Netflix Challenge: Create 60 individual desserts to reflect a classic State Fair carnival game.
My Inspiration: When my siblings and I were kids, our father forbade us to go into the Midway area that was full of games and rides where we’d spend all our money. Of course we went anyway, when he wasn’t watching us, and he was right–we did spend all our money! I chose the Bushel Toss, which was my favorite childhood game, and made my baby cakes into the shape of carnival softballs. These dark and decadent chocolate cakes are baked in 2.5" dome molds and enrobed in a shiny vanilla glaze with red royal icing to replicate the stitching on each ball.
Spray silicone dome molds (2.5 inches in diameter) with nonstick cooking spray and place on a rimmed baking sheet.
Sift cocoa, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a bowl.
Beat in oil, buttermilk, vanilla, eggs, and hot coffee one at a time, using a mixer set at low.
Beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Using a large spoon, scoop into each mold, filling about ⅔ full.
Bake for 22 to 26 minutes. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans and then invert onto racks to glaze.
Vanilla Glaze
In a heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water, mix sugar, corn syrup, cup water, and vanilla extract together until they are warm, well combined, and smooth. Do not overheat.
Let cool for about 8 minutes before pouring. If the icing gets too thick, add a bit more water to create a pourable consistency.
Royal Icing
In a large bowl with a whisk attachment, beat together the egg whites, powdered sugar and cream of tartar for 5 to 6 minutes, until thick and smooth.
Add a pinch of salt, cocoa, vanilla and mix for an additional minute.
Note: If using food coloring gel, mix in first until completely incorporated. Then add one teaspoon of water at a time until you reach desired consistency.
Assembly
30 (3-inch) round, gold cardboard circles for serving
Place the cakes on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Using a ½ cup measuring cup, generously pour the warm icing over the cakes to cover completely. Keep the icing warm or it will become too thick to pour. Pipe small lines of royal icing on each cake ball to resemble a softball.
Tell us what you think!