Sometimes, it is a good idea to take shortcuts. Sometimes you can get pizza delivered by using a service that helps you file taxes. We are right there with your. Sometimes, however, it’s worth taking the longer route.
This is one example of where it might be true. Baking cakes.
We don’t mean to say that cake-making is difficult. There are many shortcuts you can use. We also embrace time-consuming and meticulous planning.
It’s a unique experience to make your own cake.
Homemade cakes are not only delicious but also a joy to make. They are fresher and taste better than any boxed product; they can be customized and made with ingredients you know. And, perhaps most importantly, they can be given as a gift.
We have eight great tips to help you get the most out of your cake baking journey, no matter your level of expertise.
Ease into homemade cakes
The thought of making a cake from scratch is daunting. There are so many ingredients and so many steps! If the thought of baking a cake from scratch (so many ingredients, so many steps!) makes you want to run for the cake mixes then we have some good news for you. These are the first tips for you.
Tip 1: Don’t have too many ingredients? Make a cake using self-rising flour.
You can make a cake using King Arthur Self Rising Flour to help you get out of the cake-mix zone and move towards success from scratch.
What exactly is self-rising flour? This flour is a quick way to make deliciously soft baked goods such as muffins, cakes, muffins, and scones. This flour is a soft, low-protein flour. It already has baking powder (and salt) added. That’s two less things to look for in your kitchen. ).
Tip #2: Make a Bundt cake if you are on Team Frosting or Team Cake.
You might enjoy baking Bundt cake if you don’t like frosting or cake decorating. They do require a specific pan but you can still use them for all types of cakes and breads.
Bundt cakes are stunning, and all you need to make them look good is a little confectioners’ sugar. You can decorate them with a glaze, or add fresh berries to the center.
Decorating a Bundt Cake is easy no matter how you slice it.
Tip #3: Make a sheet cake
If you are on Team Frosting and don’t want to make layers of cake, sheet cakes might be the best option. Single-layer cakes can be easy to make and are easy to frost. Simply add a layer of your favorite frosting to the top. In my opinion Cream cheese frosting is always a winner.
If you are committed to using a particular recipe, choose a single layer cake recipe. Turn one of your favorite recipes into sheet cake .
Sheet cakes can look just as festive with some frosting flourishes or colorful sprinkles as layer cakes. Sheet cakes are great for sharing and transporting once we all get back to our normal routines.
Learn to master your craft
These next tips are for bakers who’ve been to the cake block several times.
Tip #4: Add a soak to your cakes if they turn out dry.
What are you supposed to do when something seems too dry? You add liquid, of course! This principle also applies to cakes.
To add moisture to your cakes, you can brush them with a soaking solution (also known by a cake soak). You can either use a basic soaking syrup or add flavor to your cakes.
Your soaking syrup can be infused with vanilla or lemon juice , or any other flavor you feel will compliment your cake. These flavor variations can be found in the Simple syrup recipe.
How much should you use? You can use 1/4 cup (57g) or 1 cup (227g), depending on the size of your cake. You can use a pastry brush and gently dip your cake in the soaking syrup. If you have layers, the cake will stop absorption of the syrup.
Tip #5 – If you are afraid of pastry bags, but still want a beautiful finish, create a unique topping
You can make a beautiful cake without using frosting or a pastry box. Take a look at our Berry Blitz Torte. It’s decorated with a layer of cinnamon sugar-dusted meringue and garnished with toasted almonds. This technique can be used to top any type of cake.
How can you create this magic cake? Make the meringue topping using the Berry Blitz Torte Recipe. Spread it on a parchment lined baking sheet of a size and shape that is roughly equal to your cake. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and sliced nuts if desired. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until nuts are fragrant and meringue is beautiful and lightly golden.a
