Cakes

Ingredients

Each ingredient performs a specific function and must be combined in proper balanceToo much flour: cake is DRYToo much egg: cake is TOUGH and HARD

Cake Ingredient Classifications

Tougheners Tenderizers Moisteners Driers Leaveners Flavorings

Tougheners

Provide protein that assists in structure and toughens the cakeFlour Milk Eggs

Tenderizers

Shorten gluten strands, making cake tender and soft (makes batter weaker)

Improve cake’s keeping qualitiesSugar Fat Egg yolks

Moisteners

Bring moisture necessary for gluten formation and starch gelatinization

Improve cake’s keeping qualitiesMilkWaterJuiceEggs

Driers

Absorb moisture, giving body and structure to the cakeFlourStarchesMilk solids

Leaveners

Make cakes rise Gases in batter expand when heated Air is trapped when fat and sugar are creamed

together Carbon dioxide (CO2) released from BAKING

SODA and BAKING POWDER Air trapped from beaten eggs Natural leaveners – steam and air

Flavorings

For desired taste add:Cocoa/chocolateExtractsSpicesSugarSaltButter

Flavorings, cont.

Acidic ingredients activate baking sodaSour creamChocolateFruit

Ingredient Preparation

All ingredients should be at room temperature (approximately 70°F)

Any ingredient too cold or too warm = affects batter’s ability to trap and hold the gases necessary to rise

Mixing Methods

1.Shortened/Creamed Fat

2.Whipped Egg

Creamed Fat/Shortened Method

Based on high fat formulas containing chemical leaveners

Fine grain, uniform cell size, moist crumb Pound cakes, layer cakes, coffeecakes

Using the Creaming Method

1. Sift dry ingredients together

2. Cream butter or shortening until light and fluffy

3. Add sugar and cream until mixture is fluffy and smooth

4. Add eggs, one at a time

5. Add dry and liquids alternately

Determining Doneness Appearance

Light to golden brown Edges begin to pull away from sides of pan Does not jiggle

Tough Spring back when touched lightly

Cake Tester Toothpick, skewer, or metal cake tester should

come out clean

Cake Creations Worksheet

Complete the “Cake Creations” Worksheet You may work together on the worksheet as a

group, but each group member is required to turn in their own worksheet

Cake Decorating Inspiration

Cake Decorating Inspiration