Carrot Cake Special

Carrot Cake Special

We personally feel that the winning factor of a good American Carrot Cake lies in the moist texture of the cake and the proportion of cream cheese, butter/margarine and sugar in the cream cheese frosting. To some people such as Yuan, the amount of cinnamon plays a role, thereby explaining our scoring system.

Below is the delayed telecast of the December Special of American Carrot Cakes where a total of 10 carrot cakes from various locations of Singapore have been tried. Of course, there are still a handful of places that serve carrot cakes (e.g. Secret Recipe, Brewerkz, Blue Magnolia, Baker's Creation, Soup Spoon, Aerin's, Seasons Reasons and Haato) which we have not tried and we welcome all comments and recommendations.

Summertime Carrot Cake Room for Dessert 261 Waterloo Street #01-42 Singapore 180261 Tel: 6337 7637 http://roomfordessert.com.sg/ Price per slice - $3.20 Degree of crunch (i.e. nuts) – 8 Texture of cake (i.e. roughness) – 7.5 Cream cheese frosting – 6 Strength of Cinnamon – 7.5 Our preference index – 29 (3rd) One that is packed generously with walnuts and raisins with a moist and dense texture but cream cheese frosting is alittle too sweet. For our original post, click here. Was mentioned in the Sunday Times, 50 Yummiest Cakes

Carrot Cake Calendar’s 257 Pandan Loop #04-00 Singapore 128434 Tel: 6464 0383 http://calendarcakes.com/ Only in whole, 26 for 1kg and $52 for 2kg Degree of crunch (i.e. nuts) – 7.5 Texture of cake (i.e. roughness) – 8.5 Cream cheese frosting – 7 Strength of Cinnamon – 7 Our preference index – 30 (2nd) One with a softest and most springy texture has a buttery cream cheese frosting. Pretty generous with its crunchy toasted walnut chunks. For our original post, click here. Was mentioned in Urban, The Straits Times on Oct 24, 2008

Carrot Walnut Cake Cedele With 15 locations round Singapore, it is a convenient place to stopover for their carrot cakes http://www.cedeledepot.com/ Price per slice - $6.00 Degree of crunch (i.e. nuts) – 8 Texture of cake (i.e. roughness) – 8.5 Cream cheese frosting – 8 Strength of Cinnamon – 9 Our preference index – 33.5 (1st) The most popular carrot cake known to most people for its walnuts, cinnamon fragrance and cream cheese frosting. Its texture tends to crumbles alittle which seems to be their winning factor. For our original post, click here. Was mentioned in the Sunday Times, 50 Yummiest Cakes

Home-Styled Carrot Cake Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf With 45 locations round Singapore, it is a convenient place to stopover for their carrot cakes too. http://www.coffeebean.com.sg/ Price per slice - $5.50 Degree of crunch (i.e. nuts) – 7 Texture of cake (i.e. roughness) – 7 Cream cheese frosting – 6 Strength of Cinnamon – 8 Our preference index – 28 (4th) One that shares a similar texture with Cedele but cream cheese frosting is sweet. For our original post, click here.

[ ... ]

Matcha special

Matcha special

The category Matcha seems to be the hardest for us to identify our favourite 4 as matcha (i.e. powdered tea) has a vegetal and bitter taste. Depending on the grade of the Matcha or how the dessert is prepared, it does has a lingering sweetness after tasting. Because of its unique taste, we find it hard to appreciate all the Matcha desserts we have tried so far. Thus, these selected 4 are those that we went back for a 2nd purchase.

