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The Pancake Princess

The Pancake Princess

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Mini Almond Butter & Jam Layer Cakes

by erika 58 Comments

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Mini ABJ Layer Cakes // The Pancake PrincessWhile on our way to my friend’s annual lobster boil (possibly the best event of the year) the other day, Erik asked something to the effect of whether I had “best blogger friends.” Babe, let me tell you. I started rattling off a list of my favorites, but had to stop close to the top to explain about NORA.

Mini ABJ Layer Cakes // The Pancake Princess

Mini ABJ Layer Cakes // The Pancake PrincessMini ABJ Layer Cakes // The Pancake PrincessMini ABJ Layer Cakes // The Pancake PrincessI am such a big fan of Nora (of A Clean Bake) for so many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that she graduated from business school fairly recently and doles out b-school advice whenever I ask like it’s her JOB. She is a hero for all non-gluten/dairy/refined sugar eaters everywhere and had the major cojones to ditch her former, very successful blog in favor of a brand-new one once she realized her old premise didn’t fit any longer.

Since Nora’s getting married in a few short weeks, the joyous occasion obviously calls for cake and a virtual wedding shower! I can’t wait to see what kind of amazing wedding dessert(s) she ends up with on her big day, but my contribution to her virtual wedding shower are these little mini chickpea/coconut flour cakes layered with almond butter, jam, and chocolate. In honor of her dietary restrictions, there’s no gluten or dairy in the cake, and traditional refined sugar is omitted in favor of coconut sugar. (I can’t take credit for this genius; the original recipe on Power Hungry and I adapted it to make these mini cakes.)

Mini ABJ Layer Cakes // The Pancake Princess

Mini ABJ Layer Cakes // The Pancake Princess

Mini ABJ Layer Cakes // The Pancake PrincessMini ABJ Layer Cakes // The Pancake PrincessMini ABJ Layer Cakes // The Pancake PrincessThis is one of those posts where I tell you what I did to adapt the recipe and what I might suggest for you since I didn’t develop the recipe myself. The only alterations I made to the recipe was to use almond milk instead of coconut milk and cornstarch instead of potato starch. I used all coconut sugar and my cake turned out darker than the recipe photos with strong undertones of an earthy sweetness. For these reasons, I would suggest using raw sugar next time, or perhaps a mix of coconut and raw sugar. Though I wasn’t bowled over by the taste straight out of the oven, I was IN LOVE with the texture. The moist, soft crumb is not at all spongy or gluten-free-ish, and after layering cake rounds with almond butter, jam and chocolate, my roommate and I declared them delicious and I proceeded to eat two.

I made super-thin cake layers that were kind of reminiscent of pancake stacks, which I actually really liked (surprise surprise). But feel free to make them thicker to enjoy more of the luscious cake crumb.

Mini ABJ Layer Cakes // The Pancake Princess

Congratulations, Nora! Wish you were here to eat these with me, and I wish you all the best (and no stress!) on your special day <33

Check out these other beautiful eats in celebration of Nora’s wedding!


Paleo Lemon Cupcakes with Coconut Whipped Cream
from Culinary Couture
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies from Pass The Cocoa
Pumpkin Maple Crème Brulee from Blahnik Baker
{Gluten and Dairy Free} Mocha Almond Cookie Cups from The Sweet Tooth Life
Pavlova Petit Fours {Gluten and Dairy Free) from Club Narwhal
Toasted Almond Granola Bars from Chez Catey Lou
Best Granola Recipe for Fall and GF, DF, Apple “Pie” from Baking A Moment
Vanilla Dark Chocolate Macarons from Bethcakes
Vegan Oatmeal Cookie Milkshakes from ImmaEatThat
Chocolate Coconut Macaroons from Gotta Get Baked

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Mini ABJ Layer Cakes (GF, V)

Ingredients

  • 1 recipe this cake see subs in notes
  • 1/2 recipe easy chocolate icing from the same post
  • almond butter
  • sour cherry preserves

