Here are some simple tips to bake The Perfect Cake.
Not sure where you went wrong? This will help!
Read the Recipe
Make sure you read the recipe right through before starting and assemble all the ingredients, pans and equipment. It may sound obvious, but it’s easy to get caught up in a baking moment! There’s nothing worse than being half way through and realising you’re out of sugar!
Measure Accurately!
Do not guess the quantities. Baking a cake is a bit like a science experiment. You need to be precise with your measurements. Make sure you have the standard Australian metric measures (measuring cups, spoons and scales). A good set of scales is essential – the electronic scales are fabulous, but you don’t need to go to the expense. Good old fashioned scales work just as well. Also, have your eggs at room temperature -and sift all your dry ingredients. Sifting makes your cake light. Double sifting makes your cake super light and makes sure there are no nasties in your flour!
Creaming and Folding
Butter and sugar should be thoroughly creamed. Here is where electric beaters or a mix master really help (these are not essential – they just save your arms). Make sure you scrape the mixture down the bowl regularly to ensure you get rid of all the sugar granules. The mixture should almost double in size, be really light in colour and creamy to the taste. Gently fold in the dry ingredients. If you are not gentle when folding in dry ingredients you may over-mix the cake and it will be course in texture. The perfect tool for folding is a serving spoon. Scoop up a spoon full of mixture and fold it over until all the flour is just mixed through.
Ovens
Preheating the oven is very important! The average oven takes 10 – 15 minutes to preheat properly, so make sure you switch it on before you start. If your oven has a light to tell you when it is up to the right temperature, wait until that light comes on before putting it in the oven. Avoid opening the oven door until at least two-thirds of the way through the cooking process. Total cooking times in recipes are only an approximate and may vary depending on your oven and the humidity of the day. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end to avoid over-cooking. Use a skewer to insert into the middle of the cake, if it comes out clean your cake is done!
Stand the cake in the tin for the specified time before turning out on a wire rack to cool. Make sure cake is cold before icing.
Want a recipe for the perfect cake? Click Here!
