Basic Cake Making with Photos

Step One - Basic Cake Making - Prepare the Pans


Just follow these simple instructions to take the worry out of baking a basic layer cake.

Begin by preparing your cake pans. Grease and flour them.

Next preheat the oven to the temperature as directed in the recipe.


Step Two - Basic Cake Making - Melting Chocolate or Other Ingredient Preparation

It's important to have all of the ingredients prepared prior to making the batter. As this cake batter recipe called for melted chocolate, I happened to use the microwave. There are several ways to melt chocolate.


Step Three - Basic Cake Making - Mix the Dry Ingredients

So the cake will rise evenly, it's important to completely mix the dry ingredients. I prefer to use a wire whisk to combine the flour with the levening agents.


Step Four - Basic Cake Making - Cream Butter and Sugar

Start with room temperature butter. Beat it until creamy. Slowly add the sugar while mixing, if possible. If it's not possible to add while mixing, add some of the sugar at a time and then mix.


Step Five - Basic Cake Making - Add the Eggs

Add the eggs, one at a time.


Step Six - Basic Cake Making - Add the Chocolate

With this recipe, this is when the chocolate is added. Be sure to mix it completely.

Other recipes may dictate different times to add the chocolate or other ingredients.


Step Seven - Basic Cake Making - Add Flour and Milk

Add the flour with the milk alternately. Some recipes just add the milk at the end.


Step Eight - Basic Cake Making - Put Batter in Pans

Carefully divide the batter between 2 pans. Gently tap the pans on the counter to even tops. If necessary, use a spatula to smooth tops prior to baking.


Step Nine - Basic Cake Making - Bake and Cool Cakes

Bake the cakes according to the recipe directions. Remove from oven and cool on rack for 10 minutes or how directed in recipe. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks before frosting 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 Ten - Basic Cake Making - The Finished Product

Once the cakes are completely cool, it's time to frost them.