How to Cake It: The Ultimate Guide for Baking Lovers

If you’re someone who loves baking, then you know that cakes are one of the most popular desserts out there. They’re perfect for birthdays, weddings, and just about any other occasion you can think of. But if you’re not an experienced baker, making a cake from scratch can be a daunting task. That’s where “How to Cake It” comes in. Founded by Yolanda Gampp, this YouTube channel has become a go-to resource for anyone who wants to learn how to bake and decorate incredible cakes. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at “How to Cake It” and share some tips, tricks, and recipes that will help you create show-stopping cakes in no time.

Introduction

Are you a baking enthusiast looking to enhance your skills and create stunning cakes? Look no further than How to Cake It, the ultimate resource for all things cake-related. With a wealth of tips, tricks, and recipes, How to Cake It is your go-to destination for taking your baking to the next level.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced baker, the world of cake baking can be overwhelming. From selecting the right ingredients to mastering frosting techniques, there’s a lot to learn. But with How to Cake It, you’ll have access to the knowledge and expertise you need to create show-stopping cakes every time.

One of the standout features of How to Cake It is its extensive collection of recipes. From classic vanilla cake to indulgent chocolate cake to trendy red velvet cake, there’s a recipe to suit every taste and occasion. And with detailed instructions and step-by-step photos, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results.

But How to Cake It is much more than just a recipe site. The website is full of helpful tips and tricks that will take your baking to the next level. Learn how to measure accurately, how to prepare pans, and how to avoid common mistakes like overmixing. Plus, discover insider secrets on how to decorate cakes like a professional.

So whether you’re looking to impress your friends and family with a homemade birthday cake or you’re interested in starting your own cake business, How to Cake It has everything you need to succeed. Join the baking community today and unlock your full potential as a cake maker.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking with How to Cake It

Gather the Right Tools and Ingredients

When it comes to baking a cake, having the right tools and ingredients is crucial for success. Here are some essential items you’ll need to gather before starting your How to Cake It recipe:

Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are key to a successful cake. Make sure you have a set of measuring cups for both dry and liquid ingredients.

Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a large mixing bowl to combine your ingredients. A clear glass or stainless steel bowl will allow you to easily see the consistency and color of your batter.

Whisk: A whisk is an important tool for blending your ingredients together. It’s especially useful for breaking up lumps in flour and ensuring that your eggs are fully beaten.

Flour: Flour is the foundation of any cake. Choose a high-quality flour with a low protein content, such as cake flour, for a tender crumb.

Sugar: Sugar provides both sweetness and structure to your cake. Granulated sugar is typically used in cake recipes, but brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor.

Eggs: Eggs add moisture and richness to your cake. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to your batter.

Butter: Butter adds flavor and richness to your cake. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature before using so that it can be easily incorporated into your batter.

By gathering these tools and ingredients before beginning your How to Cake It recipe, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to your ingredients – the better the quality, the better the end result!

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pans

Before you start baking, it is essential to preheat your oven to the correct temperature. This ensures that your cake or baked goods cook evenly and turn out perfectly every time. Most recipes will specify what temperature to preheat your oven to, but if it doesn’t, a general rule of thumb is to preheat it to 350°F (177°C).

Next, you need to prepare your pans for baking. This includes lining them with parchment paper or greasing them with butter or cooking spray. Lining your pan with parchment paper makes it easy to remove the cake from the pan once it’s finished baking, while greasing it helps prevent the cake from sticking to the sides.

To line your pan with parchment paper, simply trace the bottom of the pan onto a sheet of parchment paper and cut it out. Then, place the parchment paper in the bottom of the pan and grease the sides with butter or cooking spray.

If you choose to grease your pan instead of lining it with parchment paper, make sure to coat the sides and bottom of the pan well with butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and makes it easy to remove once it’s finished baking.

It’s important not to skip these steps as they can make all the difference in the outcome of your baked goods. Taking the time to properly preheat your oven and prepare your pans will result in a beautifully baked cake that looks and tastes amazing.

In summary, always remember to preheat your oven to the required temperature and be sure to properly prepare your pan by either lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with butter or cooking spray. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your baked goods turn out perfect every time.

Follow the Recipe Step-by-Step

Baking may seem like a simple task, but it requires precision and attention to detail. Following the recipe step-by-step is crucial to success in baking. Here are some tips to ensure that you get the best results possible.

Read the Recipe Thoroughly

Before you begin, make sure to read the recipe thoroughly. Take note of the ingredients required, the mixing techniques involved, and the baking times indicated. Understanding these details will help you prepare better and avoid mistakes.

