How I Taught Myself to Bake a Delicious Cake Without Eggs

Despite my background of growing up in the states foster care system and losing my mother at a very young age, I've taught myself to bake through old-fashioned methods and my own experiences. One of my significant baking quests was a cake without eggs for my son’s birthday. This article shares the process and techniques I used to create a beautiful, delicious cake, and tips for anyone learning to bake from the basics.

Ingredients and Basics

For a simple vanilla cake, here is a basic recipe:

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup milk 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan, then flour the pan. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until well combined, and the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost the cake with your favorite frosting, or enjoy it plain.

Piping Tips for Cake Decorations

Beyond the basic cake, I also decided to decorate it. Here are the steps to add piping:

Prep the piping bag: Fit your piping bag with a tip and fill it about halfway with icing. Prepare parchment paper: Cut a piece of parchment paper the same size as your cake to protect it during the decorating process. Transfer the message: Use a mute bell or a simple piece of paper to transfer your decoration to the cake. Practice your piping: Before you start decorating the cake, practice your piping on a piece of parchment paper or a practice cake. Write on the cake: Once you feel comfortable with your piping, use it to write a message or design on the cake. Add decorations: Once the message or design is set, add additional decorations such as sprinkles, edible flowers, or icing accents.

Decorating a cake can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be. The key is to practice and have fun with it. With the right techniques and a bit of creativity, you can create beautiful and delicious cakes that are a joy to serve and eat.

Conclusion

I learned to bake through old school techniques, and with every recipe, I refine my skills. I prefer simple and clean baking, using just the necessary ingredients. This article shares a basic vanilla cake recipe, along with piping and decorating tips to help you get started. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or simply enjoying the process of creating something delicious, these techniques can help you become a better baker.