Joaquin's Birthday Cake

"I made this uber yummy version of Blum's Coffee Crunch Cake for Waxy's birthday...and yes, even the sugar crystal decor is from scratch too!"

Blum's Coffee Crunch Cake

2 1/4 c cake flour
1 1/2 c sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c vegetable oil
6 large eggs, separated
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
3/4 c water

1.Preheat oven to 32o. Sift together 3/4 c sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add 3/4 c water, oil, egg yolks and vanilla. Beat til smooth.
2.In separate bowl, whisk egg whites with remaining 3/4 c. sugar until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold in egg yolk mixture to egg whites in 2 batches. Pour in a 10 inch tube pan and bake for aprox 1 hour.

Coffee Crunch

Oil for greasing baking pan
1 1/2 c sugar
1/4 c strong brewed coffee
1/4 c light corn syrup
1 Tablespoon baking soda

1. Lightly coat a shallow baking pan with oil.
2.Combine all ingredients EXCEPT for baking soda in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Cook until just below the hard crack stage (310 on candy thermometer).
4. Remove from heat for 10 seconds then sprinkle baking soda over sugar syrup. whisk to combine and then pour onto baking pan. Let cool 30 minutes or til dry.
5. When ready to use, tap the crunch with a spoon and crumble over cake.

Coffee Frosting

1 1/2 c heavy cream
1/4 c strong brewed coffee
3 Tbsp. superfine sugar

1. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form then add coffee and sugar. Serve immediately.