There are many reasons why I love to bake, but eating what I bake isn’t at the top of my list. Don’t misunderstand me, I love baked goods and I think homemade ones are the best. But sharing what I bake rates higher for me, as does the act of baking itself. There’s something calming about the methodical nature of baking and something satisfying about the progression of a baking project. And though tasting is the final step in this progression, it’s the aroma of something delicious in the oven that’s really the sensory payoff for me.
This is especially true of this week’s Baking Chez Moi assignment. From the moment I started scraping the pulp from the vanilla pod, my home smelled wonderful. After the butter browned, the aroma was heady. By the time the loaf came out of the oven, it was intoxicating. I felt it was very unfair that I’d read Dorie’s comment that the loaf improves after a day’s rest, because I really wanted to slice into that cake immediately. Actually, I wanted to set it in front of me on my desk. Who needs a bouquet when you can have the scent of this loaf perfuming your space, instead?
Well, wait I did and the cake rewarded me with a tender, sponge-like crumb and a gentle crispness at the edges. There is no need to spread butter on this loaf cake – browned butter is present in every bite. It would be good used as shortcake might be, covered in macerated berries and cream. Stale, it might be perfect in a parfait. Right now, though, I like it just as it is, eaten out of hand. I’m looking forward to trying it toasted in a day or two, as well. Then, I might break out just a little more butter.
You can find the rest of the Tuesdays with Dorie crew’s entries on this recipe here: Brown Butter and Vanilla Bean Weekend Cake.
One Wet Foot 
I can attest that toasted with a sliver of butter is delicious too!
I must admit, I like baking and giving away more than I like consuming (at least on most things)
Although, this one, I enjoyed the eating process too 🙂
Whoa…not me…lol…there was no way I was going to like giving this one away and enjoying that just as much, now that chocolate one that we are making next time, no problem at all giving that away, not a chocolate fan at all, but this one, it never stood a chance of going out the door. 🙂 You are right, it didn’t need a thing to accompany it. Your cake looks lovely.
The joy of baking for me is in the process and in the sharing. Of course, I do taste the result, but only to make certain it’s worthy of sharing ; )! Lovely loaf.
yes, this one smelled amazing, and I certainly plan to use this for summer berry shortcakes!
You described the cake perfectly! I’m not sure my family will let me share this brown butter cake, so I plan to make two!
cheers
I wish I could say the same. I love the process of baking, but I really love eating what I bake! I love the idea of using this as a basis for strawberry shortcake. I can’t wait for it to be strawberry season again!
Oh my…your intro paragraph is totally me!! It is all about the baking and then seeing how everyone likes it. I love the creative part, more than the tasting part!! 🙂
Sensory payoff indeed! And you can really see the vanilla bean seeds in your photo!
Things that smell that delicious have to taste that delicious too 🙂 I can just imagine it from over here!
I have seen this cake on other blogs and since I have the cookbook I should try it. It looks delicious and not only a week-end cake 🙂
I have to admit I enjoy the eating much more than the making, but sharing is definitely also one of my main motivators – loving people through feeding them! Love this cake 🙂
This would be a perfect Sunday morning breakfast but since I don’t think that will happen, i’ll pin for later 🙂
I would take a lovely scented cake over flowers any day. 🙂
Your cake looks wonderful, and enjoyed every bit of your post.
I agree with your sentiments on baking. I love the look on my husband’s face when he comes home and says “it smells good in here.” I also love to bring baked goods to gatherings. There is always something baking or cooking in my oven. I am glad this was a hit for you. Although we enjoyed it I am not sure I would make again.
Oh, so glad I’m not alone, crappy days always require baking therapy. But my butt does not. Hahah, so I take baking spoils to work. Thanks for sharing.