creation! remember, sinking cupcakes means rising frosting! great job!

Mari said...

Well, I think your "try-fail" was a great save! Well done!

CB said...

I got sinkage too but not on all of them. I guess there wasn't enough leavening to go around. haha.
Clara @ I♥food4thought

amanda. said...

The trifle was a great idea! I probably would've gotten frustrated and just thrown everything away. :)

Melissa said...

Great idea and so cute! I made mini's too but mine didn't sink. Wonder why so many did though.

Rebecca of "Ezra Pound Cake" said...

The trifle is a great idea! Not so heavy. I didn't have cupcake sinkage, but I didn't use as many carrots as Dorie to get the 3 cups. It only took me 4 carrots. Maybe her carrots were very tiny. ;)

Rebecca
http://www.ezrapoundcake.com

Annemarie said...

I know all about sinking cakes!!! I had the feeling too, but I went for it...I should have listened to my gut!

Gretchen Noelle said...

Making a trifle is a great solution for sunken cupcakes and these look wonderful! Great job!

Shari said...

Your cake looks good in that bowl, thought! Seems like lots of people had trouble with sinking. I wonder what causes that. Hmm.

LyB said...

Your trifles look very elegant, way to use a sunken cupcake!

Sharon said...

What a great work-around for the cupcakes.

Donna said...

Trifle! What a great idea!
Donna