She’s the mastermind behind Cape Town’s cake haven The Velvet Cake Co, and now this pastry pro is sharing her expert advice to help you bake the perfect cake, every time.
1 Always read the recipe carefully…
…and make sure that your ingredients are at room temperature. Baking is a science, so too much or too little of an ingredient can greatly affect your end product.
2 Use the pan size recommended in the recipe…
…as the baking time is specific to the shape and size recommended. Altering this may result in over- or under-baking.
3 Check the freshness of your eggs…
…by putting them in a bowl of water: if they sink, they’re fresh; if they float or stand on one end, they aren’t.
4 When using an electric mixer…
…scrape the bottom of the mixing bowl midway through to ensure that all ingredients are properly incorporated into the batter.
5 Don’t ever…
…fill cake or cupcake pans to the top. Leave room for the batter to rise when baking.
6 Use a wooden skewer…
…to check if your cake is done. Insert the skewer into your cake: if it comes out clean, it’s ready; if there are still crumbs clinging to the skewer, it needs more time in the oven. You can also tell if your cake is done if the sides pull away from the pan or if the top of the sponge bounces back when you touch it.
7 Cool your sponge…
…upside down on a cooling rack. This will help flatten the top, which will make it easier if you are stacking layers.
8 Before trying to remove your sponge from the pan…
…let it cool for at least 20 minutes, but with cupcakes, always remove them immediately to allow them to cool separately.
9 Make sure…
…your cake is fully cooled down before icing or storing.
10 To stop cake crumbs from mixing with your icing…
…first ice a thin layer over the sides of the cake to seal the loose crumbs. Pop the cake in the fridge for a few minutes to set, and then apply the rest of your icing.
Find The Velvet Cake Co at 16 Loop St, CBD or 10 Bella Rosa St, Bellville. For more info or to place an order, visit thevelvetcakeco.com or call 021 914 0482.
Want more kitchen tips? Here are 4 baking tips Siba Mtongana swears by.
