Daring Bakers in March: Perfect Party Cake
March 30, 2008 at 12:16 am | Posted in cakes & tortes, daring bakers, groups, layer cakes, sweet things | 94 Comments
If you´ve looked at this blog lately, you´ll notice that the sweets in most of my recent posts stem from the same source– Baking: From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan is turning into one of my most used cookbooks on the shelf! This recipe also comes from that book, but this time my post is not a result of Tuesdays with Dorie, but of the Daring Bakers. Morven from Food Art and Random Thoughts chose Dorie’s Perfect Party Cake as the March DB challenge.
Morven gave us basically free reign to flavor and fill our cakes however we liked, but I wanted to basically stick with Dorie’s version (which she actually accredits to Nick Malgieri), just to give the recipe a fair shot. I used the cake and buttercream recipes as they were written. Instead of using raspberry jam though, I filled my cake with blueberry preserves.
If I had one “issue” with this cake, it would be that I didn’t have enough buttercream for a good coat of frosting on the outside. I must have gone too crazy between the layers– oops!– and what I wound up with was more like a crumb coat. What to do?? I wasn’t about to make more buttercream, so I decided to toast my coconut flakes. Of course I didn’t get a pristine snow white cake like Dorie’s, but it desperately needed a little camouflage.
I know I must have said this a million times before, but OMG I love cake, and wow, was this good! The buttercream was outstanding, and the cake was really moist (and the jam helps keep it that way). I liked the instructions in the cake recipe to rub together the lemon zest and sugar. This is something we always do with citrus in the restaurant where I work and it really helps bring out the flavor in the zest.
Thanks Morven for this month’s challenge! For the Perfect Party Cake recipe, check out Food Art and Random Thoughts. And for the complete list of DBers, check out our great big blogroll.
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a whisk and a spoon 
Absolutely gorgeous Steph! Love the blueberry jam. Holy yum!
Comment by slush— March 30, 2008 #
Gorgeous cake. Love the toasted coconut idea! You are a Dorie rockstar 🙂
Comment by CB— March 30, 2008 #
That is one fabulous looking cake Steph!
Comment by Nicisme— March 30, 2008 #
wasn’t the frosting to die for?! I kept licking the spatula every five seconds and then at the end I was like, oopsies I should make more 🙂 I used a really nice and tarty raspberry filling which worked out fantastically but I like the color of the blueberries in yours.
Comment by amanda— March 30, 2008 #
Wow, yours came out so much prettier than mine. Yum.
Comment by Columbus Foodie— March 30, 2008 #
So gorgeous. The fresh blueberries are a lovely touch.
Comment by peabody— March 30, 2008 #
oooh what a gorgeous cake. as always, you have done a terrific job.
Comment by KJ— March 30, 2008 #
That looks so lovely!! Especially with the fresh blueberries!! Great job!
Comment by Dharm— March 30, 2008 #
Your version looks so great! I can’t wait to post mine tomorrow!
Comment by Holly— March 30, 2008 #
PRETTY PRETTY PRETTY! That’s one great looking cake & so moist! Mine wasn’t as moist as I would have liked it to be. It’s amazing that the same recipe works so differently across the globe! Love your cake…
Comment by Deeba— March 30, 2008 #
Looks fabulous. I really like that last picture…yum! I had the same thought about the icing – wish I had more. But it was a fun challenge!
Comment by Chris— March 30, 2008 #
What a gorgeous cake – all those layers! The blueberry jam looks delicious.
Comment by Celia— March 30, 2008 #
Your cake is simply lovely. I could fairly imagine how good this taste like…hmmm blueberries!
Comment by Anne— March 30, 2008 #
What a gorgeous cake! I love the look of the toasted coconut.
I made this cake a few months ago for the first time and had the same problem of running out of icing. I did a better job this time around, but only because I learned from my mistakes the first time!
Comment by Deborah— March 30, 2008 #
I really like the look of the layers you were able to get. I skimped on the buttercream between layers and still came out short! Loving the coconut cover up though, I think it actually looks better than the snow white version. Gorgeous and I am sure delicious as well!
