CAKE MAKINGBy

MRS. M. PITT

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

i. Name the basic methods of cake makingii. List the equipment used in cake making.iii. State at least two ways of introducing air in

cake mixtures.iv. Demonstrate an understanding of the

different methods of cake making.v. Identify remedies for various faults that can

occur in cake making.

BASIC CAKE MAKING METHODS

• Rubbing in method-Rock buns, scones,• Creaming-Victoria sandwich, Christmas cakes,

fairy cakes. • Whisking-Swiss rolls, sandwich cakes, sponge

fingers, flan cases.• Melting-Chocolate brownies, flapjacks,

gingerbread.

SUMMARY OF BASIC CAKE MAKING METHODS

Method Recommended fats

Fat to flour Sugar to flour Summary of Preparation techniques

Rubbing in Butter , Margarine

½ or less ½ or less Fat is rubbed into flour then liquid including egg added.

Creaming Butter , Margarine

½ ½ Fat and sugar is creamed together; egg added; half flour fold in; liquid added and remaining flour folded in.

whisking No fat is used 1 1 Egg and sugar whisked together to form a foam, flour is sifted and lightly folded in.

melting Margarine, lard, oil

1/3 1 Fat is melted with

sugar; when cooled this and other liquids including eggs stirred in the mixture.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN INGREDIENTS USED IN CAKE MAKING?

FUNCTIONS OF FLOUR IN CAKE MAKING

• Forms the structure of the cake.• Dextrinization of starch helps to give cake its

colour.• bulk ingredient.

FUNCTIONS OF FAT IN CAKE MAKING

• Improves flavour and colour• To provide ‘shortness’to cake mixture. This• Extends shelf life.• Traps air when creamed with sugar, which acts

as a raising agent.

FUNCTIONS OF SUGAR IN CAKE MAKING

• Adds flavour.• Add colour as the sugar caramelises on

heating.• Helps to trap air with fat during heating.• Softens the structure.

FUNCTIONS OF EGGS IN CAKE MAKING

• Trap air to help the mixture rise,• Emulsify the fat in creamed mixtures. (lecithin

found in egg yolk acts as the emulsifier).• Add colour.• Add nutrients.• Help to set the cake in the risen position by

the coagulation of egg protein. • Provide moisture which converts to steam on

heating.

FUNCTIONS OF LIQUID IN CAKE MAKING

• Provides moisture for the gelatinization of starch.• Helps the development of gluten.• Forms steam to help the mixture rise.• Helps blend ingredients• Examples:

– Milk– Buttermilk– Orange juice– Water

FUNCTIONS OF LEAVENING AGENTS

• Causes cake to rise– Examples: Baking Powder, Baking Soda and

Air• Baking powder is used for baking cakes. It contains sodium

hydrogen carbonate, which breaks down when heated to form carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide helps to make the cake mixture rise, so that the cakes are light and fluffy.

FUNCTIONS OF FLAVORINGS IN CAKE MAKING

Flavoring:– Improve the taste of the product– Example: vanilla, almond essence, nutmeg,

cinnamon, raisins, orange zest.

CAKE MAKING EQUIPMENT

WAYS OF INTRODUCING AIR IN CAKE MIXTURES

Aeration is incorporating air in a mixture. This happens in different ways depending on the method used.

CreamingSugar and fat beaten together traps air.SievingFlour traps air in the flour particlesWhiskingEggs and sugar together traps air.

RUBBING –IN METHOD (More flour than fat)

• Air is trapped in the sieving the flour and by lightly (with finger tips) rubbing the fat in to the flour.

• Raising agents in the flour help the cake to rise

scone

rock cakes

CREAMINING(Half or more than half fat to flour)

• Air is trapped by creaming the sugar and fat together

• This give a lighter texture

WHISKING METHOD(No fat. relies on air trapped by the whisk)

• Eggs and sugar whisked together to trap air (aerate). Example in sponge cakes and Swiss rolls.

MELTING

• Fat & syrup/sugar are melted in a pan and poured into the other ingredients.

STEPS IN MAKING A CAKE USING THE CREAMING METHOD

Basic Mixing MethodsCreaming Method

Cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs a little at a time.

Understanding Cake Making

Basic Mixing Methods

Add one-fourth of the dry ingredients and mix in.

Add one-third of the liquid ingredients and mix in. Repeat until all the dry and liquid ingredients are incorporated.

Creaming Method

Understanding Cake Making

Basic Mixing MethodsFoaming or Sponge Method

With a wire whip or the whip attachment of a mixer, beat the eggs until they are very thick and light.

Fold in the sifted flour in three or four stages, until all the flour is blended in.

MAKING A CAKE USING THE CREAMING METHOD

• Fat & sugar are creamed together using a wooden spoon. It is better to use soft margarine as it is easier to cream.

• Caster sugar has smaller crystals than granulated, so it mixes better.

MAKING A CAKE USING THE CREAMING METHOD

• Self-raising flour is used to make the cakes rise so there is no need to add baking powder.

• Flavourings such as cocoa can be added to the mixture must be dissolved before adding to prevent speckling.

• These cakes are cooked at a lower temperature, Gas 4 or 5 (180° - 190°C) for 20 – 25 minutes.

GUIDELINES TO ENSURE SUCCESS

• Preparing Pans– Prepare as directed

• Grease & lightly dust with flour• Shake out extra • Or line with waxed paper cut to size

• Remove egg from refrigerator to bring them at room temperature before use.

• Always sift flour and any powdered ingredients such as baking powder or spices.

ADAPTING A CAKE RECIPE

• What could you add to cakes to change• the flavour• the texture• the colour• What could you change to make cakes

healthier? (think about what you need to eat more of and what you need to eat less of)

FAULTS IN CAKE MAKING Cake has risen to a peak and is

cracked!

1.The oven temperature is too high, causing the mixture to rise rapidly to a peak, then overcook.

2.Too much mixture for the size of the tin.

3.Placing the cake on too high a shelf in the oven.

L.O. To understand the different methods of cake baking.

Cake has sunk in the middle! Undercooking by the wrong

temperature or cooking time. Too much sugar or syrup

causing the gluten to over-soften and collapse.

Too much raising agent, causing the gluten to over stretch and collapse.Opening the oven door before the gluten has set, so that the heavy cold air makes it sink.

L.O. To understand the different methods of cake baking.

The oven shelf is not level.The cake mixture was placed too close to the source of heat, which has caused it to rise too quickly on one side.

Cake has risen unevenly!

L.O. To understand the different methods of cake baking.

Cake has a hard, sugary crust!The sugar is too course and does not dissolve in time.Too much sugar has been used.Cake is dry.

Cake baked for too long.Too little liquid usedToo much chemical raising agent used.

L.O. To understand the different methods of cake baking.Fruit has sunk to the bottom!Pieces of fruit were too large and too heavy.

Fruit was not dusted with flour before being added to the mixture.Cake mixture was over beaten or was too wet so it could not hold the fruit in place.Oven temperature was too low; the mixture melted before it could hold the fruit in place.