Let Them Eat (Vegan) Cake!

While it is true that I never need an excuse to bake (since I do it all the time), I must admit that I get a bit more excited when there is a specific event (or person) to bake for. Over my spring vacation (which took place all last week - although with the horrid weather conditions, it should have been called winter vacation!), there was not just one special occasion (and person) to bake for, but two special occasions/people to bake for: both my dad's and one of my brothers' birthdays!

Obviously, I was quite elated that I would get to bake "with a specific purpose" (i.e. not just for fun/to share vegan goodies with my family) - however, I was also quite nervous, since I wanted to make sure that the desserts I chose to make turned out to be nothing less than spectacular. The pressure was on, but at least I had an idea as to what flavor-type (i.e. chocolate, fruit, nut, etcetera) of baked good that my dad and my brother wanted for their birthday desserts, respectively.

When my brother informed me that he wanted "something with apples" for his birthday celebration, I immediately consulted my copy of My Sweet Vegan, since I remember seeing a recipe for some sort of apple cake. I knew that I had found exactly what I was thinking of, when I saw the recipe and tantalizing photograph of the Apple Spice Cake.



Since I wanted to make this cake the day of the celebration (so that it would have that "fresh-from-the-oven" appeal), I planned my schedule accordingly, so that I would have the cake done and ready to serve for the party - unfortunately, I got sidetracked with other tasks during the afternoon, and did not begin making the cake until a mere three hours ahead of time!

When I received my "five-minute warning" phone call from my brother (meaning that he, my sister-in-law, and nephews were on their way to my house, for the party), I panicked, since I hadn't even taken the cake layers out of the pans yet (and I still had to spread a thick layer of fresh apple-butter in between the cake layers, and everything!) Luckily, time did not work against me, and I had the cake on a serving platter just in time (my brother arrived literally at the same time that I was putting the cake on the serving platter).



Thankfully, this cake was a hit (especially since I had to rush to get it ready, on time) - everyone (especially my brother) loved how each bite of this fluffy, two-layer cake was filled with fresh apple pieces, crunchy walnuts, plump raisins, spices (a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg), and a luscious apple-butter filling; and they also appreciated the vegan vanilla ice "cream" accompaniment (which my brother and his family loved so much that they the rest of the ice-cream carton home, along with the remainder of the cake, at the end of the night).

Perhaps the most notable (and most shocking) feature of the Apple Spice Cake was the fact that it contained no sugar - that's right! The sweetness and full-bodied flavor of this cake came purely from apple juice, fresh apples, spices, raisins and apple-butter filling - no added sugar or sweeteners whatsoever! Just goes to show that a few simple, wholesome ingredients can still yield an exceptionally decadent-tasting dessert (which is very important when trying to please someone's sweet-tooth, on his birthday).

A mere two days after my brother's birthday celebration, it was time to commemorate my dad's special day. Instead of just informing me what flavor-type he wanted for his dessert (which is what my brother did), he picked out the actual treat (which definitely made it easier to figure out what I should bake, haha). Staying true to his chocoholic-self, he chose the Triple-Threat Chocolate "Cheesecake" (yet another treat from My Sweet Vegan) as his dessert-of-choice.

Although the recipe for this "cheesecake" sounded a little daunting to me (still I am still a novice baker), I did not hesitate to make it, since I aim to please all of my "customers" (especially on celebratory occasions). Unlike the Apple Spice Cake that I made for my brother's birthday, this "cheesecake" requires overnight refrigeration; so, I spent the afternoon in the kitchen (a day before the party), making the "cheesecake." This way, I would not have to worry about getting it done on-time, since I had an entire day beforehand to make it :0)



Once again, I was very satisfied with (and relieved about) the results of the "cheesecake" - I was a bit worried when I first starting making it, since it turned out that I did not use enough graham crackers for the crust (and it was too late to add more, by the time I realized this). Thankfully, though, it all worked out fine, and the cake was well-received by my family.



One forkful of the "cheesecake" was all it took to experience the robust, "chocolate-y" flavor-explosion that erupted in my mouth (and I assume in everyone else's mouths as well) - it certainly was a triple-threat dessert! In addition to the captivating flavor and aroma, the velvety, mousse-like texture of this "cheesecake" was also quite heavenly. Overall, this devilishly-decadent "cheesecake" was exceptional, and absolutely perfect for the commemoration of a chocolate-lover's birthday.

Even though I love baking regardless of whether or not there is a specific event to make a treat for, there is something about special occasions (such as birthdays) that make baking all the more exciting and rewarding - especially when it is for loved ones. I feel quite honored that my brother and my dad asked me to make their birthday desserts, and that everyone was able to celebrate together. There is no doubt that the treats that I made for their birthdays were super-decadent, and not exactly "everyday" indulgences; however, for these occasions, I say let them eat cake - especially when it is a scrumptious, homemade vegan cake ;0)