TOP  5 BAKING TIPS FOR THE PERFECT CAKE

BY CHEF CHAHRAZAD

For many, baking a cake can seem like a daunting task, but achieving perfection is all about following a few key principles. Chahrazad, award winning chef and author, shares her top five baking tips to ensure your next cake is nothing short of delicious and perfectly baked.

1. Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve your cakes is to make sure all your key ingredients—such as butter, eggs, and milk—are at room temperature before you start. Taking them out of the fridge at least 30 minutes in advance helps them blend together smoothly, resulting in a more even, delicate crumb and better rise.

2. Preheat Your Oven Properly

Never underestimate the importance of a fully preheated oven. Turn on your oven around 30 minutes before you begin mixing your batter. This ensures the oven temperature is stable and accurate, which helps cakes bake evenly, develop a golden crust, and rise beautifully.

3. Invest in a Digital Scale

Baking is as much a science as it is an art, and precision is key. Using a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients instead of relying on cups or spoons leads to more consistent results and perfectly balanced flavors every time. Investing in a digital kitchen scale once; and it will last a lifetime of baking.

4. Avoid Opening the Oven Door Early

It can be tempting to peek at your cake as it bakes, but opening the oven door too soon can cause it to sink. For the first 20 minutes, it’s important to keep the oven door closed so the cake structure can set properly. Patience here really pays off.

5. Use a Turntable for Decorating

After your cake has cooled, decorating becomes easier and neater with the help of a turntable. This rotating stand makes it simpler to apply frosting smoothly, add decorative touches, and achieve a professional finish—even if you’re decorating at home.

By following these five practical tips, anyone can elevate their baking skills and consistently create cakes that look beautiful and taste even better. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday treat, mastering these basics will set you on the path to baking success.