Saturday, July 11, 2015

Molasses Crumb Cakelets



The Molasses Crumb Cakelets


These enchanting cakelets were on the agenda for the Alpha Bakers' week of July 13. I decided to bake them earlier although not as part of the group, so I did not photograph all the measuring
and mis en place. The recipe is very simple and straight-forward.

I obtained a 48-cavity Wilton mini-muffin tin at Bed, Bath and Beyond since I thought it would be nice to have on hand for such events as this. I already have silicone pans for muffins, financiers, and Madeleines, etc.

I prepped the pan with Bakers Joy, but next time I will not because the coating is extra strong on the pan and the cakelets became moist because of my excessive spray, I think.

The molasses, see jar above, became questionable when I saw ''Grandma's Original' on the shelf in the grocery, but no 'light' as Rose suggested. There were other brands, such as Brer Rabbit, but I decided to just use the regular strength Grandmas's and hoped it was not too strong.

The recipe is very simple to execute, lightly mix the basic flour, oil, and salt. separate 80 g. for top crumbles. 
Make batter with molasses that is really good and hard to resist slurping!

As you can see above, I used an 18g scoop that filled the cavities too high. Rose calls for 3/4-full cavity, but as you can see I filled higher. For a more full shape, this was fine, but I think it caused a moisture problem and cakelets were not done enough to suit me. I took them out at 9 minutes and neglected to take their temperature.  Error. Rose's shape was shorter, more compact, nicer.  Mine also were somewhat sticky and gummy inside. The outsides were moist with oil. 









I have an idea that the light molasses would have been the answer to a more perfect cakelet since it may have not lent itself to the density. Filling the cavity lower, and/or baking a minute longer, plus taking temp. necessary. I would like to make these again.

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11 comments:

  1. So glad you posted early! I made this today and had the exact same problems but I also made an error and forgot to take out part of the mixture before adding the molasses and water. I think this made mine extra moist but only in the mini muffin tin, not a mini donut pan. The rest of the batter I added cocoa powder to absorb moisture and they had a great flavor. Making them again with a trip to the store for light molasses.

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    1. you did mini-donut? how cute - I would definitely take it's temp. And not fill the cavities beyond 3/4 of the way. These can be good I think. I was actually thinking a few seconds ago of about three little bits of orange zest in them....or like rose said, warm with a dab of butter -

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  2. I'm thinking mini donut sounds cute too :) I think yours look good Joan, orange zest would be a great addition… lemon zest is used in this type of treacle (molasses) baking a lot. ---- Jeniffer

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  3. I haven't made these yet, but bought some light molasses just for the occasion. I know you weren't satisfied with these, but they look really good.

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  4. Looks like we have the same pan. Your cakelets look great.. I too didn't like it as much.

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  5. These are worth making again, Joan. They are so moreish.

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  6. We loved them, as is, but it seems like most Alphas agree with you. Your photo of the cakelets nestled in their napkin is very pretty. I also needed to bake them for an extra 5 minutes.

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    1. yes, so many different opinions and suggestions re these little cakes - fun to play around with them

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  7. Hi Joan, First that mini muffin pan looks HUGE! It would be far too large to put anywhere in my kitchen. And it must have filled your entire oven. Wow. I too used the full strength molasses and sprayed my cups (as instructed) and felt they were a bit too moist as well. That's why I didn't devour them and let them sit for a few days. They really mellowed. Personally I've never seen light molasses. I should keep a look out for it.

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  8. I think people substituted Kyles and things. I let them sit out for about two days. lol. I took them to work and I guess someone took them, or some of them. They were not anyone's fav out of all t he goodies I have brought over the years -- a definite taste challenge...

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