Green Tea swiss roll ($19.90) BreadTalk Silver B1-11/12 Paragon Tel: 6733 4434 Appearance: 9 Strength of Matcha: 8 Price: 7 Our preference index: 1st (24) Fen: If you are not into extreme strength of Matcha in your desserts, the sliced, individually wrapped swiss rolls are good enough to curb your cravings ($1.30 per slice, $5 for 5 pieces). The chiffon, though not as moist as Tampopo's Matcha Chiffon, has a texture which goes very well with the buttercream. Note that this is not available at BreadTalk Silver but other BreadTalk branches. However, the one that is introduced under our favourites is the whole green tea swiss roll . The difference between the sliced swiss roll and the whole green tea swiss roll from BreadTalk likes in the rich and strong matcha buttercream with whole red beans. Although the sponge of this whole green tea swiss roll is slightly harder and rougher, the buttercream makes it like green tea sponge served with ice-cream. The other thing is make sure you eat it after the cream has melted or equilibrated to room temperature to enjoy the maximum smoothness of it.	Green Tea Opera ($5.00) Mezza9 Grand Hyatt 10 Scotts Road Tel: 6887 5492 Appearance: 6 Strength of Matcha: 5 Price: 8 Our preference index: 4th (19) Fen: Opera, as what we commonly know it as a 6 layers of alternating almond sponge (soaked in coffee syrup), layers of coffee buttercream and layers of chocolate ganache, topped with caramel. But in this entry, this 20th century recipe has a surprising twist. Instead of the conventional coffee, chocolate and caramel, Mezza9 presented it with green tea sponge, azuki paste and green tea buttercream. Now what is so special about this, making it the only cake (under our favourites) with something apart from green tea and cream. The layers are pretty thin, thereby retaining its smoothness despite the incorporation of red bean paste. As this is almond sponge, the texture won't be as soft as a chiffon and it has a slight grainy after-taste. The only thing that is lacking in this cake is the unappetizing oxidation of Matcha on the surface of the cake and the macaron shell is overly sweet and soft. Apart from that, I have no complains except praises. If you find this alittle steep, grab this after 9:30pm when all cakes are slashed half-price.
Matcha macarons ($2.40 each) GOBI at The Central 6 Eu Tong Sen Street #01-27 The Central Singapore 059817 Tel: 6534 8187 Appearance: 8 Strength of Matcha: 8 Price: 5 (too expensive) Our preference index: 2nd (21) Fen: Despite our first disturbing experience with Gobi's macarons, I can't deny the fact that they have the best matcha macarons. Although their shells are nothing fantastic and it has to be eaten chilled (as the shells will dent in), the matcha buttercream has such strong fragrance that the after-taste is like having a good brew of matcha latte. Since the macaron shells are not flavoured with matcha, it neutralizes the taste of the buttercream and brings a tint of almond fragrance.	Matcha Chiffon ($5.80) Tampopo Deli 177 River Valley Road #B1-16 Liang Court Shopping Centre Singapore 179030 Tel: 6338-7386 Appearance: 7 Strength of Matcha: 6 Price: 7 Our preference index: 3rd (20) Fen: Often when too much Matcha is introduced into cakes, it tends to have a powdery after-taste but this is so good that the addition of Matcha actually moisten the chiffon. This light fluffy cake, unlike other chiffon, is not at all porous and the texture is sufficiently springy with a strong taste of vegetally bitterness. The winning factor of this cake is the light, whipped cream which contains sliced strawberries. This cream is so light and refreshing that you won't mind a second slice. This is what I call love at first bite

[ ... ]

Hazelnut-chocolate special

Hazelnut-chocolate special

This entry will summarize our favourite four for chocolate creations that comes with hazelnut praline but do note that taste is a preferential topic and this should just be used as a reference.

Also note the date these specials are published as we are constantly trying new cakes so do look out for our entries on chocolate-hazelnut for newer updates and interesting finds.

Noisette ($6.70 w/o GST) Obolo 452 Joo Chiat Road Singapore 427665 Tel: 6348 9791 http://www.obolo.com.sg/ Appearance - 9 Texture (chocolate mousse) - 9 Hazelnut praline- 8.5 Our preference index - 1st (26.5) Yuan: What I liked about the Noisette is the layer of chocolate fudge over the top rather than cocoa powder. Also this is the only cake which uses full hazelnut. Fen: To me, this is the least sweetest, probably this is due to the shiny chocolate gleam. Also, this is the only one that has whole roasted hazelnuts. However, there is only a thin layer of hazelnut praline at the bottom of the cake which I felt would be better if it is inserted in middle of the chocolate mousse. Anyway, this is featured in the Sunday Times' 50 best cakes as No. 46... "This dark chocolate mousse cake has lots of texture from the caramelised toasted hazelnut praline"	Hazelnut Royaltine ($6.50 w/o GST) Checkers Deli Hilton Singapore 581 Orchard Road Singapore 238883 Tel: 6730 3392 Appearance - 7.5 Texture (chocolate mousse) - 9.5 Hazelnut praline- 8.5 Our preference index - 3rd (25.5) Yuan: The Hazelnut Royaltine is one for those that love hazelnut praline. Half the cake is hazelnut praline. Fen: Not too sweet but what is nice and unique about this cake is the huge proportion of hazelnut praline. The light and crunchy praline when eaten together with the chocolate mousse is the best among the 4. However, this is not the choice if you are going for rich chocolate mousse with a thin crispy hazelnut praline. Checkers Deli is featured in the Sunday Times' 50 best cakes but not for the Hazelnut Royaltine. So, if you change your mind at the last minute, American Cheesecake is the way to go...
Le Royale ($7 w/o GST)	Cru Royale ($7 w/o GST)
Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie 11 Unity Street Robertson Walk #01-09 Singapore 237995 Tel: 6738-8145 http://www.canele.com.sg Appearance - 7 .5 Texture (chocolate mousse) - 8.5 Hazelnut praline- 8 Our preference index - 4th (24.0) Yuan: The Le Royale has the highest chocolate content among the 4. However it may be a little too rich and lose its texture. Fen: With a 64% chocolate content, the chocolate mousse is no doubt very rich but do let it equilibrate at room temperature. So far, this is the most highly rated hazelnut-chocolate mousse cake among blogs. Also, this is featured in the Sunday Times' 50 best cakes as No. 8... "Made of 64% dark chocolate, this deep, dark cake has a touch of rum to give the eater a nice buzz"	Centre Ps Pte Ltd 78 Guan Chuan Street #01-43 Singapore 160078 Tel: 6220 1285 http://www.centre-ps.com/ Appearance - 9 Texture (chocolate mousse) - 9 Hazelnut praline- 8.5 Our preference index - 2nd (26.5) Yuan: The Cru Royale is for those who love to eat Ferrero Roche. The mousse resembles the mousse inside the crust of Roche. Fen: The chocolate mousse is close to a smooth chocolate bar and apart from Hazelnut Royaltine from Checkers Deli, this is the next one that has a higher proportion of hazelnut praline but this is much denser than Hazelnut Royaltine. Rich and dense texture, also slightly sweeter than the other 3. A star-casted special where all 4 favourites are featured in the Sunday Times' 50 best cakes, and this is mentioned as No. 25... "Premium grand cru Valrhona chocolate and creamy hazelnut paste make for an exquistive treat."

