7 Simple Tips for Baking Cakes

A perfect cake is a work of art. However, a lot more goes into making the perfect cake; baking is primarily a science. From collecting and measuring the precise amount of ingredients to flawlessly decorating it with those final touches, each step of baking a cake requires precision and some extra thought. Making sure to carefully follow each step of the recipe, plus some useful tips, will enhance your baking and result in a delectable cake that is beautifully baked. Discover 7 simple cake baking tips that will make all the difference to your baking experience.

1. Using a balloon whisk for dry ingredients

Some recipes call for sifting, a simple procedure that separates any coarse elements in a dry mix, therefore ensuring the lightest possible end result. However, if time is at a premium or if you do not have a sieve, you can produce a similar (and less messy) effect by whisking together dry goods in a large bowl with a balloon whisk.

Quick & easy

Whisk together the dry ingredients needed for your baking to replicate a sifting effect.

2. Double lining pans for large fruitcakes

A large fruitcake is a dense thing, and it takes a long time to cook all the way through. This is partly because it must bake at a low temperature to prevent the fruit from burning and losing its sweetness. It is possible to prevent the outside of the cake from cooking or over-browning before the inside is set by using a heavy pan and double lining it with parchment paper.

3. Cutting the right shape

Take out the bottom of the pan and use it as a template to cut two disks of parchment paper that will fit neatly into the pan.

4. Testing for doneness

Depending on the oven, the time it takes to bake a cake can vary considerably. The main thing to bear in mind is not to check too soon, or the cake will drop. Open the oven only after at least three-quarters of the cooking time have passed. A cake with a cooking time of 25 minutes, for example, can be checked after 20 minutes.

5. Cutting horizontally for layers

Cutting a cake horizontally to create the elements for a layer cake can be tricky. The important thing is to get an even result, so take your time.

6. Storing cakes in the freezer

If you are baking ahead, you may need to freeze your cake. For best results, the cake should be frozen as sponges only—no filling or icing. Cool the cake completely, and wrap each piece individually in parchment paper followed by several layers of plastic wrap, then freeze for up to two months.

7. Measuring sticky ingredients

If your recipe calls for a sticky ingredient, such as honey or syrup, measuring can be a messy business. However, there is a trick to ensure that things stay tidy in the kitchen. Simply spray your measuring utensil with a thin layer of baking spray before using. This will help the ingredients slide off easily.