Instructions

  • Line a small baking sheet with greased parchment paper. Spread the cake batter evenly across the baking sheet to your desired thickness (the batter is extremely thick, so even if the baking sheet is too large for the amount of batter, you can simply spread it as far as you like to achieve your desired thickness of cake layers. Cake will rise just barely during baking). Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. Test for doneness with a fork, your finger or a toothpick--depending on thickness, the cake may not be done at this point. Continue baking for 5-10 minute increments until the cake is done.
  • Let cool completely. Cut out circles using a biscuit cutter or, if you're lacking in biscuit cutters, you can use a sheet of acetate (flexible plastic sheets or transparencies) rolled up and stapled into a makeshift cutter (my ghetto cutter is pictured in the second photo). Not quite as accurate as a biscuit cutter, but it will work. I don't recommend using an upside-down glass as a cutter because the edges are not sharp enough to get a clean cut.
  • Layer a cake round with a smear of almond butter, a smear of preserves, and repeat as desired, finishing with a smear of chocolate icing and sprinkles.

Notes

Substitutions: You can sub almond milk for coconut milk and cornstarch for potato starch. I recommend using at least half raw sugar instead of all coconut sugar.
Adapated from here.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Baby June

    November 22, 2014 at 8:44 am

    SO CUTE. Perfect for Nora 🙂

    Reply
  2. Sarah | Broma Bakery

    November 17, 2014 at 3:48 pm

    STUNNING images, Erika! So glad to have stumbled upon your beautiful site! Now is just a matter of narrowing down what to bake first…

    Reply
    • erika

      November 26, 2014 at 11:42 am

      Thanks so much Sarah!! <3 <3

      Reply
  3. Shikha @ Shikha la mode

    November 4, 2014 at 3:17 am

    I’m obsessed with this and the fact that you all did this for Nora. SO AMAZINGGGGGGG. These look so good! Mini cakes are way better than big cakes IMO, because they are so much cuter and you can eat twice as much!

    Reply
  4. Kammie | Sensual Appeal Blog

    November 3, 2014 at 5:21 pm

    Holy crap, this photography…. <3 I can't even handle it.

    Reply
    • erika

      November 10, 2014 at 3:05 pm

      Awwww Kammie!! Thank you!! 🙂 <3 <3 <3

      Reply
  5. Natasha @ The Cake Merchant

    October 31, 2014 at 8:23 pm

    Oh Erika, you know I’m a sucker for mini cakes, and these are just too cute! Congrats to Nora!

    Reply
  6. Alana

    October 30, 2014 at 6:42 pm

    I kind of love everything about this, from the virtual shower, to the thin layers of cake. That top shot is money!! Also, almond butter + jam + cake?! YES YES YES.

    Reply
    • erika

      November 4, 2014 at 2:49 pm

      <3333333

      Reply
  7. [email protected], pleasure, and health

    October 29, 2014 at 1:48 pm

    this is soo gorgeous! cake and pictures, all of it.

    Reply
    • erika

      November 4, 2014 at 2:49 pm

      Thanks Dixya!! <333

      Reply
  8. Lyndsay // Coco Cake Land

    October 28, 2014 at 3:47 pm

    the things we can do on the interwebs these days – VIRTUAL SHOWER! i love your party styled pics, erika!! seriously looks like the cutest raging-est party happened by which i was there too, and i crammed 3-4 of those delicious almond butter and jam layer cakes into my mouth…! congratulations to nora! ^__^

    Reply
    • erika

      October 28, 2014 at 5:22 pm

      I know seriously!! Haha wish you could’ve been here to actually take 4 or 10 of these cakes 😉 That would have been so fun!!

      Reply
  9. Cate @ Chez CateyLou

    October 28, 2014 at 1:25 pm

    These are so cute, and they sound delicious! What a perfect treat for the shower!! Yay for Nora!

    Reply
  10. [email protected]

    October 28, 2014 at 1:38 am

    These must have been perfect at the baby shower, though I’d have eaten the entire lot before they made it there 😉

    Reply
    • erika

      October 28, 2014 at 9:36 am

      Haha thanks Nik! Luckily, since this was a virtual shower, I got to eat more than my fair share 😉

      Reply
  11. Sophie

    October 27, 2014 at 4:10 pm

    Oh my, these could not be cuter! What a sweet gesture that y’all are throwing this shower. LOOVVVVE your photos, too!

