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- list the various systems in a cake batter.
- describe the one-bowl method of mixing a cake
- describe the conventional method of mixing a cake
- analyze, evaluate, and explain the relationship between cake formulation, preparation procedures, and baking of batter upon the final product.
- discuss what happens during heating of a typical shortened cake batter.
There are two primarily types of fat-containing cakes: pound and shortened cakes.
The shortened cake is made from flour, nonfat dry milk solids, egg, fat, sugar, salt and baking powder. These ingredients are mixed so all three dispersion systems are produced in a cake batter. Suspensions of egg, starch, flour particles, and fat globules. The proteins also may be present as a colloidal dispersion.
The component ingredients themselves likely contribute to each of these dispersion systems.
- Solution Certainly, the sugar, salts and chemical leavenings are the ingredients most likely in solution if adequate liquid is available. In order for the production of carbon dioxide from the chemical leavener. Solution of sugar will enhance its functionality with starch gelatinization, protein denaturation, and the Maillard reaction.
Emulsion and foam. | In a conventionally made shortened cake, the shortening exists both as a fat and a foam. The amount of emulsifier with the fat, the method of mixing both impact emulsion and foam formation. Additionally, the proportion of ingredients makes a difference. |  |
The one-bowl method of mixing is essentially a muffin method of mixing. The milk, oil, and egg are mixed together. The dry ingredients are mixed and then these two are mixed. Cakes made by the muffin method of mixing generally have a coarser texture. Additionally, they generally have a shorter shelf life, otherwise stale quicker.
The conventional method of mixing involves a creaming of the fat, incorporation of sugar and creaming, adding of eggs and creaming. It is at this point that the air cells are formed. After creaming, the dry and liquid ingredients are added alternately, mixing after each addition.
The type and proportion of ingredients, the method of mixing and the method of baking are a few factors which effect the characteristics of shortened of shortened cakes. Flour with smaller particles as well as that with less protein will influence the cake quality. Bleaching of flour decreases pH and changes the rheological properties of a flour. It has been reported that unchlorinated cake (unbleached) flours produce a product with sunken contours, soggy interiors or a layering effect, a decreased volume and an increased thickness of the cell walls.
Regardless of the richness or ratio of tenderizers and tougheners, all ingredients
must be balanced according to their function in a cake batter. For example
the structural or toughening ingredients such as eggs and flour should be
equalized with tenderizing ingredients like fat and sugar. Likewise the
liquid ingredients should be balanced with the dry ingredients. The formation
of the starch-protein matrix is important for the support and strength of
the cake crumb. When these two ingredients are varied it affects the matrix.
The varying sugar concentration will affect the extent of starch gelatinization
and denaturation of protein. The addition of increasing levels of sugar
in a recipe inhibits these phenomena and thus the matrix is weaker. The
weakening of the matrix may make a fluffier, lighter product or make a product
that will collapse depending on the ratio used.
Traditional recipes call for the weight of the sugar never to exceed 100% of the weight of flour. However, commercial recipes containing higher levels of sugar (30% or more) are becoming popular. These improve the quality of the cake by increasing the volume, tenderness and softness of the cake. This is possible commercially because of additives currently available. The weight of fat is generally less than 50% of the amount of sugar. The closer to the 50% weight of fat, the better the quality of the cake due to an improvement in tenderness, flavor, grain, texture and moisture. The correct amount of liquid in relation to other ingredients in the cake is essential for a high quality product. The weight of the liquid (liquid: milk, eggs) should be approximately equal to the weight of flour. When the liquid or sugar is too high in relation to the flour, the resultant batter is very fluid and the finished cake will lack structure.
During the heating of the batter several basic phenomena occur. The leavening
action of both carbon dioxide and steam, gelatinization of the starch
granule and coagulation or denaturation of the egg and flour proteins
are three primary phenomenon. The fat melts and moves along the convection
currents which arise due to the heat action. As the fat melts, it releases
the air it trapped during mixing to the flour-water medium. Enlargement
of these air spaces occur in the batter during the latter part of baking.
The gas is given off by this batter system as it is heated along with
some expansion of the batter. The gas cells are surrounded by a thin layer
of batter which expand with the cells when they are heated. Expansion
of the cells increases the pressure within them and also increases the
movement of the batter. These bubbles rupture when a maximum pressure
inside is reached and the film surrounding the cell resists further expansion.
The coagulation of the egg and flour protein and gelatinization of starch
causes the resistance to expansion of the cells. at this point the batter
becomes set.
POUND CAKE has no added leavening agent except for the air incorporated in the creaming of the fat and sugar and in the beaten eggs.
SHORTENED CAKE is leavened chiefly by carbon dioxide gas from baking powder or from soda and buttermilk. Air incorporated into the plastic fat or into the beaten eggs or egg whites also aids in leavening of the mixture.
QUICK-MIX; SINGLE-STAGE, ONE-BOWL OR ONE-MIX MIXNG METHOD all dry ingredie3nts are mixed into the bowl, fat added, part of the liquid and flavoring or add all fat, liquid, and flavoring. Add unbeaten eggs or egg whites and remaining liquids.
POLYDEXTROSE is a condensation polymer of dextrose with minor amounts of sorbitol and citric acid; it contains only 1 kilocalorie per gram.
What are considerations in selection of a flour for an optimum quality shortened cake?
How can one affect quality of cakes by using eggs [white eggs mixed, beat]
How doe formulates of conventionally mixed and quick mixed cakes vary?
Describe the function of each ingredient.
In which cake mixing method would gluten development be greatest?
How do formulas vary to compensate for the mixing method?
Describe a quality shortened cake by shape, texture, tenderness, crust and volume.
How does the quality differ in cakes made with fat replacers?
Why does the cake volume and tenderness change when using a margarine spread?
How does high fructose corn syrup affect quality?
What is the function of sugar in a cake?
How does sugar affect coagulation temperature?
What are the functions of sugar in shortened cake?
What is the affect of substituting powdered sugar for crystalline sugar. Why does this happen?
How does the substitution of honey for sugar affect the quality of a shortened cake?
Why would reduce the liquid in a formula when honey is used?
What could be done in order to use honey as an ingredient?
What is the affect of substituting all-purpose flour rather than cake flour on cake quality.
What is the affect of adding baking powder rather than soda in a chocolate shortened cake? Of adding extra acid? Explain.
What is the affect of adding oil instead of "shortening" or a fat in shortened cakes? Discuss.
What do eggs contribute to the quality of cakes?
Are cocoa and chocolate interchangeable in shortened cakes?
Updated: Wednesday, October 24, 2007. |