Cake Baking Quiz

Which of the following is the most important when making cake batter?

• Overmixing the batter

• Sifting the flour

• Using the correct oven temperature

• Adding extra sugar

Answer explanation

Using the correct oven temperature is crucial for cake batter as it ensures even baking and proper rise. Incorrect temperatures can lead to undercooked or overcooked cakes, making it the most important factor in the baking process.

What can cause a cake to collapse after baking?

• Underbaking

• Overmixing

• Too much sugar

• Too little flour

Answer explanation

Underbaking can cause a cake to collapse because it hasn't set properly. The structure remains weak, leading to a collapse as it cools. Proper baking ensures the cake is fully cooked and stable.

Which of the following is NOT commonly used to frost cakes?

• Fondant

• Buttercream

• Royal icing

• Vegetable oil

Answer explanation

Vegetable oil is not used to frost cakes, as it lacks the structure and texture needed for frosting. In contrast, fondant, buttercream, and royal icing are traditional frosting options.

Which ingredient is used to help cakes rise during baking?

• Butter

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Sugar

Answer explanation

Baking powder is a leavening agent that produces carbon dioxide gas when mixed with liquid and heat, causing the cake to rise. Unlike butter, flour, or sugar, it specifically helps create a light and airy texture in baked goods.

What does the term “creaming” refer to in cake making?

• Mixing dry ingredients

• Mixing wet ingredients

• Beating butter and sugar together until light and fluffy

• Cooling the cake

Answer explanation

The term 'creaming' in cake making specifically refers to beating butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps to create a light texture in the final cake.

Which of the following is an indicator that a cake is underbaked?

• It rises too much

• The top is cracked

• The cake is dense and gooey inside

• The cake is golden brown

Answer explanation

A cake that is dense and gooey inside indicates it hasn't fully cooked through, making it underbaked. Other options like rising too much or being golden brown do not necessarily mean the cake is underbaked.

What can be added to a cake recipe to give it a lighter, fluffier texture?

• Adding more eggs

• Sifting the dry ingredients

• Using heavier flour

• Decreasing the amount of butter

Answer explanation

Adding more eggs introduces additional air into the batter, which helps create a lighter and fluffier texture in the cake. This is a common technique used in baking to improve the overall structure and rise.

If a recipe calls for self-raising flour, what should you do if you don’t have it?

• Use all-purpose flour and add baking powder

• Use bread flour

• Use cornstarch

• Use regular flour with no additions

Answer explanation

If you don't have self-raising flour, you can substitute it by using all-purpose flour and adding baking powder. This combination mimics the leavening effect of self-raising flour, making it the best alternative.

How do you ensure a cake pan is ready for baking?

• Only grease it lightly

• Grease and flour it, or line it with parchment paper

• Leave it ungreased

• Use cooking spray only

Answer explanation

To ensure a cake pan is ready for baking, it's best to grease and flour it or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the cake release easily after baking, making it the most effective method.

What is the best method for testing if a cake is done?

• Check the color of the top

• Insert a toothpick and see if it comes out clean

• Tap the top with your finger

• Look for cracks

Answer explanation

The best method to test if a cake is done is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is fully baked. Other methods like checking color or tapping may not provide reliable results.