Comment by Gretchen Noelle— March 30, 2008 #
Oh Blueberry! Im going nuts over alll the types of jams used. Gorgeous!
Comment by Courtney— March 30, 2008 #
just gorgeous. i love the addition of toasted coconut, cover up or not!
Comment by kitten— March 30, 2008 #
I agree that this is an amazing cake! Ooo…the frosting…. I put a different filling in the center layer, so had more to spread on the outside which was great. I love the look of your coconut! I was going to get some blackberries, but by the time I made it back to the store, the Easter shopping crowd had purchased them all. No matter! It was so good, wasn’t it? Love your photos.
Comment by kellypea— March 30, 2008 #
truth be told, i would’ve made more icing AND added the coconut. blueberries + coconut + buttercream = my dream cake.
and what a good-looking cake it is–i’m seriously considering hijacking that bottom photo and making it the background on my laptop. 🙂
stellar.
Comment by a. grace— March 30, 2008 #
Oh my god, it looks so yummy. You all managed to make high cakes, mine did not rise as much…:-((
Comment by foodie froggy— March 30, 2008 #
great looking cake! congratulations! I too loved mixing the sugar with the zest. It was divine!
Comment by Pixie— March 30, 2008 #
Wow, the cake looks gorgeous. Beautiful.
Comment by Lucy V— March 30, 2008 #
Oh wow! What a beautiful cake. And those blueberries look amazing. This was a great and fun challenge.
Cheers!
Comment by Ben— March 31, 2008 #
Absolutely beautful cake! Looks delicious!
Comment by Jeanine— March 31, 2008 #
This looks delicious, and I can’t wait to have a go at this recipe over on TWD. I like the blueberry preserves substitution a lot, great idea!
Comment by Mari— March 31, 2008 #
Love the blueberries and toasted coconut!
Comment by Jerry— March 31, 2008 #
Lovely! It looks very tasty!
Comment by SaraLynn— March 31, 2008 #
What a beautiful cake, the “slice” picture looks totaly decadent!
It’s like those kind of things I wish I could bathe in… mmmm…
Comment by Vibi— March 31, 2008 #
Oh wow, that last shot of the cake with the blueberries is spectacular! Great job! I always love your pictures.
Comment by bombshellwithin— March 31, 2008 #
Those blueberries are to die for! I can imagine the flavour combination, too good!
Comment by baking soda— March 31, 2008 #
Really gorgeous cake! Blueberries (one of my favorite fruits) and toasted coconut just can’t be beat.
Comment by Judy— March 31, 2008 #
Very pretty cake! Love the coconut you used!
Comment by linda— March 31, 2008 #
Your cake turned out perfect. I love the lemon-blueberry combination!
Comment by alpineberry— March 31, 2008 #
This is just beautiful! I think that the blue blended with the buttercream makes for a great visual appeal. Wonderful job!
Comment by Claire— March 31, 2008 #
I saw this and thought “oh, thank god someone used blueberries!” Your cake looks amazing…wow!
Comment by Nan— March 31, 2008 #
Thanks so much for sharing your talents. It is SUCH a pleasure to review your photos (so absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!) Your picture alone, will FORCE ME TO RECREATE YOUR VERSION. I just love blueberries, and again, thank you. You’re amazing!
Comment by marybeth pirrone— March 31, 2008 #
Wow, the colour is amazing…looks delicious!
Comment by Namratha— March 31, 2008 #
Your cake looks fantastic! I just love the huge shards of coconut.
Comment by cookworm— March 31, 2008 #
It was a good on huh? I loved it too. Your cake looks wonderful, as always.
Comment by Sathya— March 31, 2008 #
I used blueberry, also, but my cake isn’t nearly as chic as yours! I think toasting your coconut gives it a visual depth and richness that is to die for (and I’m sure the taste was, too)!
