The Art of Making a Cake
A professional cake artist transforms conventional cakes into edible works of art. Their work requires a combination of patience, precision and creativity.
Measure all ingredients precisely. A small variation in any ingredient could drastically change the flavor and texture of a cake.
Vigorously mix the dry and wet ingredients together. This helps to incorporate air into the batter.
Creativity
Cakes are a visual feast and the more attractive they look, the better they taste. That is why it’s important for bakers to be creative with presenting and plating their products. They also need to be creative with the designs on the cakes. This can be done by using flowers, different colors, and other creative patterns.
For example, if a cake is made with a design that has hollow crests, it would be better to fill in these areas rather than covering them up. This will prevent the peaks from becoming hollow, and will make the cake look much more appealing.
For examples of world-class cakes, visit Brunetti Oro.
Baking is a great opportunity to conduct science experiments, such as exploring the chemical reactions that occur when sugar is added to yeast dough or a cake is baked. This helps students understand the importance of the scientific process and learn about cause and effect. They can also practice math skills, such as measuring and estimating.
Patience
As a cake artist you have to be patient when baking – the whole process requires patience from cracking eggs, pouring sugar and waiting for your masterpiece to come out of the oven. Bakers also have to be patient when interacting with customers, as they often need time to decide on their cakes.
Another important aspect of baking is being able to follow the recipe precisely. This includes following the cooking times, measuring ingredients correctly and testing for doneness using a toothpick. This helps ensure a properly baked cake that is delicious and appealing to the eye.
Finally, baking is a great way to teach kids about patience. Many French parents involve their children in weekly or bi-weekly baking projects. They’ve discovered that the practice helps raise patient, independent, and emotionally stable kids. This teaches the kids to be able to work independently and wait for the results of their efforts. It also teaches them to value the process of baking, rather than just the final product.
Precision
One of the most important parts of baking a cake is making sure that everything is exactly as the recipe calls for. This includes accurately measuring ingredients and following instructions for preparation. For example, if a recipe calls for room-temperature eggs or butter, it’s important to have those items at that temperature so they incorporate into the batter easily.
Using tools like a bench scraper, serrated knife and offset spatula can help to ensure that cakes are flat and smooth on the top. It’s also important to use a cake leveller to trim the top of a cake so that it is even and ready to be stacked.
Professional cake decorating elevates a simple, spongy dessert into a work of art that delights the sense of sight as much as the taste. But even the most novice of bakers can learn to hone their skills with just a few specialized tools and some basic techniques.
Presentation
Having a beautifully made cake is all well and good, but it won’t be very appetising if it tastes awful. As Hamish Blake can attest to (he makes an elaborate cake for his children’s birthdays every year), this labour of love takes time and skill.
Baking can help students understand the importance of making an effort with presentation. This is especially true for more intricate cakes that are more likely to be seen by others. For example, a cake covered head to toe in candy will look stunning on its own or paired with other decorations such as flowers.
Achieving this kind of effect requires that the cake be perfectly levelled. This can be done with a serrated knife, a bench scraper or a cake leveller, and is a great way to give your creation that special finishing touch. The ability to focus on one task and remain fully engaged is also an important part of baking, as a misstep or collapse could ruin the entire result.
