Those who are skilled in the pastry arts will be able to prepare some of the best cakes imaginable. Not only are they layered high, in certain cases, they are moist and sweet enough to where anyone can get into them. Without question, skill like this is obtained through experience, in addition to the best education imaginable. However, for those who are new to this particular endeavor, there is a level of caution worth taking up.
What are some of the reasons why a particular cake isn't up to par? Some of the complaints may come about due to texture, which is understandable, but it's just as safe to assume that the taste itself simply doesn't match up to expectations. In any event, you should know about how to prepare cake. This can be done through the recognition of oversights and if you take these 3 into account, you'll be able to grow that much stronger as a chef.
One of the mistakes to make note of is a failure to mix ingredients. This is especially true for butter, since it is a far more solid ingredient than, say, flour or eggs. If you under-mix, chances are that you will be left with solid clumps that will not bode well during the actual baking process. On the other hand, over-mixing can result in more of a liquefied substance. You have to find the right medium and make sure that you do not go over or under.
As the cake starts to bake, make sure that the oven door is kept shut at all times. There is a certain temperature that said oven entails, meaning that exposure to different temperatures can affect the way in which the cake is baked. It wouldn't be out of the question to assume that the cake in question would fall. With this in mind, make sure that the oven door is kept sealed, lest you run the risk of coming away with a less satisfactory cake.
Finally, you may cut into the cake too soon after it's been taken out of the oven. One of the cardinal rules of cake - and this is one that all aspiring chefs should know - is that it must be given an appropriate amount of time within a reasonable climate. Without allowing this, your cake will fall flat, whether it physically does so or not. Stay patient before you cut into your culinary delight; it will be that much better as a result.
What are some of the reasons why a particular cake isn't up to par? Some of the complaints may come about due to texture, which is understandable, but it's just as safe to assume that the taste itself simply doesn't match up to expectations. In any event, you should know about how to prepare cake. This can be done through the recognition of oversights and if you take these 3 into account, you'll be able to grow that much stronger as a chef.
One of the mistakes to make note of is a failure to mix ingredients. This is especially true for butter, since it is a far more solid ingredient than, say, flour or eggs. If you under-mix, chances are that you will be left with solid clumps that will not bode well during the actual baking process. On the other hand, over-mixing can result in more of a liquefied substance. You have to find the right medium and make sure that you do not go over or under.
As the cake starts to bake, make sure that the oven door is kept shut at all times. There is a certain temperature that said oven entails, meaning that exposure to different temperatures can affect the way in which the cake is baked. It wouldn't be out of the question to assume that the cake in question would fall. With this in mind, make sure that the oven door is kept sealed, lest you run the risk of coming away with a less satisfactory cake.
Finally, you may cut into the cake too soon after it's been taken out of the oven. One of the cardinal rules of cake - and this is one that all aspiring chefs should know - is that it must be given an appropriate amount of time within a reasonable climate. Without allowing this, your cake will fall flat, whether it physically does so or not. Stay patient before you cut into your culinary delight; it will be that much better as a result.
About the Author:
If you'd like to get involved in culinary school, please visit CookingSchools.com now.. Also published at Cake & 3 Mistakes To Know When Baking.