Measure Accurately

Measuring ingredients accurately is essential to baking success. Use measuring cups and spoons or a kitchen scale to ensure precision. Adding too much or too little of an ingredient can change the texture and taste of your cake.

Follow Mixing Techniques

Mixing techniques play an important role in baking. Creaming, folding, and beating are just a few examples of techniques used in baking. Follow the instructions on when to use each technique and for how long. Overmixing can cause tough cakes, while undermixing can result in lumps.

Pay Attention to Baking Times

Baking times vary from recipe to recipe, so pay close attention to the indicated time in the recipe. Underbaked cakes will be wet and gooey, while overbaked ones will be dry and crumbly. To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

In conclusion, following the recipe step-by-step is crucial to baking success. By reading the recipe thoroughly, measuring accurately, following mixing techniques, and paying attention to baking times, you can create perfect cakes every time.

Decorate Your Cake Like a Pro

Decorating a cake can be just as important as baking it. If you’re looking to take your cake decorating skills to the next level, then you’ve come to the right place. In this section, we will discuss frosting techniques, piping bags, and decorating tips that will help you decorate your cake like a pro.

Frosting Techniques

Frosting a cake may seem like an easy task, but it requires some skill and practice. Here are some frosting techniques that will help you achieve a smooth and even coat of frosting on your cake:

Crumb Coat: A crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting that seals in the crumbs before applying the final coat of frosting. This technique will give you a flawless finish and prevent any loose crumbs from ruining your final design.
Offset Spatula: An offset spatula is a long, flat tool used for spreading frosting. It’s a must-have tool for achieving a smooth edge on your cake.
Bench Scraper: A bench scraper is a rectangular tool used to smooth the sides of a cake. Use it to create clean, straight edges on your cake.

Piping Bags

A piping bag is a cone-shaped bag used for frosting and decorating cakes. Using a piping bag can elevate your cake decorating game to a whole new level. Here are some tips for using piping bags:

Tip Selection: Piping tips come in all shapes and sizes. Use a star tip for creating rosettes or a round tip for writing messages.
Fill the Bag Properly: Fill your piping bag two-thirds full, twist the top closed, and apply pressure from the top of the bag to create a steady flow of frosting.
Practice Makes Perfect: Start with simple designs and work your way up to more intricate ones. Like any skill, decorating with a piping bag takes practice.

Decorating Tips

Decorating a cake is where you can really let your creativity shine. Here are some decorating tips that will help you create a stunning cake:

Use Edible Decorations: Fresh fruit, edible flowers, and chocolate shavings are just a few examples of edible decorations that will add color and texture to your cake.
Less is More: Don’t try to do too much with your design. A simple, elegant design can be just as impressive as an intricate one.
Plan Ahead: Sketch out your design on paper before you start decorating. This will help you visualize the end result and ensure that everything fits together perfectly.

In conclusion, frosting techniques, piping bags, and decorating tips are all essential tools for creating a beautiful cake. With a little practice and patience, you can decorate your cake like a pro. Remember to have fun and let your creativity run wild!

Recipes from How to Cake It

Vanilla Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a classic and delicious vanilla cake recipe, look no further! This recipe is easy to follow and produces a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature

To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch cake pans. In a medium bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a separate mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add in the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add the dry ingredients to the batter in three parts, alternating with the sour cream in two parts. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing out the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans and placing them on wire racks to cool completely.

Once cooled, you can frost and decorate your vanilla cake as desired. This recipe pairs well with a variety of frosting flavors, but classic vanilla buttercream is always a crowd-pleaser.

Overall, this vanilla cake recipe is a must-have in any baker’s repertoire. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can easily whip up a delicious cake that will impress your friends and family. Be sure to give it a try!

Chocolate Cake Recipe

If you’re a chocolate lover, then this recipe is for you! This decadent chocolate cake is moist, fluffy, and rich in flavor. Here’s what you need to make it:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot water

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9″ round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat together the buttermilk, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Pour in the hot water and stir until well incorporated.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them onto wire racks to cool completely.

Tips

For extra chocolatey goodness, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter.
To make the buttermilk, simply add 1 tbsp of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill up to the 1 cup line with milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Sift the cocoa powder before adding it to the batter to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Make sure to use hot water, as it helps to “bloom” the cocoa powder and enhance its chocolate flavor.

This chocolate cake is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or just as a treat for yourself! Serve it with whipped cream, frosting, or your favorite toppings. Give this recipe a try and indulge in its rich and chocolatey goodness.

Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Red Velvet Cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. Its beautiful bright red color and unique flavor make it a perfect choice for special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas or birthdays. Here is a simple recipe for you to try at home:

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 oz red food coloring

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Mix together until evenly combined.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until a smooth batter forms.
Divide the batter evenly between the two greased cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Once the cakes are cooled, frost and decorate them as desired.

Tips for Success

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking.
Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
Use a good quality red food coloring for the best results.
To make your own buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Red Velvet Cake is a delicious dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family. With this simple recipe and these helpful tips, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and tasty cake that everyone will love.

Buttercream Frosting Recipe

One of the most crucial aspects of cake decoration is the frosting. A buttercream frosting recipe can make or break a cake, so it’s essential to get it right. Here’s a tried and tested recipe that uses simple yet delicious ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

Beat the butter until light and creamy. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Add the powdered sugar in small batches until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if it’s too thin, or more cream if it’s too thick.

Tips and Tricks:

Use high-quality ingredients for the best possible flavor.
Make sure the butter is at room temperature before you begin. Cold butter can result in lumps and uneven texture.
Sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the butter to avoid lumps in the frosting.
To make chocolate buttercream frosting, add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the recipe.
Use a piping bag with a decorative tip to create beautiful designs on your cake.

Buttercream frosting is incredibly versatile and can be used as a base for many different flavors and variations. Experiment with different extracts, food coloring, and fruit purees to create your own unique recipes. With this easy-to-follow recipe and a few tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create delicious and beautiful cakes every time.

Fruit Filling Recipe

A delicious fruit filling can take your cake to the next level. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen fruit, this recipe for fruit filling is easy to make and oh-so-tasty.

Ingredients:

2 cups of fruit preserves (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, etc.)
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1/2 cup of water

Directions:

In a small saucepan, combine the fruit preserves and half of the water over medium heat.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and remaining water until smooth.
Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan with the fruit preserves and stir until combined.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool before using it as a filling between cake layers.

Tips:

If the filling is too thick, add a small amount of water to thin it out.
Be careful not to overcook the filling, or it will become too thick and difficult to spread.
Keep in mind that some fruits may require more or less cornstarch depending on their natural thickness and water content.

This fruit filling recipe is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and even pastries. Experiment with different fruit flavors and combinations to find your favorite. Your guests will be impressed by the homemade taste and texture of this easy-to-make filling.

Tips and Tricks for Baking Success

Measuring Accurately

One of the most important aspects of baking is measuring ingredients accurately. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, it’s essential to measure your ingredients correctly to ensure consistent and delicious results every time. In this section, we’ll explore three different tools you can use to measure ingredients accurately: measuring cups, measuring spoons, and kitchen scales.

Measuring Cups

Measuring cups are one of the most common tools used for measuring dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, and oats. They come in sets with various sizes, typically 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup. The key to accurate measuring is to first make sure that the ingredient is level with the top of the measuring cup. This means that you should scoop the ingredient into the measuring cup and then level off the excess with a knife or spatula. If you simply scoop the ingredient without leveling it, you could end up with too much or too little of the ingredient, which can affect the final outcome of your recipe.

Measuring Spoons

Measuring spoons are another crucial tool for measuring small amounts of dry or liquid ingredients such as spices, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Most measuring spoon sets come with four sizes: 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon. To measure accurately using measuring spoons, you should fill the spoon to its brim and level it off with a knife or spatula.

Kitchen Scale

Kitchen scales are the most precise way to measure ingredients by weight. They’re particularly useful for measuring ingredients such as flour, where accuracy is critical. Using a kitchen scale allows you to measure ingredients in grams or ounces, which can be more precise than using measuring cups or spoons. Additionally, some recipes may require measurements in weight rather than volume, so a kitchen scale can be particularly useful in those cases.

In conclusion, measuring ingredients accurately is crucial for achieving consistent and delicious results when baking. Whether you choose to use measuring cups, measuring spoons, or a kitchen scale, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and level off excess ingredients to ensure that you’re measuring correctly.

Room Temperature Ingredients

When it comes to baking, using room temperature ingredients can make all the difference in the outcome of your baked goods. Eggs, butter, and milk are three key ingredients that benefit from being at room temperature before use.

Eggs are often used as a leavening agent in cakes and cupcakes, helping them to rise and become fluffy. When eggs are at room temperature, they emulsify more easily with other ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter. Cold eggs can also cause butter to solidify and form lumps in your batter or dough.

Butter is another ingredient that should be brought to room temperature before use. Softened butter can be creamed more easily with sugar, creating a light and fluffy texture in your baked goods. Additionally, when butter is too cold, it doesn’t mix well with other ingredients, leading to uneven distribution and resulting in a less than ideal texture.

