There’s something incredibly rewarding about baking a cake from scratch, especially when it turns out perfectly light, moist and delicious. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to sharpen your skills, a few simple tweaks can make all the difference in your results.
Here are ten foolproof tips to help you bake better cakes from the comfort of your own kitchen.
1. Start with Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold butter and eggs can lead to uneven mixing and poor texture. Allow your butter, eggs and milk to sit out until they reach room temperature. This helps them blend more smoothly, creating a lighter and more even crumb.
2. Measure Accurately
Great cakes begin with accurate measurements. Using a kitchen scale instead of cups or tablespoons ensures consistency and precision. Even a few grams too much flour can result in a dense sponge. BBC Good Food has a handy guide for accurate measuring techniques.
3. Don’t Skip the Sifting
Sifting your flour, cocoa powder or icing sugar aerates the ingredients and removes lumps. This extra step makes your batter smoother and your cake fluffier.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar Properly
Creaming means beating butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, which is essential for creating a light cake. Don’t rush this step – it can take up to five minutes using an electric mixer.
5. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once you’ve added flour to your mixture, stir gently and only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing activates the gluten, which can make cakes tough rather than tender.
6. Preheat and Prep Your Oven
Always preheat your oven before baking. Many ovens take longer to reach the correct temperature than you might think, so give it at least 10–15 minutes. An oven thermometer can help ensure your oven is truly baking at the right temperature. Check out Serious Eats for a helpful guide on using oven thermometers.
7. Use the Right Tin Size and Line It Well
Using the wrong cake tin can affect both the cooking time and the texture. Stick to the tin size stated in your recipe. Make sure to grease it properly and line the base with baking parchment to prevent sticking. If you’re looking to upgrade your equipment, take a look at our Top 10 Essential Baking Tools.
8. Avoid Opening the Oven Door Too Soon
Peeking into the oven too early can cause your cake to sink. Try to resist opening the door until at least two-thirds of the way through the baking time. Sudden changes in temperature are your cake’s worst enemy.
9. Check for Doneness the Right Way
Insert a skewer or cocktail stick into the centre of the cake – if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. You can also gently press the top of the cake; it should spring back if fully baked.
10. Let It Cool Before You Frost
It’s tempting to start decorating right away, but patience pays off. Let your cake cool completely on a wire rack before adding frosting or icing. This prevents it from melting and slipping off. While you wait, why not explore our Top 10 Unique Cake Recipes for inspiration?
Conclusion
Mastering the basics of cake baking is easier than you think. By following these simple yet effective tips, you’ll be on your way to baking consistently better cakes that taste as amazing as they look. So grab your whisk, preheat your oven and enjoy the process – delicious results await.
Do you have a favourite cake tip or a baking win to share? Do let us know in the comments!