Comment by Amy J.— March 31, 2008 #
Your cake looks beautiful! I love the blueberries- I think I might have to use blueberries next time. I used a lot of frosting too and thought I was going to run out.
Comment by Erin— March 31, 2008 #
Stunning! The cake. The photographs. Just stunning!
Comment by Susan at StickyGooeyCreamyChewy— March 31, 2008 #
Mmm bluberries…beautiful!
Comment by rachel— March 31, 2008 #
Are those blueberries as big as they look? What a mouth watering cake! The toasted coconut is beautiful. I never would have guessed it was a cover up!
Comment by Libby— March 31, 2008 #
That cake just looks PICTURE PERFECT!!! Congratulations on such a good job!!! yuuum toasted coconut!!
Comment by Miss Ifi— March 31, 2008 #
I love it! The blueberry filling sounds divine. 🙂
Comment by Gigi— March 31, 2008 #
Wow, I think your cake is the most beautiful I have seen amongst all the cakes of this challenge. I love the toasted coconut, and the second picture makes me want to lick the screen! Magnificient!
Comment by Jasmine— March 31, 2008 #
Very nice cake!
Comment by Coco— March 31, 2008 #
Your camouflage worked well, and the cake looks wonderful! I love the blueberries.
Comment by Andrea— March 31, 2008 #
Now THAT is one beautiful cake! Love that you used blueberries!
Comment by Ann— March 31, 2008 #
Gorgeous cake! Great job!
Comment by Candace— March 31, 2008 #
wowwweeee, yours looks so delicate and lady-like! just lovely with blueberries. yum!
Comment by kate— April 1, 2008 #
Your cake is gorgeous! I love blueberries and this looks like something I would love. Great job and pictures!
Natalie @ Gluten A Go Go
Comment by Sheltie Girl— April 1, 2008 #
Wonderful cake¡¡¡ Congratulations¡¡¡¡
Comment by Teresa— April 1, 2008 #
Simply gorgeous! I love the blueberry in it and that toasted coconut makes the cake really pretty!
Comment by Tartelette— April 1, 2008 #
Looks beautiful with the blueberry and toasted coconut. I agree that this cake was superb – I almost regretted bringing it to work and not having leftovers.
Comment by JennyBakes— April 1, 2008 #
This is such an awesome looking cake. I love the toasted coconut idea. I also had to be pretty stingy with the frosting. Would have loved more of it. The blackberries look mouth watering.
Comment by cheryl— April 1, 2008 #
Beautiful cake! The blueberries and toasted coconut divine! I bet that was just great with the lemon flavor of the cake. Great job!
Comment by Paula— April 1, 2008 #
Not only is your cake beautiful, but those blueberries look amazing!
Comment by Jenny— April 1, 2008 #
ooooh mamma – that’s one sexy cake!
Comment by Lisa— April 1, 2008 #
holy. cow. seriously, that is gorgeous!
Comment by mary— April 1, 2008 #
Beautiful!
Comment by Mary Ann— April 1, 2008 #
Gorgeous! I love blueberries, and your entire cake reminds me of a blueberry blintz. Yum!
Comment by Madam Chow— April 2, 2008 #
OOoooohhhhh…your party cake looks fabulous! I am going to try blueberries the next time I make one. I used lemon curd and marmelade and it was pretty yummy, but your cake rocks!
Comment by Marie— April 2, 2008 #
Your cake is so elegant! I used blueberry preserves too, I thought it went very well together.
Comment by Ally— April 2, 2008 #
Gorgeous cake!
Comment by Natalie— April 2, 2008 #
Your blueberry rendition of Dorie’s classic cake is splendid… I think the toasted coconut sets the blueberries off beautifully. Great job!
Comment by Dolores— April 2, 2008 #
oh this is a gorgeous party cake!
Comment by Big Boys Oven— April 2, 2008 #
You did a great job with your camouflage – your cake is beautiful. The blueberry looks really good in the layers.
Comment by bridget— April 3, 2008 #
This one is gorgeous palette-wise…and I’m sure it’s easy on the palate as well! I love the garnishes.
