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10 Steps -- With Photos -- To Making a Cake

Posted by Ian Weyenberg on

10 Steps To Making a Cake

(with photos)

BY CARROLL PELLEGRINELLI

We know anyone that buys from our site is probably a baking expert! 
But it NEVER hurts to brush up on the basics. :)
We at cakedecors.net want to make everyone an expert baker. 
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Chocolate cake
Gentl & Hyers / Getty Images

When kids get interested in helping their mom or dad in the kitchen, one of the first things they want to do is to help bake a cake. It's a good choice because it is easy, direct and follows the same basic steps every time, with variations that can make it more complicated. Knowing the basics lets you approach making a cake from scratch with great confidence. For this step-by-step example, a chocolate cake is on the menu.

Step 1: Get Ready
    Greasing cake tin
    Howard Shooter / Getty Images

    Before you begin baking, grease and flour the pans you are using. These could be 8-inch rounds, 9-inch rounds, 13- by 9-inch rectangular, Bundt pans or even Springform pans. Preheat the oven to the temperature as directed in the recipe so that it's ready to bake when you are.

    Complete Photo Directions for Greasing and Flouring Baking Pans

            Step 2: Melting Chocolate or Other Ingredient Preparation

    Melting chocolate
    Michael Pau / Getty Images

    It's important to have all of the ingredients prepared before making the batter. Many cake recipes call for melted chocolate, so you should do that before beginning to mix up the batter. To melt chocolate, you can use a microwave or a saucepan on the stovetop, the traditional method. There are several ways to melt chocolate. Other ingredient preparation could include chopping nuts or slicing of lemon or orange zest, among many other cake recipe variations.


     

    Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

    Mix dry ingredients
    TongRo Images Inc / Getty Images

    It's important to measure correctly and then completely mix the dry ingredients so the cake will rise evenly and properly. Use a wire whisk to combine the flour with the leavening agents for a good mixing result.

    Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

    Creaming butter and sugar
    Jill Ferry / Getty Images

    Bring the butter to room temperature before you begin baking. When it's reached the proper temperature, beat it until it's creamy. Slowly add the sugar while mixing, if possible. If it's not possible to add the sugar while mixing, add a little of the sugar at a time and then mix until you have added the full amount.

    Step 5: Add the Eggs

    2009 Adding Eggs Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com

    Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, and mix well until blended.


    Step 6: Add the Chocolate

    2009 Add Chocolate to Mix Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.comFor a chocolate cake, this is generally when the chocolate is added to the butter and sugar mixture. Be sure to mix it completely. But you should follow the specific recipe you are using on when to add chocolate or other flavor ingredients beyond the basics.
    Step 7: Add Flour and Milk
    2009 Adding Milk Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com
    Milk Photo. 2009 Adding Milk Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com

    Add the dry ingredients mixture with the milk alternately to the butter and sugar mixture, which now also contains eggs and melted chocolate, and mix well, until it is smooth and uniform. Some recipes add the milk at the end; follow the specific recipe for best results.

    Step 8: Put Batter in the Pans

    Chocolate cake batter pans
    Annick vanderschelden photography / Getty Images

    Carefully divide the batter between two round cake pans or add to one pan if you are using a rectangular or Bundt pan. Gently tap the pans on the counter to even the tops. If necessary, use a spatula to smooth the tops before baking.

     

    Step 9: Bake and Cool the Cakes

    Baked chocolate cake
    Annick vanderschelden photography / Getty Images

    Bake the cakes according to the time and temperature in the recipe directions. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack for 10 minutes or as directed in your recipe. Remove the cakes from the pans and cool completely on wire racks before frosting the cake. Make sure the top layer's top is not top down on the rack. Otherwise, there will be grid lines on the top of the cake.

    Step 10: The Finished Product

    Chocolate cake
    Gentl & Hyers / Getty Images

    Once the cakes are completely cool, it's time to frost them.  Choose from basic buttercream,  cream cheese,  ganache or whipped cream. If you have two round cakes, put one top side down on the serving platter and frost it. Then put the second cake on top and frost the top and sides. Make swirls as decoration, if desired.​

     

    **Thanks for taking brushing up on your basic skills with us!***

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