If you love baking cakes, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with domed cake layers. Not only do they look uneven and unprofessional, but they also make it harder to stack and frost your cake. You might have tried different methods to level your cakes, such as using a knife, a cake leveler, or even baking strips. But did you know that there is a simpler and cheaper way to get flat cake tops every time? All you need is a spoon!
How does the spoon technique work?
The spoon technique is a clever cake hack that was shared by Ana Calderone, a TikTok sensation, who was inspired by Lucy Jane Cakes. Calderone posted a video to her TikTok account, @ana_calderone, demonstrating how to use the back of a spoon to create a well in the center of the cake batter before baking. This technique not only prevents the cake from doming, but also ensures that the cake bakes evenly and rises uniformly.
The reason why cakes dome in the oven is because the sides and bottom of the pan heat up faster than the center, causing the middle of the cake to rise more than the edges. By creating a well in the center of the batter, you are allowing the heat to distribute more evenly throughout the cake, resulting in a flat top.
How to use the spoon technique for flat cakes
Using the spoon technique is very easy and requires no special equipment or skills. Here are the steps to follow:
- Prepare your cake batter as usual and grease and line your cake pan with parchment paper.
- Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula.
- Take a spoon and use the back of it to swirl the batter around until you create a shallow well in the center. The well should be about an inch deep and cover about half of the diameter of the pan.
- Place your pan in your preheated oven and bake your cake according to your recipe’s instructions. The cake will rise evenly, with no dome in sight.
What are the benefits of using the spoon technique?
The spoon technique has many advantages over other methods of leveling cakes. Some of them are:
- It is simple and quick. You don’t need to buy or use any extra tools or gadgets. You just need a spoon and a few seconds of your time.
- It is effective and reliable. You will get flat cakes every time, without fail. No more guessing or trimming involved.
- It is economical and eco-friendly. You don’t have to waste any cake scraps or parchment paper. You can use all of your batter and enjoy every bite of your cake.
- It is versatile and adaptable. You can use this technique for any type of cake, whether it is round, square, or rectangular. You can also adjust the size and depth of the well depending on the size and shape of your pan.
What are some tips and tricks for using the spoon technique?
While the spoon technique is very easy to use, there are some tips and tricks that can help you achieve even better results. Here are some of them:
- Make sure your spoon is clean and dry before using it. Any moisture or residue on the spoon can affect the texture and appearance of your cake.
- Use a metal or plastic spoon rather than a wooden one. Wooden spoons can absorb moisture and flavor from your batter, which can alter the taste and color of your cake.
- Don’t make the well too deep or too wide. If you make it too deep, you might end up with a sunken cake. If you make it too wide, you might end up with a thin cake. Aim for a well that is about an inch deep and covers about half of the diameter of your pan.
- Don’t overmix or overbake your batter. Overmixing can cause air bubbles in your batter, which can lead to uneven rising and doming. Overbaking can cause your cake to dry out and crack. Follow your recipe’s instructions carefully and check for doneness with a toothpick or a skewer.
If you love baking cakes, you should definitely try this amazing spoon technique for flat cakes. It will save you time, money, and hassle, and give you beautiful and delicious cakes every time.