Mary Berry is an English food writer, chef and television presenter, best known for her work on The Great British Bake Off since 2010. As one of Britain’s most renowned dessert experts, it’s no surprise that Mary Berry has a sweet tooth.
Her favourite cake is reportedly a Victoria sandwich cake, which is a British tea-time classic and traditionally made of two equal layers of sponge with a layer of raspberry jam in the center and topped with powdered sugar.
Mary Berry has even shared her own recipe for a Victoria sandwich cake, where she starts off with the classic ingredients before adding her own twist with some lemon zest for extra zing. When it comes to Mary Berry’s perfect Victoria sandwich, it is all about using the finest ingredients, including high-quality butter and perfectly-whipped cream.
She will often add a dusting of icing sugar and a drizzle of lemon syrup in between the layers of sponge. Finally, to finish off her perfect creation, she adds a pretty sugar rose on the top.
What is the number 1 cake in the world?
It’s hard to say what the number one cake in the world is, as everyone has different preferences. However, there are some cakes that are known all around the globe and have gained a reputation for being delicious.
In America, the top cake is generally accepted to be the traditional Yellow or Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Fudge Frosting. It is a classic cake that has withstood the test of time and is commonly found at birthday parties and other celebrations.
In Germany, Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake) is one of the most popular cakes. It consists of several layers of chocolate sponge cake which are soaked in liqueur, filled with cream and cherries, and topped with chocolate shavings and/or cherries.
Other popular cakes from around the world include Pão de Ló (Portugal), Basbousa (Egypt), Tiramisu (Italy), and Baklava (Turkey). All of these cakes have been enjoyed for centuries and, for that reason, have been deemed popular globally.
In the end, it really depends on personal preference and there is no one cake that is deemed the number one in the world.
How do you make a cake more fluffy and moist?
To make a cake more fluffy and moist, there are a few things that you can do. First, make sure you are using the proper ingredients with the right measurements. If a recipe calls for all-purpose flour, for example, use exactly what it suggests.
Also, adding an extra egg can help to add structure and texture. When creaming butter and sugar, make sure to do it for an adequate amount of time (usually three to five minutes on medium speed). This should result in a creamy and fluffy mixture that will lend a light texture to the finished cake.
Additionally, adding sour cream, yogurt, applesauce, cream cheese, or even mashed bananas can provide moisture and elevate texture. When baking, also make sure to use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature, as this will help to maintain even baking.
Finally, be very careful when mixing batter and don’t overmix; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour and make your cake tough. Follow these tips, and you should end up with a soft, moist, and light cake.
What makes a cake fluffier?
The answer to this question varies slightly based on what type of cake you are trying to make. Generally speaking, the ingredients that make cakes fluffier are using combinations of fat (such as butter, coconut or olive oil), eggs, baking powder or baking soda and making sure to beat the ingredients until they are light and fluffy.
Additionally, adding liquid, such as buttermilk, can help boost the fluffiness of the cake. Other tips include, creaming the butter and sugar together until light in color and adding eggs one at a time and scraping down the bowl in between each addition.
Finally, to ensure your cake is as fluffy as possible, be sure to use the appropriate size and shape baking pan, as over-filling or an incorrect size baking pan can cause your cake to be dry and dense.
What can I add to cake mix to make it fluffier?
The first would be to add an extra egg to the recipe, as eggs provide structure as well as moisture. You could also add some mayonnaise or some Greek yogurt to the recipe; both of these can provide a richer, fluffier texture.
You could also add a teaspoon of baking powder to the mix; this will help the cake rise and give it more body. Finally, adding a bit of cream cheese to the mix can also make the cake fluffier; the cream cheese will create air bubbles that help the batter hold its shape better.
How do you add extra moisture to a cake?
Adding extra moisture to a cake is simple and achievable with just a few ingredients. The most common way to add extra moisture is to use a simple syrup or glaze over the top of the cake. To make a simple syrup, mix equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until the sugar has dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes before cooling. Once the syrup is cool, brush it over the top and sides of the cake. You can also try adding more moist ingredients such as applesauce, mashed banana, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even fruit juices.
For added flavor, you can infuse the syrup with citrus, vanilla, or herbs. If your cake is looking dry, try using a fruit purée or cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream. Finally, adding a layer of jam or preserves underneath the buttercream will also provide extra moisture.
Which ingredient makes the cake very soft?
The main ingredient that makes cakes soft and fluffy is either butter or oil. Softness in cakes is determined by how much fat is present in the dough. Butter is the classic choice and will provide a lovely, rich flavor.
It also contributes to a soft, moist cake. Alternatively, oil such as vegetable or coconut oil can be used and will result in an incredibly fluffy and moist cake. Adding a liquid such as milk, or even buttermilk, into the mix will also help to make the cake light and airy.
To ensure your cake is really soft, consider creaming the butter and sugar together for several minutes to trap as much air as possible into the batter. This allows for more potential for rise and a soft texture.
Finally, baking the cake on the correct temperature and time is key – too hot and it will become dry, too cool and it could be mushy.
Which base is used to make the cake soft and fluffy?
The base used to make a soft and fluffy cake is typically a combination of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. When these ingredients are combined and properly prepared, they create a light, moist texture in the cake that is delightfully soft and fluffy.
