How to Make a Whole Cake

Whole grain cakes are tasty and as rich normal cakes.

A whole cake is a type of cake which uses whole wheat flour rather than all-purpose white flour as a baking medium. The use of whole grains not only makes the cake healthier and less guilt inducing, but it can result in a tasty sweet treat. The recipe will vary depending on personal preferences for the type of cake, but in general making a few substitutions to cake recipes like chocolate cake or yellow cake is appropriate.

Things You'll Need

• Whole wheat pastry flour
• Cake recipe ingredients
• Mixing bowl
• Mixer
• Baking pans
• Oven
• Frosting
• Knife or decorating kit

Instructions

1. Look over any preferred cake recipe. A whole cake is possible to make in any recipe, whether it is a yellow cake, chocolate cake or even special flavors of cake. The key difference is the substitution rather than the recipe. Ensure the mixture procedures are understood, though many recipes mix dry ingredients and then adding wet ingredients. Also pay attention to the oven temperature.

2. Substitute the all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour. The whole wheat pastry flour is ground up as fine as all-purpose flour, but it has the benefit of whole grains. Unlike all-purpose flour, which removes the husk and bleaches the flour, whole wheat pastry flour does not remove the husks, grinds up the wheat so it is extra fine and does not bleach the flour.

3. Add in one extra egg to the cake recipe if eggs are included. If not, add in a little extra liquid in whatever form it takes, such as adding an extra banana or adding a little extra buttermilk. Wheat flour is a little tougher than all-purpose, so the addition of an extra egg will keep it fluffy.

4. Mix ingredients as directed in the preferred recipe. Exact methods will vary depending on how the cake is made and the recipe instructions. Turn on the oven to preheat. The temperature will vary depending on the recipe, but usually ends up around 350 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Grease the baking pan with any preferred greasing agent. This will prevent sticking. Butter, spray or shortening is appropriate as a greasing agent.

6. Divide the cake between two pans so the batter is evenly distributed. If a layer cake is not preferred, put all of the batter in the same baking pan.

7. Put the cake into the oven. Allow it to bake as directed by the recipe. Usually recipes require at least 25 to 30 minutes, though timing can differ.

8. Allow the cake to cool and remove it from the pan. Usually, flipping it over will remove it effectively. If not, run a thin knife around the edges to remove it.

9. Decorate as preferred. Spread frosting with a knife or use a cake decorating kit.

References

• Whole Grain Gourmet: Whole Grain Chocolate Cake; Zen Baker
• Seattle Pi: How to Make Whole Wheat Flour Carrot Cake
• Decorating Country Home: Cake Tips