It may seem simple but baking can be a challenge, especially when you are a beginner. But what fun when it all goes to plan! Here are some of the common mistakes we make when baking cakes.
It's all very well for those who always seem to 'know' what to add, but for some of us, measuring things is absolutely essential. Adding too much baking soda for example will produce a coarse cake. Likewise, too little liquid will do the same thing. Too little liquid will also result in a dry cake. You will get used to how much, but it takes a little practice as too much liquid may make your cake sink in the middle. Dryness can also be because of leaving the cake in the oven too long or if the oven is excessively hot.
If you don't mix your cake properly, those lumps, when cooked won't look or feel pleasant in the mouth. The surface of your creation may look odd as well.
Getting your oven temperature right is also important. Putting your cake into a cold oven can prove disastrous! Taking the cake out early can result in it sinking in the middle, so don't even open the oven until about 2/3rds through the cooking time as the cold rush of air will really upset it.
Make sure you grease the pan properly. If you don't you may not be able to see when it's cooked as a common way to do this is by seeing when it has shrunk away from the sides of the pan. You must not take the cake out of the pan too quickly either. Some cakes need cool completely in the tin and will not benefit from being removed too quickly.
Try not to bake when there is a chance of a lot of banging doors as the vibrations during the first half of baking can cause sinking as well. Particularly with light cakes.
The above does not guarantee everything will be perfect, but may help answer a few questions and give a few useful tips. Like everything else, it takes practice to create those masterpieces so don't give up!
It's all very well for those who always seem to 'know' what to add, but for some of us, measuring things is absolutely essential. Adding too much baking soda for example will produce a coarse cake. Likewise, too little liquid will do the same thing. Too little liquid will also result in a dry cake. You will get used to how much, but it takes a little practice as too much liquid may make your cake sink in the middle. Dryness can also be because of leaving the cake in the oven too long or if the oven is excessively hot.
If you don't mix your cake properly, those lumps, when cooked won't look or feel pleasant in the mouth. The surface of your creation may look odd as well.
Getting your oven temperature right is also important. Putting your cake into a cold oven can prove disastrous! Taking the cake out early can result in it sinking in the middle, so don't even open the oven until about 2/3rds through the cooking time as the cold rush of air will really upset it.
Make sure you grease the pan properly. If you don't you may not be able to see when it's cooked as a common way to do this is by seeing when it has shrunk away from the sides of the pan. You must not take the cake out of the pan too quickly either. Some cakes need cool completely in the tin and will not benefit from being removed too quickly.
Try not to bake when there is a chance of a lot of banging doors as the vibrations during the first half of baking can cause sinking as well. Particularly with light cakes.
The above does not guarantee everything will be perfect, but may help answer a few questions and give a few useful tips. Like everything else, it takes practice to create those masterpieces so don't give up!
About the Author:
Discover more cake decorating tips and ideas including how to make an icing rose at www.buycakedecoratingsupplies.com. Check here for free reprint license: Cake Sunk In The Middle? Find Out Why.
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