HOW TO MAKE A CAKE MOIST
When it comes to baking, few things are as universally cherished as a moist and fluffy cake. Whether you’re preparing a Vanilla Butter Cake for an intimate gathering or crafting an elaborate Double Chocolate Beetroot Cake for a post-dinner dessert, the quest for moist perfection is essential. Read this guide to learn how to make a cake moist and explore cake recipes to spark your creativity.
WHAT MAKES CAKE MOIST?
Using the recipe’s specified ingredients, measurements and instructions can help you make a moist, mouthwatering cake. Although using the exact ingredients from the recipe is recommended, you can experiment with swapping liquids or adding certain ingredients to make your cake even more moist.
One common ingredient swap that is known to help make cakes remarkably moist is using milk instead of water. Try switching out any water in your recipe for full-fat milk or buttermilk for a moist, decadent texture.
Another ingredient that can enhance the moisture of your cake is mayonnaise. Adding a dollop of mayonnaise to your batter can help make your freshly baked cake softer with an added boost of moisture.
Read on to learn how to make a cake moist in a few different ways.
10 WAYS TO MAKE CAKE MOIST
If you’ve ever sunk your fork into a slice of cake and been met with fluffy, moist crumb, you know that the moisture of a cake can make or break the entire experience. From ingredient swaps to unique methods, explore these ways to help make your cakes moist.
1. USE THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE AND BAKING TIME
Consider lowering your oven temperature slightly when baking a cake. Baking between 300º - 325º F can help preserve moisture within your cake. If you want to double-check the accuracy of your oven’s temperature, use a thermometer to monitor it. Ovens can sometimes have slight temperature variations, and if your oven isn’t calibrated correctly, it can lead to uneven results.
Begin checking your cake for doneness a few minutes before the time the recipe calls for. Once you master a few recipes, you will generally get a feel for how long your oven typically takes to bake a cake to your desired doneness.
2. USE VEGETABLE OIL
While butter undoubtedly imparts excellent flavor, vegetable oil can really elevate a cake when it comes to moisture. Replacing butter with vegetable oil in your cake recipes typically yields moist results. Unlike butter, vegetable oil remains liquid at room temperature, ensuring your cake maintains a soft texture, whether served fresh or straight from the refrigerator.
3. USE BUTTERMILK INSTEAD OF MILK
Buttermilk is the unsung hero of moist cake. The acidity of buttermilk aids in breaking down gluten, resulting in a moist and soft cake. The subtle tang of buttermilk also complements the sweetness in your cake batter, creating a delectable balance.
4. ADD INSTANT PUDDING MIX
Instant pudding mix contains a combination of starches and sugars. When mixed with other cake ingredients and baked, these starches and sugars absorb moisture from the cake batter, creating a moist and fluffy crumb.
5. ADD MAYONNAISE
Mayonnaise may seem like a unique addition to a cake, but when you consider what this creamy condiment is made of, it’s not surprising that this condiment is a good way to make cake moist. Typically made of eggs, oil and an acidic ingredient like vinegar or citrus, mayonnaise can help give your cake a creamy, moist texture. You don’t need to swap an ingredient for the mayonnaise; just add a bit to your recipe.
6. USE SIMPLE SYRUP OR GLAZE
Brushing a simple syrup or a basic homemade glaze onto the exterior of the cake after your cake is done baking can help your cake stay moist longer. Although this technique won’t save a cake that has dried out, it can add a bit of flavor and ensure your moist cake stays that way.
7. USE CAKE FLOUR
When it comes to baking a moist cake, cake flour can make a significant difference for some cakes. Unlike all-purpose flour, cake flour is a low-protein type of flour that undergoes a meticulous milling process to achieve a superfine consistency. This unique texture produces a soft and tender crumb—a hallmark of moistness.
8. DON’T OVERMIX
When you overmix, you’re essentially overworking the gluten in the flour, causing it to develop excessively. This results in a tougher, less tender cake texture. To keep your cake moist and tender, it’s important to mix the batter only until the ingredients are just combined.
