Master Cake Baking: The Complete Introduction

Learn how to properly read a recipe, discover what is in a recipe, and an explanation of commonly misunderstood techniques.

Recipes don't always include all of the little details.  This lesson will give you some extra pointers so you can explore more recipes on your own.  Also available as a .pdf download.

Mise en Place is a French term meaning "everything in it's place".  Learn the importance of gathering all of your ingredients and equipment before starting a recipe.

Ingredient selection is an important part of learning to bake.  Knowing the difference between flours, sugars, and other base ingredients will set you on the path for success in baking.

A  guide to common cake ingredients and their uses.  This is a basic introduction and should give you a better understanding and more confidence.  Also available as a .pdf download.

Learn what tools you need to get started baking cakes.  List of tools included as a .pdf download

Bonus lesson for students living about 3000 feet!  There are small adjustments that need to be made for the decreased air pressure at higher elevations.  This is also a good lesson if you plan to bake while traveling.

This lesson is a brief introduction to butter cakes and general information about their uses.

Where did butter cakes come from?  Follow the journey of the most popular cake in America through history.

A description of how butter cakes should look and taste as well as how to handle them.  In case you don't want to use or eat them right away, this lesson also discusses proper storage times.

Sometimes things can go wrong in the process of baking butter cakes.  In the event that they do, use this guide to make necessary adjustments and bake on!  Also available as a .pdf download.

The ingredients in butter cakes may need to be prepared in a certain way before mixing the batter.  This lesson will show you the extra steps that aren't typically listed in a recipe.

Learn the creaming method of making butter cakes.  This lesson also includes a PDF download of the recipe to follow along.

Learn the reverse creaming method for butter cakes.  This is used when the weight of sugar in the recipe is equal to or greater than the weight of the flour.  Also included is a PDF download of the recipe.

A brief introduction to oil based cakes, including some key characteristics.

Oil based cakes have been around for a very long time and continue to be enjoyed throughout the world.  Take a bite out of history in this lesson.

Oil based cakes are popular in the culinary world, because they can be easy to make and incorporate interesting flavor combinations.  This lesson discusses this characteristic as well as some other notable pointers.  Also included is the proper handling and storage.

Learn how to quickly and easily whip together a chocolate olive oil cake batter.  One of the easiest cakes I know how to make.  Also includes a PDF download of the recipe.

Learn how to mix the batter for and bake a delicious carrot cake.  This lesson also includes a PDF download of the recipe.

An introduction to sponge cakes, including some of their characteristics.  This lesson also distinguishes two classes of sponge, the American and European classes.

Sponge cakes are a large category and have a rich history in many countries.  Learn about their trip around the world from creation to present day.

Sponge cakes tend to be the most difficult to bake.  That's why it's good to understand what could go wrong and why.  Use this guide to help on your sponge cake ventures.  Also available as a .pdf download.

Making sponge cakes involves an extra set of skills.  Learn the preparation needed for these types of cakes.

This lesson covers all types of cakes that fall into the American sponge category.  It also includes how they are different from European sponges and how to handle them.

Learn how to make a light, fluffy American sponge cake.  This lesson also includes a PDF download of the recipe to follow along.

This lesson discusses the cakes in the European category, what differentiates them from other cakes, how to handle, and store them.

Learn how to whip up a genoise with only a few ingredients.  This lesson also includes a PDF download of the recipe.

This lesson introduces simple syrup, covers its versatility, and discusses the proper storage of the two types.  

There are two ratios of simple syrup that can be used on cakes.  This lessons discusses the 1:1 ratio.  Also included is a PDF download of the recipe.

Thank you for taking this course!  I truly hope you have found it useful and I wish you the best in your cake baking adventures.