The Illuminated Oven…A Cake of a Whole New Caliber

The Illuminated Oven

Everyone knows that, if you want truly good food, you should look to an expert, not to the supermarket. If you’re looking for cakes, pastries, and other treats that are made by hand, by an expect, using organic and local ingredients, you’re looking for the Illuminated Oven. The Illuminated Oven was founded by third-generation expert baker Maria Martinez, who still uses the 1940s baking oven that her grandfather did. Here’s a small sampling of what The Illuminated Oven has to offer.

You could try their Lemon Buttermilk Cake, which consists of a layer of lemon curd paste layered between yellow buttermilk cake, and finished with vanilla meringue buttercream. Or you could try the Chocolate Cumulonumbus Cake, a dark chocolate cake, infused with espresso and layered between chocolate ganache.

If you want to test a baker’s skill in Providence, a good place to start is Tiramisu. This rich Italian dessert is made with local creamy marscarpone and imported Marsala wine. The layers of cake are soaked in New Harvest espresso.

The Illuminated Oven has more than just cakes, though. Their cookies and confections change from season to season. Right now, you can try the chocolate nougat with pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds, and candied ginger. Or you can try one of their many cookies, from Buttered Rum Meltaway to Orange Cardamom Glazed Madeleines to Double Chocolate Coconut Chunk Cookies, you’re sure to find something—and probably several things—that strike your fancy.

For an artisan twist on a decadent classic, try the Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries, using fresh local strawberries dipped in Callebaut Chocolate imported from Switzerland. Or try their Candied Grapefruit Peels, a bittersweet treat with a crunchy sugar coat or, if you prefer, dipped in dark chocolate.

The Illuminated Oven’s bakery is located in East Providence. You can learn more about the Illuminated Oven, or arrange to have a custom cake made, at www.illuminatedoven.com.