How To Bake A Perfect Cake
Baking may not be rocket science but isn't it strange how often you end up with a cake that flops, is under-cooked or burnt?
There are many reasons why this happens but there are many more ways to overcome these problems and bake the perfect cake every time.
1. Read The Recipe
Read the recipe carefully before you start. Familiarize yourself with any terms or techniques that are new to you. And then follow the instructions to the letter.
This may seem obvious but you will be surprised at how the smallest deviation can affect the outcome. For example, stirring, folding and beating all have different meanings and will affect the consistency of the cake and the end result.
2. Ingredients
Make sure that you have all the ingredients that you need and that they are measured out correctly. If you want to substitute, exclude or add, choose a recipe that allows for this. Always mix your wet ingredients together before adding to a mix of your dry ingredients unless otherwise stated in your recipe.
3. Tools
It is very important to make sure that you have all the tools that are required for the task. From your measuring implements to the bowl and spoons and cake tin that you use can be important to the outcome.
4. Oven Temperature
Most cake recipes call for an oven to be pre-heated to a specific temperature - normally 180C/350F/Gas 4. This is to ensure that the cake bakes consistently, throughout and will prevent burning or under-cooking. Do NOT open the oven during the recommended baking time as this will allow heat to escape resulting in a flopped cake.
If you can smell your cake baking, it normally means that it is just about ready to come out of the oven. Use a long, thin skewer to check readiness by gently poking it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is done.
5. Cooling Time
First allow your cake to cool in the tin for a few minutes. This will allow it to pull away from the sides making it far easier to turn out. Turn it out directly on a cooling rack or tray. It should be cool to the touch before icing.
Basic Sponge Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
2 eggs 125g or 4oz of soft margarine or butter 125 or 4oz  of caster sugar 125g or 4oz  of self-raising flour
Pre-heat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.
Spray, butter or line two 18cm/7in baking tins with wax or baking paper.
Mix sugar and butter together until creamy and light in color. You can use a hand mixer. Beat the eggs and then beat them into the mixture. Sift the flour over the mixture while gently folding it in using a metal spoon.
Place half the batter into each baking tin (filled to less than halfway). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes before checking for readiness. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Serve your perfect sponge cake with whipped cream and strawberry jelly sandwiched between the two halves or you can use you choice of icing and filling.