The following slides are most critical to success on the assessment: 9 – 19

The last test prior to the final exam lumps the cake unit and pie/pastry unit together.

The last food lab of the semester is our cake lab.

At this point, you should be reviewing all information covered through the semester for the final exam.

CAKES

How are cakes categorized &

made?

CAKESKEY LEARN

ING

Just like many other baked items, cakes are

often categorized by their ingredients or the baking methods that are required.

A CAKE IS A CAKE IS A .................Ralph - “Nancy, do you think your mother will mind if we bake a cake while she’s not here?”Nancy - “Oh, no, Ralph, it’s okay. Come on. I’m not sure we have all the ingredients, but we

can improvise. Let’s see, I can’t find the measuring spoons, but this looks like enough sugar, doesn’t it?”Ralph - “Maybe, but isn’t it risky to trust your eye judgment?” Nancy - “Oh, no. I’m sure this is right. What’s next?”Ralph -“Do you have a sifter?”Nancy - “Well, I can’t find one. It’s not really that important. Let’s skip it.”Ralph - “Now we need a teaspoon of baking powder.”Nancy - “We have baking soda, and they’re both used for the same purpose, aren’t they? Let’s use it instead.”Ralph - “Nancy, do you have 2/3 cup of solid shortening?”Nancy - “No, but I have oil, and that’s shortening. What’s next, Ralph?”Ralph - “It says here to mix at medium speed for three minutes.”Nancy - “I’m really afraid to use the electric mixer without my mother, let’s just mix it by hand. Ralph, get the baking pan from that drawer.”Ralph - “But Nancy, the recipe calls for a larger size pan.”Nancy - It’s the only one we have. The cake will just have to rise higher.

How long does it take to bake, Ralph?”Ralph – “For fifty minutes at 350 degrees.”Nancy - “I don’t want to wait that long. Let’s set the oven to 450 degrees so the

cake bakes quicker. Let’s go watch T.V. till it’s ready.”Almost and hour later, Nancy went to peak into the oven.Nancy - “Oh, no! Ralph, come quick!”

What were some of the mistakes that Nancy and Ralph made when they were preparing cake?

CHIFFON CAKES

Unshortened Cakes

Shortened Cakes

Shor

tene

d Ca

ke

Foam

Cak

e

Chiff

on C

ake

Qui

ck M

ix M

etho

d

Conv

entio

nal

Met

hod

Types of Cakes

Shortened cake

Unshortened cake

Chiffon cake

Contain fat. Sometimes people call shortened cakes, ‘butter cakes.’ Most shortened cakes contain leavening agents. Shortened cakes are tender, moist, & velvety.

Sometimes called ‘foam cakes,’ contain NO fat. These cakes are light & fluffy. They are leavened by air & steam rather than chemical leavening agents. Examples: angel food & sponge cakes.The main difference between angel food & sponge is the eggs: angel food = only the whites, Sponge = whole egg is used.

A cross between shortened & unshortened cakes. They contain fat like shortened cakes & beaten egg whites like unshortened cakes. The have large volumes, but they are not as light as unshortened cakes.

Cake IngredientsI N G R E D I E N T S F U N C T I O N S

FLOUR

SUGAR

EGGS

LIQUID

SALT

FAT

LEAVENING AGENT

Gives structure to the cake. Gluten develops when moistened & mixed, which holds the leavening gases that form during baking. Using cake flour makes a more delicate cake (less protein).

Gives sweetness to cakes. Also tenderizes the gluten & improves the texture of cakes.

Provides moisture & helps blend ingredients. Most recipes call for fresh milk, but some call for buttermilk sour milk, fruit juices, or water.

Provides flavoring. Cakes require less salt than yeast & quick breads.

Tenderizes the gluten. Shortened cakes may contain butter, margarine, or shortening (solid fats). Chiffon cakes use oil instead

Makes the cakes rise and become porous & light. Most recipes call for baking powder or baking soda and sour milk.

Improves flavor & color. The coagulated egg proteins also add structure. Act as a leavener in angel & sponge cakes.

Butt ermilk Substi tuteMaking a recipe that calls for buttermilk? Use this simple substitute, and you won't need to buy any:

Ingredients:

Milk (just under one cup)

1 Tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice

Preparation:

1. Place a Tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a

liquid measuring cup.

