Published on Manila Bulletin Sunday Lifestyle, December 14, 2014
Have Your Cakes and Eat Them, Too
I cringe every time I see a red velvet cake. Do you even know how much food coloring goes into that bloody thing? Also with red velvet cupcakes, cookies, pancakes, shakes… The list of additive-infested treats goes on and on.
It is, this, such a breath of fresh air to see someone bake something unique and special, like the Mango Black Sesame Cake I discovered recently. I am always on the lookout for unique, delicious cakes as my family consumes truckloads of them. It is our tradition to celebrate each and every special occasion with a dessert buffet that consists of, at the very least, five different cakes. We celebrate 32 birthdays, five anniversaries, a few graduations, a few despididas, and some homecomings in a year. In short, I've eaten a hell lot of cakes!
Unfortunately, not all are worth the added inches on my waistline. Some are so bad they taste like an ugly breakup, and some so boring I almost fell asleep once on salted caramel icing. But this should not be the case when we eat sweets. Desserts are supposed to bring joyful feelings, feed our souls, and give us a little taste of heaven on earth.
And so here is my Christmas gift to all of you - a list of my all-time favorite cakes for a holiday spread that I guarantee is 100% happiness-inducing and 150% worth the calories!
In no particular order...
Prince Albert Cake by Roshan
Absolutely rich and moist old-fashioned chocolate cake with caramel custard filling
and smothered generously with coffee cream, this is my ultimate comfort food.
P1,600
Where to pick up: Bel-Air or Ortigas. Tel: 631 7786, 0917 833 6286
www.homemadebyroshan.com
Key Lime Pie by Mamou
Smooth and tangy, zesty and refreshing, this is the perfect ending to a very rich meal.
Truly, this is the best there is in the city.
P1,645
Where to buy: Mamou in Serendra or Mamou Too in Rockwell. Tel: 856 3569
Mamou Facebook Page
Cuatro Leches by Grace Park
If you love milk like I do, this cake with, not just three, but four kinds of milk, will win your
lactose-loving heart. Sweet, wet, and sitting on a puddle of yumminess, this immaculate
Latin American cake is my dream come true.
P1,200
Where to buy: G/F, One Rockwell, Makati. Tel: 843 7275
Grace Park Facebook Page
Manchego Curada Cheesecake by The Delightful Miss Joyce
The use of aged Spanish cheese is quite delightful given how unexpected it is. Light yet creamy,
it leaves you with an ever-so-slightly salty cheese aftertaste. I pair this with fig jam and it is the
most wonderful thing in the world.
P2,500
Where to pick up: Magallanes Village, Makati. Tel: 0917 577 8365
The Delightful Miss Joyce Facebook Page
Black Sesame Cheesecake by Gregory Guy
Dramatic, sexy and nutty, this rich and indulgent cheesecake is not for the faint-hearted
but the long list of black sesame's health benefits (go on, check the internet) is more than
enough icing on the cake.
P1,200
Where to buy: 2/F Eastwood Mall, Libis. Tel: 584 3372, 0917 898 8396
Cheesecakes by Guy Facebook Page
Chocolate Five Textures Cake by Brown Butter
Chocolate sponge, chocolate crumble, chocolate crisps, chocolate mousse, chocolate ganache -
all in one truly decadent cake. There is really nothing more a chocolate addict can ask for.
P1,800
Where to pick up: Concorde Village, Paranaque. Tel: 975 7085, 0917 862 2625
Brown Butter Facebook Page
Creme Brûlée Cake by Camille Ocampo
Layers of soft chiffon cake with light and sweet cream at the center, and a crown of beautifully
caramelized custard glory - I fell in love with this at first bite. I know you will, too.
P880
Where to pick up: Valle Verde, Pasig. Tel: 0916 745 7729
Mango Torte by Dulcelin
These perfect balls of luscious, sweet mango on crisp and chewy nougatine - sometimes I
enjoy them frozen, sometimes I enjoy them thawed. Whichever way I eat them,
they remain an oldie but forever a goodie!
P720 for 9" cake; P1,050 for 12" cake
Where to buy: Outlets in Quezon City, Tiendesitas, Glorietta, Ayala Alabang, BF Homes,
Market Market, UP Town Center. Tel: 374 2165, 0917535 2592
www.dulcelin.com
Mango Black Sesame Cake by Brown Butter
The lightest, fluffiest chiffon cake with nutty black sesame Chantilly cream studded with
mango cubes. The creation made me feel like I'm an angel eating sesame-flavored clouds.
P1,650
Where to pick up: Concorde Village, Paranaque. Tel: 975 7085, 0917 862 2625
Brown Butter Facebook Page
Strawberry Shortcake by Love Cakes by Ann and Gan
Cotton-soft chiffon with strawberry cream filling and a super light and addicting whipping cream
that surrounds the whole cake - I have no other word to describe this beauty but "heavenly."
P2,500
Where to pick up: Valle Verde, Pasig. Tel: 0998 998 1726
Love Cakes by Ann and Gan Facebook Page
Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie by Wildflour Bakery + Cafe
It took me only three minutes to finish a slice of this creamy, dreamy pie. I've had a few versions
of this elsewhere, but Wildflour's banana, peanut butter and cream medley is the most divine.
P1,520
Where to buy: 4th Avenue corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City. Tel: 856 7600
Wildflour Bakery + Cafe Facebook Page
Green Tea Belgian White Chocolate Torte by Roshan
Its green tea flavor is not shy and marries perfectly with high quality white chocolate
for a sweet and grassy treat that even hardcore match lovers will enjoy.
P1,650
Where to pick up: Bel-Air or Ortigas. Tel: 631 7786, 0917 833 6286
www.homemadebyroshan.com