I thought the crumb topping would sit on top, but it sank into the cake imbuing each bite with caramel and cinnamon. |
Butter Browning |
Since I work primarily with U.S. Navy Seabees and Civil Engineer Corps Officers, everyone I work with thinks I’m a great writer. People often ask me to edit documents and presentations for them or to write papers or articles from a list of facts. I do this so often, that people come to me and say, “I need you to Susanize this.” I take it as a great compliment and realize that I “Susanize” a lot of things.
Filling sandwiched between layers of cake batter ~ before topping was added. |
When I saw this recipe for Brown Butter, Ginger, and Sour Cream Coffee Cake in the November edition of Bon Appetit, I tore it out & saved it. Like any good food blogger, I have a pile of recipes at the ready. This morning, when I felt like baking, I came across this recipe and decided to try out. Brown Butter has such an addictive flavor.
Since I don’t care for Ginger in sweets, I substituted Penzeys Baking Spice for all of the spices in the cake. For the filling and topping, I used 1 Tablespoon Baking Spice and 1/4 cup Cinnamon Chips for the 1/2 cup crystallized Ginger. I also used Walnuts in place of Almonds.
Even though there’s only one cup of Brown Sugar in this recipe, it imbues the cake. The Browned Butter and Whole Wheat Flour give it a graham and nutty flavor. This is a dense cake that can be served any time of day. Don’t forget to have a beverage of your choice with this cake, I go for freshly brewed coffee from my coffee machine, it really complements the flavours, if that is your drink of choice, I would suggest using a coffee machine over instant coffee to get the best out of your tastebuds, a Sage Coffee Machine might be the one for you!
Sun setting over Santa Cruz Island ~ from Ventura Harbor |
Lizzy says
I love the term Susanized 🙂 I’d certainly eat anything that involved your tweaks…this is a gorgeous, moist coffee cake!
Gabi says
Sounds like a beautiful flavor combination, looks lovely too! 🙂
http://teenytastytriumphs.blogspot.co.uk/
mireia badia says
I have to say I don’t like coffee at all but I probably could substitute it with cocoa powder or something!
Cher Rockwell says
“Suzanized” – I totally get it 🙂
I have never seen a tube pan that shape before. I am intrigued…
Kathy says
Susan, Such a lovely cake! Love the square cake pan! I’m with Lizzy…love the term Susanized!
I am a recipe hoarder…Is there a group for that?
Deepti says
Wow I have not tried brown butter and brown sugar combination before, looks completely awesome!
Pacheco Patty says
I think you’ve Susanized your coffee cake in a delicious way, great job!
Joanne says
How did I miss this in that issue!?!? I need it in my life…brown sugar AND ginger – swoon!
The Café Sucré Farine says
MMMM. this one seems to have my name written all over it – I love browned butter, it gives wonderful flavor to all kinds of dishes! I like your Susanization!
Wendy (pinkstripes) says
Your cake sounds delicious!
Katerina says
Your Susanized coffe cake looks like a winner Susan! And how can it not be with all the tasty ingredients you have used?
Kris' Kitchen says
Good job Susanizing this recipe…looks delish. And I can see why you spaced on the soda bread…this looks too good. If not for St. Paddy’s day fun, I would have spaced too. And “Susanize” sounds so good…I don’t think “Krisize” makes the cut.
Anne@FromMySweetHeart says
Susan…this looks absolutely amazing! Where do I start? I love your square pan. And I LOVE Penzey’s. I use their ‘cake spice’ a lot and often buy my vanilla beans there. But this cake looks sweet, crunchy, chewy and delicious! I’m going to have to start ‘Susanizing’ my recipes! : )
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love brown butter, and what a neat pan!
Elaine says
Susanize – what a great term and yes, that is a great compliment! This looks like such a delicious coffee cake. I wish I could have a slice or two with my coffee right now.
That photo of the sunset is stunning!
Thyme (Sarah) says
Looks delicious. I love whole wheat flour used in baked goods. Penzey’s…that rings a bell. I believe there was a spice shop in Kansas City called Penzey’s. It was locally owned and very cute. I wonder if it is the same on you buy from. And…you grew up i Italy!? How very interesting…you must have some wonderful stories and memories.