I suck at cakes!
Posted by Rainebeau_Vicki on Aug 11, 2009 · Member since Jul 2009 · 25 posts
So...I adore cake!
But, every time that I try to bake a cake, I am never happy with the outcome and I think that it has something to do with my stratagy. The cake always ends up gooey in the middle even if it's almost burnt on the outside! What can I do? My mom has made a vegan cake and that happened to her too. We use glass pans, would silicone be better? Also, they cakes always ends up thick and chewy but I like light fluffy cakes, how do I make them more like that?
hm....are you attempting to veganize a recipe? or trying an already vegan recipe?
it sounds like you're possibly using the wrong egg sub if you're trying to modify an existing recipe.
try this recipe and see if it works.
I suck at cake baking too. I think its the lack of a good egg sub for mine, so i'd say look at what youre using for that
I use a variation of veganizing a recipe (and If I do I use 1tbs cornstarch and 2tbs water for 1 egg) and trying an already vegan recipe. Should I try using applesauce?
Cake recipes that call for a little vinegar seem to produce fluffy results. Try one of these:
Chocolate Cake from The Joy of Vegan Baking (scroll down, recipe at bottom)
http://www.joyofveganbaking.com/sample_recipes
or this Fluffy White Cupcake recipe, tastes great with chocolate frosting
http://shmooedfood.blogspot.com/2006/01/fluffy-white-cupcakes.html
it sounds like you need a leavening agent....try the apple sauce, w/ 1/2 tsp baking soda per 'egg'.
here's a GREAT basic egg replacement for baking
this is another version of it that is per egg:
heres another helpful egg sub, best in cookies and the like: 1 t baking powder 1/2 t baking soda 2 T flour 3 T water combine ingredients in a small bowl and beat with a fork or wisk (equalls one egg). this has excellent binding properties, has always worked wonderfully for me!
It might be that you're putting too much batter in the pan, next time try putting half as much as you normally do (you can use 2 pans) and see if you get better results.
I've ruined many a cake, so I know how frustrating it is. I still have yet to make a good yellow cake, despite my many various trials. If your cake is burnt on the outside & gooey in the middle, it may be the oven temp. Use an oven thermometer & make sure your oven is at that temp before you begin mixing your batter. Also, if you make a vinegar/baking soda cake - make sure your baking soda is fresh or it won't react properly. Same goes for baking powder - keep it fresh & dry.
Good Luck!
I also have issues making cakes (edges crisp, middle mushy), but I've never been a very good baker.....
Now I just make cupcakes and I'm actually pretty good at that....definitely haven't mastered frosting though
I shall share with all of you my secret to baking cakes that I learned almost entirely from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World cookbook.
1. Oven Thermometer is the most important tool you have. Get one, test your oven, see if it is holding the proper temperature.
2. Use a known recipe that works perfectly and simply. I prefer to use the Sexy Low Fat recipe from VCTOTW.
3. Line your pan with parchment paper on the bottom.
4. Spray your pan or lightly oil the sides so the cake does not stick.
5. Follow the recipe EXACTLY. Baking is a science and should be followed to a T. Once you know and can replicate a recipe with ease, then you can modify it.
6. Set the timer for the lowest time suggested. (When baking a cake from cupcake recipe start with 40 minutes)
7. Open the oven door as little as possible.
8. Use a cake tester only when the cake no longer looks jiggly.
9. Add time by 5 minutes if it looks moist but not fully cooked. 10 if it is still jiggly soup in the middle.
10. Remove from the pan and cool on racks for hours. You MUST get it room temperature before you store, frost or think about doing anything to it. Putting it in the fridge will make it too wet, so plan ahead and give it counter time!
These are the simple and easy steps I use to make cakes. Use an easy and almost fool-proof recipe to start and it will turn out fine.
Hmm, I will seriously consider the viniger, and I will probably try one of those cakes today or tomorrow.
Also, thank you for the tips, Cali.
sigh... Ever since I saw this topic I've been craving chocolate!! :) (curse my diet!)
Maybe it's just me, but the vinegar cakes always tasted a bit "off".
There's this recipe on here that is easy and delicious!
http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=6205.0