Cake

baking · dessert · flour magic

Flour plus liquid. Cakes start with flour mixed with something wet like milk, eggs, or oil, which combines to create a batter that's ready to bake.

Fluffy secret ingredient. Cakes use a leavening agent, usually baking powder or baking soda, which creates tiny bubbles in the batter so the cake rises up light and airy in the oven.

Born from bread. The first cakes were actually just fancy bread with sweetener added, but modern cakes have changed so much they're now their own special kind of dessert.

Baked or griddled. Most cakes go in the oven, but some cakes can be cooked on a hot griddle or skillet instead.

Many varieties exist. Cakes can be super simple with just a few ingredients or very fancy and elaborate, and they share similar techniques with pastries, pies, and custards.