    Reply
    • erika

      October 27, 2014 at 4:40 pm

      Thanks Sophie!! <3333

      Reply
  12. Choc Chip Uru

    October 23, 2014 at 8:53 am

    What an elegant and delicious pastry, the jam layer must really kick the sweetness up a decent notch 😀
    I am dying to try it!

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    Reply
  13. Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together

    October 23, 2014 at 8:24 am

    Your photos are BEYOND GORGEOUS. Can you give me your food styling and photography tips? Seriously, my jaw is on the floor they look so great!

    Reply
  14. Sarah @ SnixyKitchen

    October 22, 2014 at 3:58 am

    Oh my goodness – what a festive and fun tribute to Nora! I love all those beads! I’m totally making these cakes very soon.

    Reply
  15. Christina (Small Kitchen Chronicles)

    October 21, 2014 at 10:15 pm

    Erika, these look delicious! You had me at that chocolate ganache-looking icing. And how awesome are you to hold a virtual bridal shower for your blogger friend? SUPER awesome, that’s what. You are beautiful inside and out =) Big hugs <333

    Reply
    • erika

      October 22, 2014 at 4:59 pm

      Awww Christina, you are the sweetest, as always. <333

      Reply
  16. Beth @ bethcakes

    October 21, 2014 at 10:03 pm

    Oh my goodness, these little cakes are so perfect! And gah, so are these photos! I really love how you printed out the sign and used it as part of your props. So cute! 🙂

    Reply
    • erika

      October 22, 2014 at 5:00 pm

      Thanks Beth!! You’re too kind 🙂

      Reply
  17. laurasmess

    October 21, 2014 at 4:40 pm

    Oh, what a gorgeous celebration of deliciousness in honour of Nora!! I haven’t actually ‘met’ her in the blogosphere so the first thing I have to say is that I’m glad for the introduction! She sounds beautiful and I adore her blog… about as much as I adore these gorgeous little cakes Erika! Almond butter and jam is such a winning combination, particularly when adorned with gloriously deep, dark, glossy chocolate. Congrats to Nora and thanks Erika for the lovely recipe (eep, cannot wait to make these!!!!) xx

    Reply
    • erika

      October 21, 2014 at 10:20 pm

      Ooh YAY I’m so glad you’ve discovered Nora!!! (You’re right up next to her in my blogosphere of favorite people, btw :)) This cake is seriously one of my favorite ways to use up chickpea flour because, like you said, almond butter, jam, chocolate, and CAKE!

      Reply
      • laurasmess

        November 14, 2014 at 12:58 am

        I cannot believe it’s taken me so long to reply to this…! Ah, that’s what happens when you have no internet after travelling half way back across the world! You’re one of my faves too Erika, I get the biggest smile whenever I see a comment from you! Sending you electronic hugs until the day when we can have coffee, have a huuuuge catch up, something delicious followed by a proper hug somewhere in the world! xxxx

  18. Nancy @ gottagetbaked

    October 21, 2014 at 3:19 pm

    All of these photos are so incredibly gorgeous, classy and chic, Erika. And I want to cram these mini little cakes into my mouth. They’re perfect for Nora! Damn, I wish we lived closer together and could actually attend a party together. It’d be amazing.

    Reply
    • erika

      October 21, 2014 at 10:17 pm

      THAT WOULD BE THE MOST AMAZING THING.

      Reply
  19. Kylie @ immaeatthat

    October 21, 2014 at 3:05 pm

    I LOVE that you printed out the invitation! I didn’t even think to do that! And these mini cakes are the cutest!!!

    Reply
    • erika

      October 21, 2014 at 10:16 pm

      Haha thanks Kylie!! The graphic was just so pretty, I couldn’t resist 😉

      Reply
  20. cynthia

    October 21, 2014 at 2:50 pm

    These are so, so beautiful!!! AHHH I love everything about them. And love those pearls — could not be a more perfect touch for a virtual bridal shower. Yay for Nora and yay for these gorgeous mini cakes!