9. ADD SOUR CREAM
Adding a tablespoon or two of sour cream to your cake batter can help make it more moist. Sour cream’s creamy and light texture can help keep your cake from becoming dense and dry. Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a great example of how sour cream can enhance the flavor, texture and moisture of a cake.
10. USE ROOM TEMPERATURE INGREDIENTS
This is an essential step that can make or break the moisture level of your cake. Some recipes will call for room temperature ingredients like milk, sour cream, mayonnaise, eggs or butter. When ingredients are at room temperature, they are easier to mix together, reducing the chances of overmixed or curdled batter and dry, dense cake.
SHOP KITCHENAID® STAND MIXERS FOR MAKING CAKES
Elevate your cakes with a KitchenAid® stand mixer. Whether you prefer the tilt-head or bowl-lift mixer design, KitchenAid® stand mixers balance style and performance to suit all your culinary needs. A KitchenAid® stand mixer is your indispensable partner in crafting a truly unique cake that stands out from the crowd. With a wide range of attachments1 and accessories, you can effortlessly experiment with various flavors, textures and decorative elements, allowing your creativity to shine through in every delectable bite.
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HOW DO YOU KEEP CAKE MOIST AFTER BAKING?
If you want to add a bit of moisture or just keep your cake moist after it’s done baking, there are a few tips you can try. Brushing on a small amount of simple sugar syrup over your baked cake can help add a bit of moisture. Instead of simple sugar syrup, you can also use evaporated milk, coconut milk or even your favorite flavored liqueur.
You should also consider frosting the cake right away. A cake is more likely to dry out the longer it sits unfrosted.
Storing your cake properly will also help retain its moisture. First, wrap your cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and keep it in an airtight container for best results. If you can, avoid storing cakes in the refrigerator.
MOIST CAKE RECIPES
When it comes to indulging in a slice of cake, one characteristic stands out above all else: moisture. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving a sweet delight for yourself, the following recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth and please your crowd.
1. MOIST VANILLA CAKE RECIPE
This Vanilla Butter Cake is a moist and tender delight that highlights the classic vanilla flavor. With its light and fluffy texture, it offers a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. This cake is the perfect canvas for your favorite icing or frosting, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert option for any occasion.
2. MOIST CARROT CAKE RECIPE
Indulge in three towering layers of moist, spice-filled cake with cream cheese frosting. This delicious creation features golden raisins, walnuts, flake coconut and grated carrots, creating a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
Use your KitchenAid® stand mixer and the Sifter + Scale Attachment1 to bring this decadent treat to life.
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3. MOIST CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE
Savor the richness of this classic chocolate cake. This three-layered masterpiece features velvety chocolate cake layers gently infused with maple syrup. Decadently slathered with buttercream, it delivers the perfect blend of sweet and robust flavors.
4. MOIST BANANA CAKE RECIPE
This Chocolate Banana Cake is a masterpiece of flavors and textures. Boasting moist layers, this cake is infused with the rich, velvety embrace of melted chocolate and the natural sweetness of mashed bananas.
A KitchenAid® stand mixer, paired with the Sifter + Scale Attachment1, helps ensure exact measurements and effortless mixing which is especially important with gluten-free baking.
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5. MOIST BUNDT CAKE RECIPE
Combining the flavors of peppermint and chocolate, Peppermint Crunch Bundt Cake would be a jolly addition to your holiday season spread. With a decadent chocolate crumb contrasted against a peppermint crunch and topped with a warm cream, this cake is a decadent and festive dessert option.
With the help of a KitchenAid® stand mixer, you can achieve this cake’s satisfying texture and consistency.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® STAND MIXERS, ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
From making dough and preparing batter to whipping cream and shredding cheese, discover the nearly endless possibilities that KitchenAid® stand mixers, accessories and attachments1 can bring to your kitchen. Whether you’re experimenting with intricate designs or exploring unconventional flavor combinations, the versatility of the KitchenAid® stand mixer, along with its array of attachments1, empowers you to bring your cake ideas to life.
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