Sticky Walnut Buns

There is nothing I love more than getting a new cookery book.  I know . . . Todd agrees.  I have enough cookbooks already, but I just can't help but get excited when I am offered a new one to review.   I was recently sent a new one from DK entitled Cupcakes and Mini Cakes . . .  I know cake  . . .  sigh . . .  mini cakes.  If there is anything better than cake it's a cupcake or a mini cake . . . coz it's perfectly sized just . . .  for . . .  YOU!



 

Pretty party treats, giftable minibakes, quick traybakes; Cupcakes and Mini Cakes offers an assortment of sweet indulgences that are sure to delight! Enjoy small, but perfectly formed treats with over 100 inspiring recipes for cupcakes, cake pops, mini cakes, muffins, pastries and tray bakes, with each recipe accompanied by easy to follow step by step instructions and a stunning final image.  I love food photos in cookbooks don't you?



Divided up into 6 chapters, as well as having a full index, this book does not disappoint.   Essential techniques for making and decorating your cakes insure that you get the best results possible every time.  Perfect basics such as preparing chocolate, making buttercream and whisking egg whites, along with advanced creative techniques for making sure your creations are embelished, frosted and stippled perfectly!



Also included at the front of the book there are themed visual recipe choosers to suit every occasion from things for the kids . . .



to celebrations  . . .

 

Afternoon tea . . .



Weekend brunch  . . .  as well as Holidays, After Dinner Treats  . . .  and Chocolate!

 

And the photographs are just gorgeous.  Look at these delicious Raspberry Tartlets with Creme Patissiere.  Drool worthy for sure.   It was really difficult for me to choose a recipe to highlight from the book.  Everything looked to delicious.



Just look at those Banana and Chocolate Mini Cheesecakes  . . .  and that's only the tip of the iceberg.  There's muffins, tarts, pies, cookies, squares and all sorts.  Over 100 recipes of total scrumptiousness in total.



We just adore dates and walnuts in this house  . . .  Date and Walnut Loaf is a real favourite here.  These Sticky Walnut Buns checked all the boxes for us!



Stogged full of sticky dates and crunchy walnuts they are like a cross between a rock cake and a cupcake.   Very buttery and moreish . . . and that coffee flavoured glaze is a beautiful touch.  They went down a real treat is all I can say!  Perfect with a drink, hot or cold.   These were pretty irresistible!

*Sticky Walnut Buns*

Makes 12

Printable Recipe 

These are kind of like rock cakes, except you bake them in a bun/muffin tin.  Butter the tin well.   Delicious!  Filled with dates and walnuts and topped with a lovely frosting/glaze. 

115g of butter (1/2 cup)

175g of self-raising flour (1 1/4 cup)

60g of semolina or ground rice (1/3 cup)

85g of granulated sugar ( 1/3 cup)

115g of finely chopped dates (about 1 cup)

60g of chopped walnuts (about 1/2 cup)

2 large free range eggs, beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract 

For the topping:

1 TBS instant coffee granules

1 TBS boiling water

115g of icing sugar (scant cup)

12 walnut halves to decorate

Preheat the oven to 190*C.375*F/gas mark 5.   Butter a 12 whole bun/muffin tin very well.   Set aside.

Measure the flour into a bowl.   Drop in the butter, cut into bits.  Rub the butter in with your fingertips until well combined.   Stir in the semolina/ground rice and sugar.  Combine well.  Add the sugar, dates, walnuts, mixing all together.   Pour in the beaten eggs and vanilla.  Mix to make a stiff batter.   Divide the batter equally amongst the muffin cups.



Bake in the top half of the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until risen and golden brown.   Remove from the oven and tip out onto a wire rack to cool.

Whisk the coffee granules together with the boiling water til the coffee melts.   Whisks in the icing sugar until you have a drizzle consistency, adding more water if necessary.   Drizzle over the cakes and top each with a half a walnut.   Allow to set before eating.  Store in an airtight container.

Cupcakes & Mini Cakes
Published by DK
Hard Cover
Full colour
256 pages including index
ISBN : 9780241009727
Price: £16.99
Available 2nd February 2015

Many thanks to DK for sending me a review copy to try out.  Any thoughts and opinions are my own.