Comment by Cakespy— April 3, 2008 #
This looks gorgeous with the blueberry jam- that last picture is stunning! I wasn’t such a fan of the buttercream though, it worked out okay but seemed a bit tasteless. Yours does look delicious, though ^__^
Comment by Indigo— April 3, 2008 #
Blueberry YUM! I just must try it with blueberry, lovely cake I love the toasted coconut…it can hide a world of sins 🙂
Comment by Pam— April 3, 2008 #
O MY HAT!!!! What an amazing looking cake. I want it and I want it NOW!!! Well done……… 😀
Comment by Colleen— April 3, 2008 #
oh my GOSH that cake looks absolutely amazing! i am having such fun checking out all the Perfect Party Cakes…i love me some layer cake.
Comment by Mara— April 3, 2008 #
Oh.My.God.
This looks absolutely amazing. I am obsessed with anything blueberry flavored….and when it involves cake too, YES please!
Wow.
Beautiful photos of the blueberries too. Yum 🙂
Sues
Comment by Sues is not Martha— April 3, 2008 #
WOW! Can I have a bite!?! That cake looks scrumptious. I hope you enjoyed every mouthful.
Comment by Debyi— April 3, 2008 #
gorgeous! Really stunning cake. Well done
Comment by Jessica— April 3, 2008 #
The toasted coconut makes the cake look so extra delicious! Yum.
Comment by Ashley— April 4, 2008 #
OMG, that looks absolutely, incredibly unbelieveable ! I may have to try the Daring Bakers Challenege . . . . . . . .
Comment by Wuda— April 4, 2008 #
OMG Steph! I try to look at all the DB challenges if possible. I haven’t gotten through the whole list yet. But, yours is my favorite so far. Gorgeous.
Comment by Danielle— April 4, 2008 #
What an amazing cake!….the blueberries were a brilliant substitution, and the photos are lovely.
Comment by Alfie— April 5, 2008 #
Beautiful cake!!
Comment by HoneyB— April 5, 2008 #
I just had to come over and see your cake and it did not disappoint!
Comment by Cynthia— April 5, 2008 #
I looked at almost all the cakes. Urs the prettiest. and also another lady but urs more cheerful.
Comment by Nabila— April 5, 2008 #
Looks fabulous! The last photo makes me wanna eat it.
Comment by chriesi— April 6, 2008 #
Your cake looks wonderful. Your layers look fabulous and your coconut is so wide and lovely. I loved the cake too. It is a new favorite. I must buy this Dorie Greenspan cookbook. Lovely cake and great photos. Wendy
Comment by Wendy— April 7, 2008 #
After seeing the pictures of your cake a few nights ago, I just had to try it. Thank you for sharing your pictures and where you got the recipe from. It turned out fabulous!
Comment by Modern June— April 7, 2008 #
SO SO SO SO pretty.
Really!
I am sure it was so tasty!
Comment by Janna— April 7, 2008 #
I love the toasted coconut flakes! It makes the cake look like vintage lace or something… beautiful!
Comment by Robin— April 9, 2008 #
That is a gorgeous cake. I will have to try this recipe!
Comment by Cheryl— April 9, 2008 #
Lovely photographs! Wish I could take some like that. Just picked up a new camera and I can’t seem to get used to it to safe my life!
Sid
Comment by Sid Khullar— April 9, 2008 #
Whoooa. This looks absolutely marvelous 🙂
Actually I keep visiting your blog and I think that your it deserves the E for Excellent award! Feel free to check out my post to get the badge! 🙂
Comment by Joanna in the kitchen— April 10, 2008 #
beautiful! the toasted coconut looks nice and i love blueberries 🙂 it does look like you went a bit heavy on the buttercream in between each layer but in the end you used the same amount of buttercream so i guess it doesn’t matter if it’s on the outside or the inside right? 😉 your pics are wonderful – makes me want to have a slice right now!
Comment by Jaime— April 12, 2008 #
Stunning presentation!
Comment by danamccauley— April 14, 2008 #