1. Measure ingredients accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure precise measurements of dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. Use the “dip, level, and pour” method for precise measuring dry ingredients like flour: dip the measuring cup into the ingredient to fill above the top of the cup (or use a spoon to lightly fill the cup), then slide an offset spatula or knife edge across the top to level it. For liquids, use a liquid measuring cup at eye level for accuracy.
2. Cream butter and sugar properly: When a recipe calls for creaming butter and sugar together, beat them together until light and fluffy to incorporate air into the mixture. This gives your dessert a tender and moist texture.
3. Follow specified ingredient temperatures: While Tastefully Simple’s cake mixes offer the ease of using melted butter, some cake recipes suggest that ingredients like eggs and dairy be at room temperature. To soften cold butter in a hurry, you can shred it on a grater or cut it into small cubes, or heat water in a glass measuring cup, empty and quickly invert it over the cold butter. It will soften in just a few minutes.
4. Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense and tough baked goods. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mix until just combined.
5. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven according to the recipe directions to ensure even baking and help the cake rise and set properly.
6. Don’t peek: Opening the oven door frequently can cause temperature fluctuations, leading to uneven baking and potential sinking in the center. Only open the oven door when necessary, near the end of the suggested baking time.
7. Use the toothpick or cake tester method: To check if your cake is fully baked, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
8. Allow proper cooling time: After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the structure to set and prevents it from breaking apart.
For more information about Denise Lahav and Tastefully Simple, go to https://lasvegasempoweredwomensnetwork.org/lvewn-north/tastefully-simple-denise-lahav/
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