• Welcome to the Course

Learn how to navigate the course and what you can expect with this friendly introduction video.

• Reading a Recipe

Your tutor shares tips for reading a recipe, along with common mistakes made when baking cakes. Ingredients are supposed to be listed in the order that you will use them. 

• Mise en Place

Now that you’ve read through the recipe, you want to get your equipment and ingredients ready.

• Choosing Ingredients

Try out the different qualities of ingredients and see what difference that makes on taste. There are many different types of flour and sugar, pay attention to the type called for in the recipe. 

• Equipment Toolkit

What sort of equipment should you have ready in your kitchen if you will be baking cakes often. 

• Special Notes for High Altitude

For anyone living above 3000 feet, your cakes may not turn out the way they’re supposed to. Learn the tips to combat a weakened cake structure. 

• What is a Butter Cake?

Learn about the consistency of butter cakes and when to use them. 

• History of Butter Cakes

The butter cake comes from the pound cake which originated in the UK in the 18th century.   

• Important Considerations for Butter Cakes

Troubleshooting your cakes if they don’t turn out the way they are supposed to. Learn how to store and serve your butter cakes.

• Creaming Method- Almond Butter Cake

Now we get to mix the batter and bake the cakes with this video tutorial. The creaming method takes butter and sugar and beats them together with a paddle that incorporates air into it so that it gives your cake a nice, light texture. 

• Reverse Creaming Method- Vanilla Butter Cake

Here you will get a demonstration of the reverse creaming method.

• What is an Oil-Based Cake?

Oil-based cakes are cakes where oil is the main source of fat. They are typically paired with chocolate or spice flavours and have a longer shelf life.

• History of Oil-Based Cakes

We know that the Greeks used olive oil in their baking, it is most likely one of the first cakes to ever come about. 

• Important Considerations for Oil Cakes

These considerations are choosing an oil that’s going to go with other flavours in your cake. Vegan cakes tend to be oil-based.  

• Blended Method- Chocolate Olive Oil Cake

Learn how to make a Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with this video tutorial.

• Blended Method- Carrot Cake

Discover how to make Carrot Cake with this video walkthrough. 

• What is a Sponge Cake?

Also known as foam cakes, they get their volume from the air beaten into the eggs. Sponge cakes are low in fat and cholesterol. 

• History of Sponge Cakes

Sponge cakes came about during the Renaissance. The first documented recipe of a sponge cake recipe dates back to the year 1615.

• Sponge Cake Mise en Place

How to separate your eggs with two options. If you are going to be whipping egg whites you want to make sure you have a grease-free bowl and attachment. 

• American Sponge Cakes

Their key characteristic comes from their lack of fats and airy structure which comes from whipping the egg whites and yolks separately. 

• American Sponge Method- Classic American Sponge

Learn how to make an American sponge cake with this video walkthrough. 

• European Sponge Cakes

These are on the dryer side, so they need simple syrup. They have a mild flavour, so they pair well with rich fillings. European style Sponge Cakes whisk the whole egg. 

• European Sponge Method- Genoise

This video shows you how to make a Genoise European-style Sponge cake. 

• What is Simple Syrup?

It is simply a solution of sugar and water, which can be measured by volume or weight. It is so versatile as you can add different flavours to it. 

• Simple Syrup Method

Learn how to make Simple Syrup with this video walkthrough.

• Thank You!

You should now feel comfortable and confident to try out these recipes in your kitchen.