Tuesday, December 21, 2010

TWD: Cardamom Crumb Cake

There's a funny thing about baking along with this group with this cookbook. I don't actually tend to look through it much. I know that at some point we'll get to all the recipes, so I don't tempt myself much by reading it. I hadn't remembered that this recipe was in the book. Now, I want to bake and/or eat it every day.

It has such wonderful and wonderfully balanced components. First there's cardamom, which is a floral-ish spice. Add coffee for a dark, slightly bitter counterpart. Toss in some citrus for a little sweet acid. And my finishing touch - pistachios for a buttery flavor and crunchy texture. (Dorie called for walnuts but a) I don't like them and b) I didn't have them.)

This was simple to put together. The crumb topping was a snap. (Dorie suggests that you can use this for a number of different uses. I suggest eating it out of the bowl.) The cake came together with slight effort. Mine baked for the time called.

Here is the finished cake. Its simple looking is hiding great deliciousness.
This cake was (yes, was, it lasted at my house for about a day) amazing. The flavors blended together so well. The cake itself was moist and the crumb added just the right flavor and texture notes. I could easily see whipping this together for a brunch or breakfast. Or a snack. Just for me....

The last piece in the pan. So lovely and so sad. I must make more.

This is definitely going into heavy rotation at my house. Thank you Jill of Jill's Blog for introducing a new favorite.

6 comments:

Cakelaw said...

So glad you found a new favourite. It was really good the second day.

Welcome to our crazy blessed life said...

Glad this was such a hit and glad to hear it was simple..I have to make it today!

Jessica of My Baking Heart said...

YUM! I agree - I'd eat a piece of this every single day! :)

Mary said...

I agree....totally balanced flavors and delicious to boot.

Anonymous said...

I'm happy that you enjoyed it so much! Pistachios would be so good in this cake; I'm making a note in my book!

Thanks for baking with me this week!

Judy said...

Using pistachios is inspired! I think they would go perfectly with the cardamom and orange zest. I was sad, too, to see the last piece.