We make this at Tru, slice it paper thin and then dry it in the oven to make sweet saffron crostini. We serve it with cinnamon creme brulee and almond risotto or passion fruit mousse.
Ingredients
Pound Cake:
- 10 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 pinches saffron
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
Lemon Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 vanilla bean, split
Directions
Serving Suggestion: Cinnamon ice cream
Make the Pound Cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 6-cup loaf pan and line it with parchment or waxed paper.
In a small saucepan, bring the orange juice and saffron to a boil then turn the heat off immediately and let steep 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the butter. Add 1 cup of the sugar and mix. With the mixer running at low speed, add the eggs one at a time. Working in alternating batches, and mixing after each addition, add the dry ingredients and 1/4 cup of the saffron spiked orange juice, trying to use all the threads in the orange juice. Mix just until smooth.
Pour into the prepared pan and bake until raised in the center and a tester inserted into the center comes out dry and almost clean (a few crumbs are OK), 65 to 75 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1/3 cup sugar and the remaining saffron spiked orange juice (about 1/3 cup), until the sugar is dissolved.
When the cake is done, let cool in the pan 15 minutes (it will still be warm). Run a knife around the sides of the pan. Set a wire rack on a sheet pan with sides (to catch the glaze) and turn the cake out onto the rack. Peel off the waxed paper. Using a turkey baster or pastry brush, spread glaze all over the top and sides of the cake and let soak in.
Repeat until all the glaze is used up, including any glaze that has dripped through onto the sheet pan. Let cool at room temperature or, wrapped in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator.
The cake will last up to a week, well-wrapped with plastic wrap.
Make the Lemon Caramel Sauce: Pour the sugar into the center of a deep saucepan. Carefully pour the water around the walls of the pan, trying not to splash any sugar onto the walls. Do not stir; gently draw your finger twice through the center of the sugar, making a cross, to moisten it. Over high heat, bring to a full boil and cook without stirring until amber-colored caramel, about 10 to 15 minutes, swirling the mixture occasionally to even out the color.
Add the lemon juice and vanilla and wait for the caramel to bubble and subside. Let the caramel cool.
To serve, cut the pound cake in thin slices and serve with scoops of cinnamon ice cream and a drizzling of lemon caramel sauce.
















Review This Recipe
You must be logged in to review this recipe.
or Sign Up to Review
Newest Ratings and Reviews
Read all 3 reviews
By marygourmet_128...
San Diego, 43
on April 13, 2010
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
I loved the combination of the fragrant yet subtle saffron/orange and the bold lemon caramel. I did add the zest of two of the oranges to the cake for a bit more orangeness. This cake had exquisite crumb although I baked it for only 55 minutes in a bundt pan. I did use a convection oven and lowered the heat to 325. Be sure to serve it with ice cream as this really complements the cake and sauce. This cake was so delicious that my dog Sparky did an upward facing dog and helped himself to about 1/2 of it!!
By dancingring_116...
Iron River, MI
on February 08, 2010
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
Today I am making the Saffron cake, with Saffron my husband and I brought back from a trip to Europe, The Saffron is so fragrant, I am looking forward to mixing the cake! Can anyone comment on the orange juice I need to use, can it be concentrate or is fresh best? Thanks.
By ehtriplett_11660682
louisville, KY
on February 13, 2009
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
Excellect flavor with a mild saffron taste. The glaze gave it a wonderful zing. I did not make the sauce as it seemed like more than what was needed for this very good cake.
Read all 3 reviews