2. Add enough milk to bring the liquid up to the one-cup line.

3. Let stand for five minute. Then, use as much as your recipe

calls for.

Cakes vary from simple cupcakes to elaborate wedding cakes.Types of cakes are divided into 3 categories:

1) Shortened (butter cake)A. ConventionalB. Quick Mix (One-bowl)

2) Foam (unshortened)A. Angel foodB. Sponge

3) Chiffon (uses whole egg, but whites are beaten until soft peaks form, has fat)

 Accurate measurements—cakes may fail if correct proportions are not used.Cake flour produces larger, softer, more velvety cakes (less protein).

If cake flour is not available, a suitable substitution is: Liquid is usually milkHydrogenated fat is usually used (Crisco)Eggs—use medium to large 

Contain chemical leaveningContain shortening 

Contain no chemical leaveningContain no shortening 

1 cup cake flour = 1 cup—2 Tbsp. all purpose flour

MIXING SHORTENED CAKES: 

Conventional MethodFat is creamedSugar is gradually addedEggs blendedDry ingredients are added alternately with milk

One Bowl MethodIngredients usually added in order given in recipe

 Select proper size pan (too large, dry and not browned OR too small, rises to peak and falls) Square pan has more area than roundExample: 8 inch square = 64” 8 inch round = 52”

9 inch square = 81” 9 inch round = 64”Cut parchment paper to fit patGrease pan; dust with flour or cocoaLine pan with paper

 

FOAM CAKES

ANGELFOOD:

SPONGE CAKE: CHIFFON CAKE:

·Leavened by air beaten into eggs·Air heats, produces steam, steam expands·Fold ingredients in with care so air is not lost·Eggs at room temperature can be beaten more readily to greater volume.

Cake Notes p. 4

·Cream of tartar stabilizes egg whites (also increases whiteness)·Too much sugar—cake will fall·All utensils must be grease free·Whites should be whipped (no trace of yolk)·Flour & sugar gradually sifted over whites and folded gently·Bake in ungreased tube pan·Tap pan to remove large air bubbles·Over-Baking toughens angel food cake·Drizzle with frosting or use no frosting at all·Serve with fruit·Cut with wet, sharp knife

· Whole eggs used—separated & whites whipped; yolks beaten; dry ingredients folded in gently 

· Has characteristics of shortened & foam· Sift dry ingredients; add oil, egg yolks, liquid & beat together· Beat white to soft peak· Combine the two batters in ungreased pan  

Food Science of Preparing Cakes~ Successfully preparing a cake depends on measuring, mixing,

baking, & using the right equipment! ~

1. Measuring ingredients in the correct proportions. Too much or too little will affect the finished product. (too dry, wet, coarse, tough, dense, overtenderized, compact, could fall apart)

2. Mixing: You must mix the ingredients according to the method your recipe directs.a. Overmixing will cause the gluten to overdevelop, so the cake will be

tough. Overmixing angel food & sponge cakes will cause air to be lost from the beaten egg whites resulting in less volume.

b. Undermixing

3. Baking: You must bake in the pans that the recipe specifies. You should grease the pans for most shortened cakes & flour them lightly. Unshortened cakes must not be greased so that the batter can cling to the sides of the pan during baking. Ovens must be preheated to correct temperature.

Quick Mix Method

Conventional Method

Cream the fat & sugar together until light & fluffy. Beat the eggs into the creamed fat & sugar. Then add the dry ingredients alternately wit the liquid….

(Starts off sounding like making a cookie recipe.)

Also called the ‘ one step’ or ‘one-bowl’ method, takes less time than the conventional method.

Measure dry ingredients into the mixing bowl. Beat the fat & part of the liquid with the dry ingredients. Add the remaining liquid and unbeaten eggs last.

Pour cake batter into prepared pans.

Putting Cake in the Oven

You always want your oven preheated before putting cake in oven.

Center your cake pan in the oven.

Don’t allow cake pans to touch each other, so that heat can circulate around cakes evenly. If they are touching, hot spots can form causing

the cake to bake unevenly.

Test for doneness by lightly touching the center with your fingertip. If the cake springs back, it

is baked… or use the toothpick.

Fillings & Frostings

Types: boiled, butter cream,

Can turn a simple cake into a special dessert.

Fluffy whipped cream, creamy puddings, & sweet fruits are

among the popular fillings.

