The 8 Basic Cake Ingredients: -Baking powder -Baking soda -Butter -Cake flour -Chocolate - Corn syrup -Solid vegetable shortening -Icing sugar The 3 Types of Cake: -Simple cake: This type of cake i

1. **Functions of the 8 Basic Ingredients used in Cakes:** - Flour: It is the structure of the cake. It contains proteins that combine to form gluten, which gives the cake its texture. - Baking Powder/Baking Soda: They are leavening agents, causing the cake to rise by releasing carbon dioxide when heated. - Sugar: Provides sweetness and aids in the browning of the cake. - Salt: Enhances flavor and stabilizes the proteins in the flour. - Eggs: Provide structure, leavening, and flavor; egg yolks add moisture and fat. - Fat (Butter/Oil): Adds moisture and flavor, helps in browning and enhancing the texture of the cake. - Liquid (Milk/Water): Hydrates the dry ingredients, starts the development of gluten, and activates the baking powder. - Flavorings (Vanilla extract, Cocoa Powder, etc.): Adds taste. 2. **Three types of cakes and examples:** - Butter (or 'Creamed') Cakes: They have a firm yet moist texture, such as Pound Cake. - Foam Cakes: Have a lighter, spongey structure, such as Angel Food Cake. - Oil Cakes: They are exceptionally moist; a good example is Carrot Cake. 3. **Importance of Measuring, Mixing, & Baking:** - Measuring: Ensures correct proportions of ingredients. Inaccuracies can lead to problems in texture, rise, and taste. - Mixing: Incorporates air into the batter, combines ingredients for the chemical reactions needed for leavening and forms the structure of the cake. - Baking: The heat sets the structure, browns the exterior, and develops the flavor. 4. **Importance of Greasing and Flouring the Cake Pan:** - Greasing and flouring prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, enabling easy removal after baking. If one is baking a chocolate cake, they can use cocoa powder instead of flour to maintain the color. 5. **Three Frostings and Fillings:** - Frostings: Buttercream (adds a creamy texture and sweet flavor), Fondant (provides smooth surface, great for decoration), Cream Cheese frosting (adds tang and creaminess). - Fillings: Fruit preserves (adds a fruity flavor and moisture), Pastry cream (adds richness and creaminess), Chocolate ganache (adds a rich, chocolate flavor). The frosting and filling greatly enhance the taste, moisture content, and appearance of the cake. 6. **Three Cake Decorating Tools:** - Piping Bags: Used with different shaped nozzles to pipe semi-solid foods by pressing them through the nozzle. - Fondant Smoother: Ensures a smooth finish when applying fondant to a cake. - Offset Spatula: A key tool for spreading icing, cream, and other fillings or for leveling the cake.