[ ... ]

Tiramisu Special

Tiramisu Special

This entry will summarize our favourite tiramisu we have came across over a span of 2 weeks and our preference is inclined towards alcholic ones.

Do note the date these specials are published as we are constantly trying new cakes so do look out for our entries on tiramisu for newer updates and interesting finds.

The Coffee Connoisseur (tcc) $11 for Devil-misu (w/o GST & SC) (This one shown is no longer available) tcc - Bugis Junction 80 Middle Road #01-92-96 Bugis Junction Singapore 188966 Tel: 6837 2027 http://www.thecoffeeconnoisseur.com Appearance - 9 Texture - 9 Alcohol - 9 Mixture of cheese & sponge - 7 Our preference index - 2nd Yuan: This tiramisu has the strongest alcohol taste among the 4. Those who like coffee liqueur will enjoy this. Fen: Among our favourite 4, this one has the thickest layer of mascarpone cheese and the alcohol taste is really strong. In terms of layering, it has the largest number of alternating layers of mascarpone cheese and savoiardi.	BakerZin (Millenia Walk) $6.20 w/o GST 9 Raffles Boulevard #01-23/24-25 Millenia Walk Singapore 039596 Tel: 6837 2422 http://www.bakerzin.com Appearance - 8 Texture - 10 Alcohol - 5 Mixture of cheese & sponge - 10 Our preference index - 3rd This tiramisu has one of the best texture. Even portion of cheese and sponge. Mild coffee liqueur, excellent for those who dislike alcohol. The lightest mascarpone cheese among the 4 and thus it is good as an after-dinner dessert. The savoiardi is moist enough and faint alcohol after-taste can be felt from this creation.
Aroma, Hotel Intercontinental $9 w/o GST Intercontinental Singapore 80 Middle Road Singapore 188966 Tel: 6825 14058 Appearance - 10 Texture - 10 Alcohol - 8 Mixture of cheese & sponge - 9 Our preference index - 1st Generally, the best tiramisu which I have eaten this month. It looks so lovely and the texture is so nice. This is definitely a favourite when it comes to appearance and taste. It is lovely decorated. Despite it having a slight higher proportion of mascarpone cheese, the savoiardi soaked in alcohol still stands out and one will enjoy every single bite. Do note that this cake is not available on sliced and the above shown was upon special request. however, if you are considering getting Tiramisu as a whole cake, this is one of our highly recommended one.	Ricciotti Italian Deli & Pastry $7.80 w/o GST 20 Upper Circular Road #B1-49/50 The Riverwalk Singapore 058416 Tel: 6533 9060 http://www.ricciotti.com.sg Appearance - 9 Texture - 8 Alcohol - N.A. Mixture of cheese & sponge - 9 Our preference index - 4th Unique appearance. The cheese taste is excellent for those who love mascarpone cheese. However lacks the alcohol taste. Lovely circular presentation. It has also a thick mascarpone cheese texture like tcc but lacks the alcoholic taste. Nevertheless, the combination is still as good as the rest.

[ ... ]

Special edition on chocolate fudge cake

Special edition on chocolate fudge cake

This entry will summarize the four big names of chocolate fudge cakes that are commonly mentioned in Singapore but do note that taste is a preferential topic and this should just be used as a reference.

Also note the date these specials are published as we are constantly trying new cakes so do look out for our entries on chocolate fudge cakes for newer updates and interesting finds.

