To avoid making your homemade cakes taste too "cakey," you can take several steps to achieve a more tender, moist, and flavorful result. Here are some tips:
Use Cake Flour: Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps produce a softer and more tender crumb in cakes. When possible, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour in your cake recipes.
Measure Ingredients Precisely: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you are adding the right amount of ingredients to the cake batter.
Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to the development of too much gluten, resulting in a dense and tough cake. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined to avoid overworking the gluten.
Creaming Method: When the recipe calls for it, use the creaming method for combining butter and sugar. This technique incorporates air into the batter, leading to a lighter and more delicate texture.
Use Buttermilk or Sour Cream: Adding buttermilk or sour cream to the batter can enhance moisture and create a softer crumb in the cake.
Incorporate Oil: Some cake recipes use oil instead of butter to achieve a moister texture. Oil cakes tend to stay moist for longer than butter-based cakes.
Add Extra Egg Yolks: Adding extra egg yolks to the batter can increase the richness and tenderness of the cake.
Avoid Overbaking: Be careful not to overbake the cake. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid a dry and crumbly texture.
Syrup Soak: After baking the cake, you can add a simple syrup or flavored liquid (e.g., fruit juice) to the top of the cake while it's still warm. This will add moisture and enhance the flavor.
Layer with Fillings: Adding fruit preserves, curds, or ganache between cake layers can add moisture and flavor, making the overall cake taste less "cakey."
Experiment with Flavors: Incorporate different extracts, citrus zests, or spices to add depth and complexity to the cake's flavor.
Fruit or Vegetable Additions: Adding pureed fruits or vegetables (e.g., bananas, carrots) can add moisture and contribute to a softer texture.
Remember that the specific recipe and ingredients you use will also play a significant role in the final result. Experiment with these tips and adjust them to suit your preferences and the type of cake you're making. With some practice, you'll be able to create delicious cakes with the texture and flavor you desire.