It’s World Baking Day on the 17th of May, and we’re testing the quintessential baking recipe. Get ready for our best-ever chocolate cakes! 

Better batter

There are various methods to create the best batter imaginable. To narrow it down, we focused on simple techniques that also deliver on flavour and texture.

1. Creaming method

This method involves beating together fat (butter or margarine) and sugar until the mixture turns a pale-yellow colour, thickens and increases in volume. In recipe books, the result of this process is usually referred to as “light and fluffy”. By creaming the sugar and butter together, you create air bubbles in the mixture. Once you add a leavening agent, like baking powder and bicarb, those bubbles expand and result in a light and airy crumb (texture).

You could use margarine or butter to do this (of course we choose butter!) and any variety of sugar; white, light brown or dark brown. The first step is to whisk softened, not melted, butter until smooth, before adding sugar.

To do this, use a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand held mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Alternatively, cream by hand using a wooden spoon, but know this method does take longer and requires quite a bit of manpower. Ultimately, the power of a stand mixer delivers the best result. Then add in your liquids, and finally fold in dry ingredients before baking.

2. Whisk & fold method

This involves whisking together the wet ingredients (eggs, vanilla, liquid fat – such as oil, melted margarine or butter – and dairy or water). Then, dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, raising agents and cocoa are carefully folded into the wet ingredients. When using this method, it is imperative not to overmix as it will result in a tough, dense cake.

If using a stand-mixer or hand- mixer, make sure to only use it for whisking the wet ingredients. When folding the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, doing this by hand with a large metal spoon will prevent over-mixing. It is key to sift the dry ingredients first as this will help to eliminate any lumps or clumps, plus it aerates your ingredients.

Level Up

Take your chocolate cake up a notch! Top your cakes with our favourite icings and decorations to make an eye-catching sweet treat that hits the spot! 

White or milk chocolate ganache

Makes 1 cup

Melt 4 slabs (80g each) chopped white or milk chocolate and ½ cup (125ml) cream in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler. Stir occasionally until well combined and mixture is smooth. (Never let the bowl get too hot to touch, as this would mean the chocolate will split.) Cool to reach desired consistency.

Italian meringue

Makes 2-3 cups

Combine 1 cup (200g) white sugar and ½ cup (125ml) water in small pot. Stir to dissolve, then bring to a boil without stirring again. Brush down the sides with a pastry brush dipped in water. Cook syrup for about 8-10 minutes, there should be no change in colour. Whisk 4 large egg whites and ½ tsp (2.5ml) cream of tartar in a stand-mixer until soft peak stage. Slowly drizzle in hot syrup, while whisking egg whites at a high speed until stiff peaks have formed and meringue is thick and glossy. Using a palette knife or back of a spoon, add dollops of meringue to your cake and torch using a kitchen blowtorch, if you like.

Butterscotch sauce

Makes 1 cup

Place 1 cup (200g) white sugar into a clean, dry pot over medium heat and allow to melt. Swirl the pot to make sure all the sugar is dissolved. Once sugar has turned an amber golden colour, add ⅖ cup (100g) butter and whisk to combine. Remove from the heat and stir through ¼ cup (60ml) cream and whisk vigorously until smooth and lump-free. Pour over cake as desired.

Brandy snaps

Makes 6-8 large discs

Preheat oven to 160°C and line a tray with baking paper or a silicone baking mat. Place ½ cup (125g each) butter, brown sugar and golden syrup into a pot. Bring to a boil while stirring continuously until all sugar has dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly. Sift 1 cup (150g) cake flour and 1 tsp (5ml) ground ginger into the butter mixture and add 1 tsp (5ml) brandy and 2 tsp (10ml) lemon juice. Mix until combined. Pour tablespoons of the mixture onto the baking tray and spread out with the back of a spoon. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Remove from oven and cool completely. Store in an airtight container lined with baking paper, in a cool place for 1-2 days. Add as decoration just before serving, to avoid losing its crunch.

Photo: Gallo/Getty Images