Besides the butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, cakes can also be prepared with baking powder or baking soda in order to help them rise, which helps create a soft and fluffy texture. Other ingredients, such as milk, oil, and extracts, can be added to give the cake additional moisture, flavour, and texture.
With a combination of these ingredients, bakers can create a delicious and soft and fluffy cake.
What makes baked products soft and fluffy?
Baked goods such as cakes and muffins become soft and fluffy when several ingredients such as sugar, butter, baking powder, baking soda, flour, and eggs are combined with liquid and heated. Sugar, butter, and eggs all play a role in creating a moist, soft texture.
Sugar attracts moisture when heated, giving baked goods a soft and tender texture, while butter adds fat which also helps to keep the product soft and tender. Eggs provide structure and stability, helping the cake to stay soft and fluffy even after cooling.
In addition to the ingredients, the proportions and mixing method are important factors in making a baked product soft and fluffy. Generally, the ratio of liquid to flour should not exceed 1:1, as too much liquid will contribute to a soggy product.
The same goes for incorporating fat into the batter; too much fat or butter will lead to a dense, oily cake. When mixing the ingredients, it is important to not over mix, as this will create a dry, tough texture instead of the desired moist and fluffy texture.
Instead, mix until just combined, as over-mixing will cause the batter to become over-aerated, which can lead to a dense cake.
Following the right techniques and using the right ingredients will set you up to create a delicious and soft baked product.
Why is my cake dense and not fluffy?
The most likely culprit is that your batter was overmixed. When ingredients are mixed too long, they can form gluten strands, resulting in a dense, less spongy cake. Another possible cause could be too much leavening.
If you’ve used baking powder or baking soda that is too old, or if you’ve added too much, your cake will end up dense and flat. Finally, making sure you are using the correct type and amount of fat for your recipe is essential for texture.
If you’ve used too little fat, like butter, vegetable oil, or shortening, your cake may be dense and dry.
How can cake be soft?
Cakes can be kept soft and moist by following a few key baking tips; these include avoiding over-mixing the batter, measuring ingredients accurately, not over-baking, cooling and storing properly, and using the correct type of fat.
When mixing the batter, stop just as soon as the ingredients are combined – over-mixing overdevelops the gluten and can leave you with a hard, dense cake. Ingredients should be measured accurately as even small differences can have a significant effect on the texture of the cake.
Once the cake is in the oven, be sure to keep an eye on it, as overcooking can lead to a dry, tough cake. Once the cake has finished baking, it’s important to cool it properly. Cooling it on a wire rack allows air to circulate around the cake, resulting in a more evenly cooled cake.
Finally, the type of fat used can have an effect on the texture of the cake. Butter has a higher fat content than other fats, resulting in a richer and softer texture. Therefore, when baking a soft and moist cake, it’s important to follow these key baking tips.
Does vinegar make cake soft?
No, vinegar does not make cake soft. While many recipes use small amounts of vinegar for flavoring, adding vinegar to cake batter does not make the cake softer. In fact, adding too much vinegar can make the cake dry, tough, and too acidic.
If a cake is too dense, the problem is usually due either to overmixing or to undersized or misshaped pans; adding vinegar will not improve the texture of the cake. If you’re looking to make a soft and fluffy cake, it’s best to follow the recipe and use the ingredients, techniques, and bake times as specified.
How do you make a delicious chocolate cake?
Making a delicious chocolate cake is relatively easy! Here is what you’ll need:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1½ cups vegetable oil
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1½ cups boiling water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare two round cake pans by lightly greasing them and dusting them with cocoa powder.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
5. Slowly add the boiling water, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before removing and transferring to a cooling rack.
9. Let cool completely before frosting.
Frosting:
1. In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup butter and 3 cups sifted powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in 4 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2-3 tablespoons of milk, or enough to make the consistency spreadable.
3. Spread a generous layer of frosting onto the cooled cake and enjoy!
How can I make my chocolate cake taste better?
First, use high quality cocoa powder and chocolate – this will give your cake a deep, rich flavor. If you want an extra burst of chocolate flavor, try using a combo of melted semi-sweet and bitter-sweet chocolate.
Secondly, make sure you use a proper amount of butter, sugar and eggs to ensure the cake has the correct balance of sweetness, moisture, and fluffiness. If you want to add a natural sweetness, you may add banana, dates, or chopped nuts to the batter.
Lastly, you can glaze the cake with a simple glaze or frosting. For a richer flavor, try making a chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting. Improving the quality of your ingredients along with adjusting the amount of sugar and butter will make any chocolate cake taste better.
What is the secret to making a good cake?
The key to making a good cake is to use the right ingredients, follow the recipe closely, and practice. Start by finding the right recipe. Look for something that has been tried and tested and has good reviews.
Read through the entire recipe before getting started to make sure you have all of the necessary ingredients and supplies. Gather all of the ingredients and be sure that they are all fresh and in good condition.
Once the ingredients are ready, it’s important to pay close attention to measurements. Follow instructions closely, as even slight miscalculations or omissions can change the outcome of the cake. Measure the ingredients out precisely, and make sure to mix them thoroughly for maximum flavor.
Finally, practice. Baking a good cake isn’t something that can happen on the first try—even experienced bakers sometimes have to try a recipe a few times to get the desired result. Make notes of what worked and what didn’t, and use that to adjust the recipe appropriately in the next batch.
With a little practice and patience, you’ll soon be creating delicious cakes.