Brigitte challenged our Test Kitchen to create desserts using the same base vanilla cake recipe. The goal? To simplify the many occasions one may enjoy a dessert during summer. So we went with a vanilla cake with warm milk; once heated, the milk causes a reaction that yields a tender batter and a wonderfully soft cake the whole family will love. It’s very easy to prepare, and all you need to do is adjust the ingredient quantities according to the cake type.
1. Vanilla Cake with Strawberries, Basil and Mascarpone Cream
You can assemble all the elements of this recipe directly on the plate. A drizzle of syrup made from strawberry stems and infused with basil gives the cake a sweet, herbaceous and fragrant finish. Top it with a mixture of whipped mascarpone cheese and cream. Given that each part of the cake can be stored separately, nothing will stop you from enjoying a slice the next day!
2. Marbled Mocha Bundt Cake
Bundt cake always looks elegant on a table and makes an impression. In this recipe, add an espresso and cocoa blend to half the batter so that they intertwine. Then, let the icing drip over the sides of the cake for a chic yet casual look.
POTLUCK
Marbled Mocha Bundt Cake
3. Raspberry, Mango and Almond Pudding Cake
Kids will happily dig their spoons into this colourful pudding cake that combines raspberry and mango. The berries turn into a compote, with chunks of mango remaining, and the almonds on top bring a crunch to every bite. Be sure to add a large scoop of ice cream to make it even more perfect!
SUMMER COOKING
Raspberry, Mango and Almond Pudding Cake
4. Green Tea and Frosted Lemon Madeleines
A picnic in the park with a glass of iced tea in one hand and a madeleine in the other; what could be better during summer? To add a delicate touch to the classic recipe, steep green tea bags in milk and add to the batter before baking. As soon as they’re out of the oven, roll the madeleines in sugar and lemon zest for a touch of frost even during the summer heat.
GOURMETS GIFTS
Green Tea and Frosted Lemon Madeleines
5. Lime and Coconut Cream Mini Cupcakes
The secret behind these mini lime cupcakes? The icing is made by refrigerating coconut milk so you can scoop the cream that separates from the liquid on top and whip it with sugar. The texture will be thick and creamy. Then place halved lime supremes that are the perfect contrast to the rich cream, and add a welcome touch of acidity for your taste buds!
CUPCAKES
Lime and Coconut Cream Mini Cupcakes
Basic vanilla cake
From cake to madeleines and a Bundt in between, our vanilla cake mix contains the same base ingredients. Simply double or triple the quantities in order to bake the various-sized treats in this article, or to add your own favourite flavours.
Below is a table indicating the correct ingredient quantities depending on which cake you want to make: