LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2024

RAINBOW CONNECTIONS

Birthday Cake Whoopie Pies

The birthday cake is a beloved symbol of celebration. Here, we’ve worked the enduring combination of vanilla cake and rainbow sprinkles into whoopie pies. Basically cake sandwiches, they’re the perfect dessert for parties where there are more guests than seats. CAKES 2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour 1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt 1 egg 1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar 2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla extract 1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, melted, cooled 1 cup (250 mL) shaken buttermilk FROSTING 1/2 cup (125 mL) Philadelphia-style block cream cheese, softened 2 tbsp (30 mL) unsalted butter, softened 2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla extract 1 cup (250 mL) icing sugar, sifted 1. For the cakes, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt until combined. 3. In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle, beat egg, sugar and vanilla on medium-high speed until light and pale yellow, about 2 minutes. With motor running, slowly add butter. Reduce speed to low. Add half of the dry mix, then half of the buttermilk. Mix until combined, then add remain ing dry mix and buttermilk. Mix until just combined. 4. Using a 1 5/8-oz (48-mL) ice cream scoop, portion scoops of batter onto prepared sheets, about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. (If you don’t have a scoop, use a Rainbow sprinkles or dragées for decorating

Top with remaining cakes then roll exposed edges of frosting in sprinkles.

of a stand mixer fitted with pad dle. Beat on medium-high speed, until uniform. Gradually add icing sugar and beat until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag with tip of choice. (The frosting can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated in an airtight con tainer, then brought back to room temperature when ready to use.) 7. Just before serving, divide frosting among half the cakes, piping it onto the flat sides.

piping bag to pipe 3-tbsp/45-mL) mounds of batter.)

5. Bake until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in centres comes out clean, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. (The uniced cakes can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.) 6. For the frosting, place cream cheese, butter and vanilla in bowl

Makes 8 pies

WHAT TO SERVE Ruffino Prosecco LCBO 467811, $19.95

This recipe calls for a sparkler. The wine’s bubbles will cut through the dish’s creamy frosting, while its off-dry nature complements the pairing.

106 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2024