cake skills Posts

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want a sweet afternoon treat, it's always time for cake. And we've got plenty of blog posts to help you get there, from a breakdown of mixing methods to tips on getting your Bundt unstuck.  

Collage of Natasha against a tan background with various cake tools

Cake queen Natasha Pickowicz's favorite cake tools

A minimalist’s approach to pro-level cakes.

Apr 27, 2023
Sliced tahini pound cake with sesame seed crust

Turns out, crusts aren’t just for bread

Your cakes deserve a crust that’s crispy, crunchy, or just plain sparkly.

Apr 25, 2023
Muffin pan full of different liners

The baking trials: What's the best way to line cupcake pans?

From paper liners to silicone baking cups to nonstick spray, here are our results.

Apr 10, 2023
Chocolate Stout Cake

Things bakers know: Bake your layer cakes in a sheet pan

For flatter cakes and customizable shapes, I always bake my layers this way.

Mar 27, 2023
Baker fill pastry bag set in a drinking glass

Things bakers know: A glass and a straight edge make piping bags mess-free

Claire Saffitz has two tips that take the stress (and the mess) out of pastry bags.

Jan 26, 2023
Coconut Cake

Cake flour vs. all-purpose flour: What's the difference, and how do I substitute?

Cake flour is great, but if you don’t have it, don't worry.

Jan 18, 2023
A grid of cupcakes decorated with all different techniques

How to frost cupcakes for any skill level

Decorate like a pro (even if you’re just a beginner).

Oct 21, 2022
Chocolate cake in 6" round pan

How and why to turn (almost) any cake recipe into 6-inch mini cakes

Mini cakes are easy to make — and perfect for sharing.

Sep 28, 2022
Cake being depanned.

The baking trials: What's the best way to prep your cake pan to prevent sticking?

We tested a dozen options. Here’s the best one.

Aug 29, 2022
Slice being lifted from chocolate-frosted yellow cake

Why the hot milk method makes the best birthday cakes

Rich taste, moist texture, and a fail-proof process — what more could you want?

Aug 12, 2022
Ingredients for chocolate cake being added to a stand mixer bowl

What if I forgot to add salt (or eggs, or sugar!) to my cake batter?

How to save your cake after you’ve left out an ingredient.

Jul 22, 2022
Layer cake, slices on plate.

8 reasons your cakes turn out dry

Preventing dry cake is easier than you think.

Jul 14, 2022
Chocolate Cake

The key to making a cake with the moist texture of a boxed mix

A little oil is the answer.

Jun 28, 2022
6" cakes on a cooling rack

How to bake cake in your air fryer: 5 tips for success

It’s a challenge — but a delicious one!

Jun 23, 2022
Cakes and cupcakes finished with berry mirror glaze

How to make our vibrant, fruit-forward mirror glazes

The recipe you need to make your most beautiful cake yet.

Jun 20, 2022
Basket weave cake decorated with a rainbow of flowers

How to pipe and decorate a celebratory basket-weave cake

One piping technique makes a stunning cake for everything from a birthday party to Pride brunch.

Jun 14, 2022
A baker presenting a birthday cake topped with modeling chocolate letters and flowers

Modeling chocolate 101: How to make and use it, and why it's easier than it seems

One of the simplest, most delicious ways to decorate cake.

Jun 2, 2022
Chocolate Pound Cake

Why we like water for chocolate (cake)

Making your cakes with water instead of milk results in stronger, purer chocolate flavor.

May 12, 2022
Spiced Carrot Snacking Cake

Wait, should I be aging my cakes?

Delaying that slice can be worth the wait.

Apr 25, 2022
Slice of Golden Vanilla Cake, with full cake in background

What is reverse creaming, and why does it make great cake?

This unexpected technique is the key to a velvety crumb, tender texture, and less doming.

Mar 9, 2022
Vanilla pound cake

Do eggs used in baking really need to be at room temperature?

If the recipe says so, yes. And here’s why.

Jan 25, 2022
Yule Log

My quest to make a perfect Bûche de Noël

Here’s what I learned about making roll cakes without cracking.

Dec 10, 2021
Hands in bowl of flour

A beginner’s guide to gluten

A little bread-ucation goes a long way.

Aug 18, 2021
Electric beater mixing cake batter

A pastry chef’s trick for preventing curdled cake batter

Banish broken batters forever.

Aug 11, 2021