    Reply
    • erika

      October 21, 2014 at 10:15 pm

      Thanks Cynthia!! You’re amazing <3333

      Reply
  21. Nora (A Clean Bake)

    October 21, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    Ohh man I wish I were there to eat these with you too!! I saw these on IG when you posted that teaser picture and I was pretty darn mesmerized by them. Tiny layer cakes? Yes, please! I had absolutely no clue that they were for … well, this! The flavors! The styling! Don’t mine me, I am just I am bursting out of my skin a little bit over here. OMG you are such a rockstar and this recipe is killer and ***thank you**** so much for your sweet words and generally for being so awesome. Anytime you need school advice or you know, just to vent, I’m all yours. Oh and COME TO CHICAGO so we can bake together! 🙂

    Reply
    • erika

      October 21, 2014 at 10:14 pm

      Haha no. YOU are a rockstar and I can’t wait to come to Chicago!!!! This must happen. Congrats again, lady!! <33

      Reply
  22. Karen @ The Food Charlatan

    October 21, 2014 at 1:50 pm

    These are freaking gorgeous Erika!! Love the pearls. How fun! I especially love the shot with the neighbors bike in the background. I’m always trying to cut out the window sill and window in my pics. Now I know I just need to get cooler neighbors.

    Reply
    • erika

      October 21, 2014 at 10:13 pm

      BAHAHAHA Karen you never fail to crack me up. I did not even notice that there was a bike in one of the photos. Now I have to go find it. We’ll pretend I meant for that to happen.

      Reply
  23. Meriem @ Culinary Couture

    October 21, 2014 at 1:08 pm

    Oh.my.goodness. The fact that you printed out the graphic and included it in your pictures, HOW ABSOLUTELY FREAKIN BRILLIANT! Your pictures are stunning, I am seriously blown away by this post!

    Reply
    • erika

      October 21, 2014 at 10:12 pm

      Ahaha Meriem, you MADE MY DAY!!! Your comment is so, so sweet. The printed out graphic only looks cool because YOU made it so absolutely gorgeous <3

      Reply
  24. Amy | Club Narwhal

    October 21, 2014 at 1:03 pm

    These cakes are SO beautiful! I love how elegant they are–and styling with those pearls = best idea ever 🙂 What a sweet tribute to Nora!

    Reply
    • erika

      October 21, 2014 at 10:11 pm

      Thanks Amy!! Same to you and your adorable blog 😉

      Reply
  25. Linda | Brunch with Joy

    October 21, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    Cheers to Nora and you, Erika. Totally love all your creations and pictures. Yum!

    Reply
    • erika

      October 21, 2014 at 10:11 pm

      Linda, you’re so sweet! Thank you!

      Reply
  26. Millie l Add A Little

    October 21, 2014 at 11:47 am

    These look AMAZING Erika!! Literally so cute aswell!

    Reply
    • erika

      October 21, 2014 at 10:10 pm

      Aww Millie <333

      Reply
  27. Graham @ Glazed & Confused

    October 21, 2014 at 10:27 am

    STOPPP ITTTTTT. I saw these on instagram and died even though I didn’t know what they were.
    Now that I’ve learned that they’re AB&J, I’m done. These are perfection.

    GO NORA! GO GO! GO NORA!!!

    Reply
    • erika

      October 21, 2014 at 10:10 pm

      Oh my gosh, YOU. <333

      Reply
  28. Michelle @ Hummingbird High

    October 21, 2014 at 10:07 am

    I love, love, love your pics, especially that first one! A string of pearls always makes one classy party!

    Reply
    • erika

      October 21, 2014 at 10:05 pm

      Aww thanks Michelle!! You’re always way too kind (but I love it) <3

      Reply
  29. Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes)

    October 21, 2014 at 9:29 am

    This party is fantastic. I love the elegance of the theme. So beautiful!

    Reply
    • erika

      October 21, 2014 at 10:28 pm

      Thanks so much Jocelyn!! <3

      Reply

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