Best Alice Waterss Cranberry Upside Down Cake Recipes

Alice Waters' Cranberry Upside Down Cake Recipes

If you're a fan of sweet and tart desserts, then Alice Waters' Cranberry Upside Down Cake recipe is definitely worth trying out. Alice Waters is an American chef, author, and owner of Chez Panisse, a restaurant located in Berkeley, California, known for its locally-sourced, organic ingredients. The Cranberry Upside Down Cake recipe is a twist on the classic pineapple upside down cake. Instead of pineapples, Waters uses tart cranberries, which pairs perfectly with the buttery cake base. This dessert is a great option during the fall and winter months when cranberries are in season and perfect for adding a tart flavor to holiday dishes.

The Ingredients

- Fresh cranberries - Unsalted butter - Sugar - Flour - Baking powder - Salt - Eggs - Vanilla extract - Milk As with most recipes, the quality of ingredients you use can make a big difference in the final product. Be sure to use fresh cranberries, as frozen ones can become too watery and may not provide the right texture and flavor.

The Process

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. 2. In a 9-inch cake pan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and ⅔ cup of sugar together on medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture starts to bubble. 3. Add 2 ½ cups of cranberries to the pan and continue cooking until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens slightly. 4. Remove the pan from heat and spread the cranberry mixture evenly on the bottom of the pan. Set aside. 5. In a bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. 6. In another bowl, cream together 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter and ⅔ cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, beating until blended. 7. Add the dry mixture and ¾ cup of milk to the butter mixture in alternating batches, stirring until combined. 8. Pour the cake batter over the cranberry mixture in the pan, spreading it evenly. 9. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 10. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before inverting the pan onto a serving plate. Tap the bottom of the pan to release the cake.

Tips for Success

- Be sure to grease your cake pan well with either butter or cooking spray. - Don't overmix the batter. Mix just enough until everything is combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to become tough. - Use room temperature ingredients for the cake batter. This helps them blend better and results in a smoother batter. - Let the cake cool for a few minutes before inverting the pan. This prevents the cake from breaking apart when you release it from the pan. - Serve the cake warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In conclusion, Alice Waters' Cranberry Upside Down Cake recipe is a unique twist on the classic dessert. The tart cranberries balance out the sweetness of the cake, making it a perfect dessert to enjoy during the fall and winter months. With its delicious flavors, its popularity is rising and can be seen as the perfect addition to holiday menus.

Alice Waters, the founder of the world-renowned restaurant Chez Panisse, is known for her commitment to seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Her cranberry upside down cake recipe is a perfect example of this philosophy. This recipe is a delicious and unique dessert that is perfect for the fall and winter months when cranberries are in season. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet cake is a match made in heaven. If you're planning on making this recipe, here are some valuable tips to help you along the way.

Tip #1: Use Fresh Cranberries

While you can use frozen cranberries in a pinch, fresh cranberries will provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe. Make sure to rinse the cranberries thoroughly before using them to remove any dirt or debris.

Tip #2: Choose the Right Pan

When making an upside-down cake, the type of pan you use is important. You want a pan that is sturdy and has a flat bottom to ensure that the cake cooks evenly. For this recipe, a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or cake pan works best. The cast-iron skillet will give the cake a beautiful caramelized crust, while the cake pan will create a softer texture.

Tip #3: Create the Perfect Caramel Sauce

The caramel sauce is a key component of this recipe. It's what creates the beautiful glossy finish on top of the cake. To make the caramel sauce, you'll need to combine sugar, butter, and water in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to high and cook until the mixture turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn the caramel, as it can turn dark and bitter quickly. If you're unsure about the temperature of the caramel, use a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches 350°F.

Tip #4: Use Room Temperature Ingredients

When baking, it's important to use room temperature ingredients. This ensures that the ingredients mix evenly and the cake rises properly. To bring your ingredients to room temperature, take them out of the refrigerator about an hour before you plan on making the cake. This includes the eggs, butter, and milk.

Tip #5: Add Some Spice

For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding some spice to the cake batter. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom all work well with the tartness of the cranberries. You can also add some orange zest to the cake batter to complement the flavor of the cranberries.

Tip #6: Prepare the Pan Properly

To ensure that the cake comes out of the pan easily and intact, it's important to prepare the pan properly. First, make sure to grease the pan well with butter or cooking spray. Then, pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of the pan and spread it evenly. Next, arrange the cranberries on top of the caramel in a single layer. Make sure to pack them tightly together to create a beautiful pattern.

Tip #7: Don't Overmix the Batter

When making the cake batter, it's important not to overmix it. Overmixing can lead to a tough and dense cake. To avoid overmixing, mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) in a separate bowl before adding them to the wet ingredients. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined.

Tip #8: Bake the Cake Properly

To ensure that the cake is fully cooked, it's important to bake it properly. This means baking it for the right amount of time at the right temperature. For this recipe, bake the cake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tip #9: Flip the Cake Carefully

Once the cake is finished baking, it's time to flip it over onto a serving platter. This can be a tricky process, but with some care and patience, it can be done successfully. First, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, place a serving platter on top of the pan and carefully flip the pan over. The cake should release easily onto the platter.

Tip #10: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cake is out of the pan, it's time to serve and enjoy! This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Conclusion: Alice Waters's cranberry upside down cake is a delicious and unique dessert that is perfect for the fall and winter months. By following these valuable tips, you can ensure that your cake turns out perfectly every time. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.