I remember growing up and my older brother Brice saying that he didn't like cake. Being young and in sole possession of a very large sweet tooth I couldn't comprehend his opinion. "Who doesn't like cake?", I would think to myself. However, over the years as my taste buds have matured, I too have come to the same conclusion - I don't like cake. He thought that cake was too light and fluffy and didn't offer much sustenance. And now I realize that he was onto something. It really is a let down every time I eat it. I have such high expectations and the result always falls short.
What brought me to my final declaration against cake was our recent trip to a fancy cupcake joint in Seattle called Trophy. I have been wanting to patronize one of these cupcake shops since they came into vogue over 18-months ago. The cupcakes were lined up up behind the glass so beautifully. Each dressed with swirls of frosting. Each cupcake tempting me with their sugary contents. I chose the vanilla cake with chocolate frosting (my first choice was the coconut but my friend Ryan snatched up the last one before I had a chance to place my order). Let me just say I was more than disappointed - I guess that could go without saying since it has been a week later and I'm still regretting our visit. The cake itself wasn't very flavorful (though they claimed it was made with real vanilla bean) and the chocolate frosting was WAY over the top chocolatey that it reminded me of the awful stuff they pass-off as frosting at grocery stores. Perhaps my opinion would be different had I chose the carrot cake cupcake, or the cafe leche cupcake or if they didn't run out of their top-selling red velvet cupcake...
But really, I doubt it. Because after all a cupcake is cake. And I would much rather spend my calories on pies, tarts, cookies, bars, brownies, or even cake's distant cousin - cheesecake. Chocolate pound cake...I can do that too.
But really, I doubt it. Because after all a cupcake is cake. And I would much rather spend my calories on pies, tarts, cookies, bars, brownies, or even cake's distant cousin - cheesecake. Chocolate pound cake...I can do that too.
15 comments:
I agree. Every time I eat cake I am disappointed. It doesn't keep me from trying though. Each time I think, this time it will taste good. Hmmm...we must be related...or something.
I must admit that I'm not much of a cake connoisseur. I had to look up the spelling for that one! But I should send you this recipe for the most delicious chocolate cake ever...not that light fluffy, tasteless nonsense, but deep chocolate heaven indulgence. Jd says Banana Bread is where it's at, too.
Harold agrees, it must run in the family. Although, while in Cal a few weeks ago he ordered a slice of lemon cake and RAVED about it and is STILL raving about it (and so am I, it was good).
The reason we both raved was because it was actually good. No lie. I am a serious cake girl, but I am extremely picky about cake, and most restaurant cake does not make the grade. It either tastes processed or dry. Most of the time I choose something other than cake for the same reasons you just described. But, I remain true to my roots and still love cake, I just don't love most cakes. Make sense?
I'm okay on cake. My mother said she didn't like cake, and probably because when she baked it, the cake was always overbaked. She grew up with that can't open the oven thing during the baking. But leaving the cake in the whole time without testing it always made it too dry. Dad's Kentucky Chocolate Pound Cake is a great one. The thing I don't like about cake is the frosting. I always wanted my piece first before the frosting goes on. I can make a bundt cake and eat the entire thing by myself, a small sliver at a time, all without frosting. So, I guess I am a cake a-Okay kind of person. Not that I don't like the rest of the dessert platter--donuts still are my favorite. My mother didn't like cake. She liked pies. Probably because she was a better pie baker than a cake baker. But she WAS a good cook. Just that cake was too dry.
Usually homemade cake is more dense, so it tastes like you have something besides fluff in your mouth. But we went to a High Priest progressive dinner on Friday night and of the three homemade cakes--not one of them chocolate which I thought was GREAT--they all tasted blah. Too dry. Too bitter on the chocolate frosting, etc.
But, just thinking of all that made me hungry. Guess I'll go make me some cake. WRONG! I would be eating the whole thing myself in spite of the fact Louis claims that he likes ANYTHING with the word cake in it. WRONG AGAIN!
Love, Momma
PS Converted for tomorrow and low on the list. Will get a call right after midnight. Supposed to snow again, so the sooner the better.
i like cake a lot. i just made a carrot cake today with cream cheese frosting and it was sooooo good...not to toot my own horn, but it was good. i think most restaurant cakes are worse than homemade, i prefer homemade. and it HAS to be homemade frosting...that store bought frosting is an abomination to the frosting name.
Ryan, what a jerk!
tear. so sorry to his your taste buds rejected our delicacy.
:)
I hate cake! Pan included. In fact, I'm not a fan much of baked good at all. Every now and again a cookie, but I'd rather spend calories on munchies, like crackers. Or candy. But cheesecake is a winner.
By the way, Harold also thinks the Kentucky chocolate pound cake rocks. It must be the great memory that makes it so good, because I am just not that into it.
Thanks again for staying with Van while we went to Wicked. We really should have brought you back some doughnuts. Lets get together next time you're here.
I don't think I even know you anymore! I love cake. jillicious cakes in particular.
Hi!
I know you don't know me, but I read your blog from time to time (from Jeff's blog) and it's always enjoyable. I found this post interesting, as well as the comments.
Let me tell you what I've found--when people say they don't like cake or that "they aren't cake people", it means that they haven't had REALLY GOOD CAKE. I've had many clients who are coming in for wedding cake consultations and cake samples who say this all the time--but then it happens...they taste a Jillicious Cake and realize that they like it. I love it when that happens!! I actually find it a good challenge when people tell me that--so I really enjoy making a cake that changes their mind.
I think that there is a cake flavor for everyone--and if you are ever down in the Corvallis area, I'd be happy to give you a sample (any friend of Jeff's is welcome).
I know I just typed a long comment, but I feel strongly that some cakes deserve a chance to be tasted. :)
And thanks Jeff for the shout-out about Jillicious Cakes. :)
By the way--I'm sorry you had a "bad cake" experience. That can be so disappointing and it's a real bummer when it happens. Don't give up on cake just yet! :)
Sorry to hear that Ryan took that last Coconut Cupcake...you should have fought him for it! Anyway I have never been a big fan of cake either, actually I think they ruin it with all that nasty, thick icing they place on top. That in itself is enough to make me sick!
Jillicious Cake sounds really good to me. I'm not a chocolate lover, so I will be you could lead me to a really wonderful yellow cake. My favorite and the flavor for my wedding cake. I bucked tradition in 1969 because all wedding cakes were fruit cakes then. I guess to be heavy enough to hold the frosting and the layers. But, I persisted. The cake baker and decorator wasn't too pleased and thought it would be a less than perfect product but it turned out great.
Momma G
PS I will be in Portland three times this month. Does that count?
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