Buzzfeed had a video about bakery cakes at different price points.  The chocolate espresso cake from Proof Bakery was the mid-price offer in the video.  The LA Times published a recipe replicating itThe original offering was a three layer 8″ round cake.  The rounds are quite substantial creating a very tall, impressive cake.  This is great for a smaller venue. I’ve modified the recipe for a four layer 9″ round cake.  The height is less substantial and it does involve splitting rounds.  I went with a milk chocolate ganache instead of the cremeux.  I’ve tried making the cremeux three times and each time it came out too thin to be used as a cake filling.  Also the glaze is unnecessary but if you do decide to go with it, make more than what is called for.  The espresso buttercream I ended up preferring is adapted from America’s Test Kitchen. (more…)

This showstopping cake comes courtesy of Alton Brown and Good Eats.  I admit that a good deal of my culinary training comes from logging many hours of watching Food Network.   (more…)