Milk is often added to batter or dough to add moisture and richness to baked goods. When milk is at room temperature, it mixes more easily with other ingredients and creates a smoother batter overall. Cold milk can also cause butter to solidify, creating those unwanted lumps mentioned earlier.

So how can you bring these ingredients to room temperature quickly and safely? For eggs, simply place them in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes before use. Butter can be left out at room temperature for 30 minutes or so until it’s soft and spreadable. Milk can be microwaved for a few seconds to bring it to room temperature.

In summary, taking the time to bring your eggs, butter, and milk to room temperature can greatly improve the texture and overall outcome of your baked goods. So next time you’re baking, remember to plan ahead and give your ingredients time to reach room temperature before use.

Avoid Overmixing

Overmixing is a common mistake that many home bakers make when preparing cake batter. It can result in tough, dry cakes that are far from the light and fluffy texture we all love. But what exactly is overmixing, and how can you avoid it?

First, let’s talk about mixing techniques. When making cake batter, it’s important to mix just until the ingredients are combined. You don’t want to continue mixing beyond that point, as this will develop the gluten in the flour and cause the batter to become dense and chewy. To prevent this, use a gentle hand and stir only until the ingredients are incorporated.

Another technique to avoid overmixing is folding in ingredients. This is especially important when adding delicate ingredients like whipped cream or egg whites to the batter. Folding means gently lifting the mixture from the bottom of the bowl and turning it over on top of itself. Do this just until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter, then stop.

It can be tempting to keep stirring and mixing the batter, thinking it will create a smoother texture or better incorporate the ingredients. However, this is a mistake that can ruin your cake. Remember, less is more when it comes to mixing cake batter. The goal is to achieve a uniform consistency without overworking the batter.

In summary, avoid overmixing by using gentle mixing techniques and folding in delicate ingredients. With practice and patience, you’ll soon be creating perfectly moist and delicious cakes every time.

Cooling Cakes

When it comes to baking a cake, many people are tempted to dive right into decorating as soon as the cake is out of the oven. However, one of the most important steps in the baking process is allowing your cake to cool completely before decorating it. In this article, we’ll explore why cooling your cake is so crucial and provide some tips for ensuring your cakes cool evenly and thoroughly.

Why is Cooling Cakes Important?

The primary reason to let your cakes cool completely before decorating them is to avoid melting your frosting or decorations. If you try to frost a cake that is still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off the cake, resulting in a messy and unappetizing appearance. Additionally, if you’re using delicate decorations like fondant or sugar flowers, they may soften or lose their shape if they come into contact with a warm cake.

But beyond just aesthetics, allowing your cake to cool properly can also affect its texture and flavor. A cake that hasn’t cooled adequately may be denser or gummier than a fully cooled cake. This is because the residual heat from the baking process continues to cook the cake even after it’s out of the oven. By allowing the cake to cool completely, you ensure that it sets properly and retains its ideal texture and crumb.

Tips for Cooling Cakes

So, how do you ensure that your cakes cool evenly and thoroughly? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Use a cooling rack: Placing your cake directly on the countertop can trap heat underneath and prevent it from cooling evenly. Instead, use a cooling rack to lift the cake off the counter and allow air to circulate around it.
Don’t rush the process: It’s tempting to move your cake to the fridge or freezer to speed up the cooling process, but this can actually cause more harm than good. Rapid temperature changes can cause your cake to crack or become dry. Instead, let your cake cool at room temperature for at least an hour before decorating it.
Avoid covering the cake: While you may be tempted to cover your cake with a lid or plastic wrap to keep it fresh, this can actually trap heat and moisture inside the container, making it harder for the cake to cool properly. Instead, leave your cake uncovered until it’s completely cooled, then cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a cake dome.
Be patient: Cooling your cake can take several hours depending on its size and density. While it may be tempting to start decorating right away, taking the time to let your cake cool will result in a more attractive and delicious finished product.

By following these tips and allowing your cakes to cool completely before decorating them, you’ll ensure that your baked goods look and taste their best. So next time you’re baking a cake, resist the urge to rush the cooling process and give your cake the time it needs to cool down properly.
After reading this post, you should now have a good understanding of how to cake it like a pro. From gathering the right tools and ingredients to following step-by-step instructions, How to Cake It provides the tips and tricks necessary for successful baking. The recipes offered, including vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet cakes, are sure to impress your family and friends. Additionally, we provided crucial tips such as measuring accurately, using room temperature ingredients, avoiding overmixing, and cooling cakes properly – all of which are essential for any baker. Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting, this guide is the ultimate resource for creating beautiful and delicious cakes. With How to Cake It’s techniques and recipes, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master baker in no time. Happy Baking!