Archive Issue - Monthly Tidbits Article
May 2008

Tidbits for Baking a Cake
by Jill Jackson

Last week I touched upon a subject that may be, well, a tender one for some of you. None of us likes to admit that we make mistakes in the process of invention, but it does happen, and begs the question, “What went wrong?”

If you’re just joining us, I have already written about the erroneous outcomes when baking a cake, including a soggy crust, a dark crust and a cracked crust. But what if your cake lacks color or stature?

Imagine this: You’ve promised your best friend you’d make her daughter’s very first birthday cake. Proud to be nominated for this prestigious event, you go to the store and stock up on all of the ingredients necessary to create and conquer! Confident that the infant will not use it for a squeeze toy, you spare no expense, even buying decorations. (You are a true optimist!)

Cut to: You pull it out of the oven, only to know that the cake is crumbling even when warm. Well, you may have used too much shortening or fat. Be precise, not only in measurement but in following the directions to a tee. Did you use melted butter? Did you measure it in a liquid measuring cup?

Another reason for a crumbly cake is the use of too much leavening agent, such as baking powder or flour. The powder activates with the flour and begins to crumble. While some of you believe that no cake can be too sweet, that is a misconception, especially when using granulated sugar. That sweet will turn to sour just in the texture of the cake because using too much sugar will also turn your beautiful cake to pieces—well, crumbs.

Is your cake uneven, giving the guest of honor and her fans a different perspective? Simple modifications including spreading the batter more evenly or making sure your cake is in the center of the oven on the middle rack (Hint: uneven heat distribution is a major cause of the lopsided cake) will prevent this from happening.

Following these tips will really make a difference. While the little one may not remember her first birthday and may play with her food, a hand in the cake will still taste better when done correctly!