Awfully chocolate All chocolate Original dark chocolate with dark chocolate fudge Website – http://www.awfullychocolate.com/ Opening hours varies from different outlet, check out at their webbie. With 6 branches (Katong Mall, Republic Plaza, Cluny Court, Sembawang Hills, Brighton Crescent, VivoCity) round Singapore, this is the most convenient place to get a good chocolate fudge cake. They also accept reduced sugar request in which the overall sugar content will be bring down by 5%.	Choc.a.bloc Banana Choco Fudge Freshly sliced bananas soaked in creamy soft fudge, then crammed between 2 layers of dark moist chocolate sponge, a sure winner with all chocolate fans Website - http://www.chocabloc.biz/ Choc.a.bloc Blk 86 Bedok North St 4 #01-179 S(460086) Tel 6446 6096 Wed to Sat - 11am to 7pm Sun - 11 am to 4pm Closed on Monday and Tuesday Has the thickest and creamiest chocolate fudge and is naturally not sweet. The chocolate sponge in this cake is similar to the Mom’s choco fudge cake.
Lana Cake Shop Chocolate cake Lana cake shop 36 Greenwood Avenue Tel: 6466 8940 / 6466 5315 Wed - 11am to 6pm, Thurs - 10am to 6pm, Fri - 10am to 6pm, Sat- 10am to 5pm Closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday The oldest player when it comes to chocolate fudge cake but apparently many has claimed that the standard has dropped but the “AP” still stays. The cake is the driest among the four with the highest cake content and thinnest amount of chocolate fudge.	Jane’s Cake Station Chocolate fudge cake Jane's Cake Station 265 Jalan Kayu Tel: 6481 1322 Mon to Sat - noon to 6pm Sunday & public holidays - noon to 4pm Closed on Wednesday Chocolate fudge has a jelly-like texture which does not melt like Choc.a.bloc. Chocolate sponge is not too sweet and the butter cream (used to decorate cake or write messages) has a unique after-taste which stirs childhood memories. A cake that was praised at all times, leaving a deep impression after the first bite.

[ ... ]

Special edition on strawberry shortcake

Special edition on strawberry shortcake

This entry will summarize our favourite four for strawberry shortcakes but do note that taste is a preferential topic and this should just be used as a reference.

Also note the date these specials are published as we are constantly trying new cakes so do look out for our entries on strawberry cakes for newer updates and interesting finds.

BakerZin Strawberry Shortcake A Japanese fresh cream sponge cake with fresh strawberries in between. Topped with fresh cream and strawberries. Website – http://www.bakerzin.com/ Where? 6 branches (VivoCity, Takashimaya Food Hall, UE Square, United Square, Millenia Walk, Paragon) around central Singapore All-time favourite with light vanilla sponge and fresh strawberries. The cream is of the right sweetness. S$6.95 per slice Appearance - 9.5 Chantilly cream (lightness) - 9.2 Strawberries - 8 Chiffon (texture) - 9.8 Our preference index - 2nd (36.2)	Rive Gauche Strawberry Short Cake Two layers of special light sponges sandwiched with freshly whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Comes with fresh strawberry toppings. Website – http://www.pokkafood.com.sg/gauche/ Where? Takashimaya Food Hall or Plaza Singapura The cheapest alternative among the 4 without compromising the expectation of strawberry shortcake. The lightness of the whipped cream and the softness of the chiffon is comparable or in fact slightly better than BakerZin (Note that this difference is almost negligible and can only been differentiated if these two cakes are eaten side by side. S$2.80 per slice Appearance - 9.2 Chantilly cream (lightness) - 9 Strawberries - 8.5 Chiffon (texture) - 10 Our preference index - 1st (36.7)
Sun Moulin Strawberry Cake Where? Shaw House 350 Orchard Road Basement (besides Mos Burger) Singapore 238868 Tel: 6734 1915 The most generous serving of strawberries among the 4. The side of the cake is coated with a layer of almond slices which provides a déjà vu after-taste. The cream has slightly higher milk content than the others and a sweeter after-taste. As for the vanilla sponge, it has a soft but denser texture than the others. S$4.20 per slice Appearance - 9.8 Chantilly cream (lightness) - 8 Strawberries - 9 Chiffon (texture) - 9 Our preference index - 3rd (35.8)	Mezza9 Strawberry Shortcake Where? Grand Hyatt 10 Scotts Road Tel: 68875492 Three layers of light vanilla sponge with whipped cream and strawberries presented in this cake. Also, served with white chocolate curls, this cake can be considered one of the best strawberry shortcake we have eaten so far. The taste is light and refreshing with the nicest presentation in terms of whole round cake. S$4.80 per slice Appearance - 10 Chantilly cream (lightness) - 9 Strawberries - 8.5 Chiffon (texture) - 9.2 Our preference index - 1st (36.7)

[ ... ]