You can spread fillings between layers, or roll them into the

center of a jelly roll, or spoon them in the cavity of a cake.

Canned frostings & mixes are available, but they really are terribly

easy to make yourself.

Frostings may be cooked or uncooked.

Frostings enhance flavor & appearance of the cake

You can personalize cakes & get extremely creative with frostings

with some basic equipment

PoundCake

Ingredients3 cups all-purpose flour3/4 teaspoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon salt1 cup unsalted butter, softened1/2 cup shortening2 2/3 cups white sugar5 eggs1 cup milk1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 teaspoon lemon extract

DirectionsDo not preheat the oven. Grease 10 inch tube pan and line bottom with wax paper or parchment paper. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat the butter, shortening, and sugar on low speed for 10 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk, mixing well. Add the vanilla and lemon extracts. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C. Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of cake comes out clean. Allow cake to cool in the pan for 1 hour. Remove to a cake rack and cool for at least 3 hours.

Chocolate Cake

Ingredients2 cups boiling water1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking soda1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt1 cup butter, softened2 1/4 cups white sugar4 eggs1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 3 - 9 inch round cake pans. In medium bowl, pour boiling water over cocoa, and whisk until smooth. Let mixture cool. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at time, then stir in vanilla. Add the flour mixture alternately with the cocoa mixture. Spread batter evenly between the 3 prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Allow to cool.

Sunny Sponge CakeIngredients6 egg whites3 egg yolks1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder1/4 teaspoon salt1 cup sugar, divided2 teaspoons hot water1/2 cup orange juice, warmed1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract3/4 teaspoon grated orange peel1/4 teaspoon grated lemon peel3/4 cup reduced-fat whipped toppingDirectionsLet egg whites and egg yolks stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks until slightly thickened. Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar and hot water, beating until thick and pale yellow. Blend in the orange juice, vanilla and orange and lemon peels. Add reserved flour mixture to egg yolk mixture. In another mixing bowl and with clean beaters, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Fold a fourth of egg whites into the batter, then fold in remaining whites. Spoon batter into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Bake on the lowest rack at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert pan; cool completely. Run a knife around sides and center tube of pan. Invert cake onto a serving plate. Serve with whipped topping.

Read directions & take notice how the eggs are handled!

Hazelnut Chiffon Cake

Ingredients2 1/4 cups cake flour1 1/2 cups sugar1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts, toasted1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt5 egg yolks2/3 cup water1/2 cup vegetable oil1 tablespoon vanilla extract8 egg whites1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, hazelnuts, baking powder and salt. Whisk the egg yolks, water, oil and vanilla; add to dry ingredients. Beat until well blended. In another large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form; fold into batter.

Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through the batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on the lowest rack at 325 degrees F for 60-70 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert the cake pan onto a wire rack; cool completely. Carefully run a knife around edges and center tube to loosen; remove cake.

In a small mixing bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar. Beat in the baking cocoa, vanilla and enough coffee to achieve desired consistency. Frost cake.

MOCHA FROSTING:3/4 cup butter, softened1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar2 tablespoons baking cocoa1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 tablespoons hot brewed coffee

Angel Food Cake

Ingredients12 eggs1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar1 cup all-purpose flour1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract1/2 teaspoon almond extract1/4 teaspoon salt1 cup sugar

DirectionsSeparate eggs; discard yolks or refrigerate for another use. Measure egg whites, adding or removing whites as needed to equal 1-1/2 cups. Place in a mixing bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, sift confectioners' sugar and flour together three times; set aside. Add cream of tartar, extracts and salt to egg whites; beat on high speed. Gradually add sugar, beating until sugar is dissolved and stiff peaks form. Fold in flour mixture, 1/4 cup at a time. Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert pan; cool completely before removing cake from pan.

Alton Brown: “Honey I Shrunk the Cake” Parts 1 (10:26 min.) & Part 2 (cupcakes, how we got to ‘volumetrics’ with cups in Colonial America, explains the secret of chiffon)

Alton Brown: Let them Eat Foam (eggs & angel food) (10:20 min.)

Cake Making VideosAlton Brown: “A Cake on Every Plate” 10 ½ minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzc9ZnJtHas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ4sJ-4WguU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFFC9aBXm0Q&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MLMgkxQgNE&feature=related