Cakes Made Easy

Cake baking doesn’t have to challenging or complicated. It’s possible to indulge your sweet tooth any time when you know the insider tips and have no-fuss recipes. Whether you make one yourself or invite a friend or child to have fun in the kitchen with you, you’ll love the sweet results!

Measure Correctly

When it comes to baking, accuracy is important. Spoon dry ingredients into a dry measuring cup, and level off with a flat-edged utensil. Fill liquid measuring cups with liquid, and check by looking at eye level while the cup sits steady on the counter.

Butter Love

For the best results and flavor, use real butter in recipes calling for butter. Do not use reduced-fat butter or whipped products.

Pan-tastic Results

Use shiny pans that reflect the heat to bake cakes that are tender and light. Dark pans or pans with nonstick coating absorb the heat faster, causing cakes to brown too quickly and creating hard edges.

Doneness + Time

Don’t go just by time when baking cakes. If they are underdone, they will sink when cooling. Bake cakes for the minimum time listed in the recipe, then check for doneness using the doneness indicator in the recipe (usually the toothpick test or touching lightly with finger). Bake longer if needed.

Perfect Peaks

Whether using egg whites or whipped cream, knowing how to properly beat ingredients will ensure that your cakes turn out perfectly.

Soft Peaks: Beat just until peaks form but curl over.

Stiff Peaks: Continue beating until peaks stand upright when beaters are removed.

SWEETENED WHIPPED CREAM

For each cup of whipped cream: In chilled, deep bowl, beat ½ cup whipping cream, 1 tablespoon powdered or granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla with electric mixer on low speed until mixture begins to thicken. Gradually increase speed to high, and beat just until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat, or mixture will curdle.