Posted by Tastefully Simple on July 21, 2023
8 Tips for How to Bake a Cake
1. Measure ingredients accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure precise measurements of dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. Use the “dip, level and pour” method for precise measuring dry ingredients like flour: dip the measuring cup into the ingredient to fill above the top of the cup (or use a spoon to lightly fill the cup), then slide an offset spatula or knife edge across the top to level it. For liquids, use a liquid measuring cup at eye level for accuracy.
2. Cream butter and sugar properly: When a recipe calls for creaming butter and sugar together, beat them together until light and fluffy to incorporate air into the mixture. This gives your dessert a tender and moist texture.
3. Follow specified ingredient temperatures: While Tastefully Simple’s cake mixes offer the ease of using melted butter, some cake recipes suggest that ingredients like eggs and dairy be at room temperature. To soften cold butter in a hurry, you can shred it on a grater or cut it into small cubes, or heat water in a glass measuring cup, empty and quickly invert it over the cold butter. It will soften in just a few minutes.
4. Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense and tough baked goods. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mix until just combined.
5. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven according to the recipe directions to ensure even baking and help the cake rise and set properly.
6. Don’t peek: Opening the oven door frequently can cause temperature fluctuations, leading to uneven baking and potential sinking in the center. Only open the oven door when necessary, near the end of the suggested baking time.
7. Use the toothpick or cake tester method: To check if your cake is fully baked, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
8. Allow proper cooling time: After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the structure to set and prevents it from breaking apart.
If these dessert baking tips for tasty treats have your sweet tooth twitching, try one of these easy and practically goof-proof dessert recipes today!
Absolutely Almond Baby Cakes. All you need to make these sweet little darlings is Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix™, butter, water, an egg and a Silicone Bar Pan or mini muffin pan.
Candy-Filled Cupcakes. These easy-to-make treats come with a sweet surprise in the middle. Perfect for birthday treats or anytime.
Chocolate Chip Pop Bread. Who knew you could make a delicious breakfast bread with a simple can of soda pop? So easy, and makes a delightful after-school snack or coffee break treat too.
Blueberry Almond Bundt Cake. Your bundt cake pan and our easy Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix™ are the perfect partners to create an elegant, yet so simple-to-make dessert.
Mexican Chocolate Cake. Cinnamon gives this luscious cake its special secret. Classy Chocolate Pound Cake Mix makes it no-fail easy.
Nana’s Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars. Just like Nana used to make, only a whole lot easier! Rich, moist and nostalgic, it’s made with easy and versatile Nana’s Apple Cake Mix®.
With these tips for how to bake a cake, you are well on your way to becoming a better baker. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep trying new recipes, techniques, and flavors. Embrace the joy of dessert baking, and delight in the smiles and satisfaction your sweet creations bring. Happy baking!