Ep 9. Cakes for Pudding

Rachel Allen's Cake Diaries season 1 episode 9 is titled Cakes for Pudding. In this episode, Rachel Allen showcases her recipes for cakes that can be served as puddings. She starts off by demonstrating a recipe for sticky gingerbread that is perfect for serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The gingerbread is moist and spicy, with a lovely treacle flavor that pairs well with the creaminess of the topping.

Next up, Rachel makes a raspberry and white chocolate cake that is light and fluffy, with a hint of fruitiness from the fresh raspberries that are folded into the batter. The white chocolate gives the cake a luxurious texture, and the tartness of the raspberries cuts through the sweetness of the cake.

Rachel also showcases a recipe for a classic Victoria sponge cake that is layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. The cake is light and airy, with a tender crumb that melts in the mouth. The strawberries and cream add a fruity, creamy note that elevates the cake from a simple sponge to a decadent dessert.

For chocoholics, Rachel has a recipe for a rich chocolate cake that is drenched in a silky chocolate ganache. The cake is moist and intensely chocolatey, and the ganache adds a glossy, indulgent finish to the dessert. Rachel also demonstrates how to make a chocolate truffle cake, which is a more complex dessert that requires some delicate assembly and a bit of patience. The end result is a showstopper of a dessert that is perfect for a special occasion.

Rachel finishes off the show with a recipe for a berry cake that is bursting with juicy raspberries and blackberries. The cake is simple to make but the addition of fresh berries gives it a rustic charm and a burst of freshness. Rachel serves the cake with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkling of icing sugar, letting the natural flavors of the berries shine through.

Throughout the show, Rachel shares tips and tricks for making perfect puddings, such as how to prevent your gingerbread from crumbling, or how to achieve a smooth ganache. She also shares ideas for how to adapt the recipes to your own tastes, such as adding different fruits or spices to the gingerbread, or using dark chocolate in the truffle cake.

Overall, Rachel Allen's Cake Diaries season 1 episode 9 is a must-watch for anyone who loves baking and dessert. Rachel's recipes are accessible and easy to follow, but still deliver impressive results that are sure to impress your guests. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, you're sure to find some inspiration in this delicious episode.