Wilton Method Instructor

Sunday, March 24, 2013

How to Freeze Cakes and Cupcakes

Freezing you cake or cupcakes for up to 2 weeks can actually make them even more moist and delicious! In fact, I've learned recently that many professionals freeze their cakes for this very reason. How about that?!

Here's the proper way to freeze them:

Cakes should be cooled completely. Wrap gently in 2 layers of plastic wrap, then in 2 layers of aluminum foil. Place flat in your freezer (don't stack!) for up to 2 weeks.

Cupcakes should be cooled completely. Place in gallon size freezer bags (12 fit nicely in 1 gallon size bag). Wrap in 2 layers of aluminum foil. Place flat in your freezer (again, don't stack!) for up to 2 weeks.

To thaw your cake or cupcakes, simply move from the freezer to the kitchen counter. Don't unwrap yet! As the cake thaws, condensation builds up... if you leave the wrapper on, condensation will end up between the foil and plastic wrap (or freezer bag) rather than on your cake! We're looking for a delicious, moist cake - not a soggy one!

Also, don't refrigerate cake if you can help it. While freezers add moisture, refrigerators dry cakes out!

Cakes and cupcakes thaw pretty quickly. For your average 9 x 13 or 24 cupcakes, an hour or two should be good. The larger the cake, the longer it will take.

You never want to ice a frozen cake, so plan ahead and allow enough time for your cake to thaw :-)
Good luck!

My New "Secret" Ingredient

Today I made gluten free vanilla cupcakes. Just your average vanilla cupcake, only gluten free. No big deal.

Instead of using processed vegetable oil, I used liquid coconut oil which I found in the natural foods section of my local grocery store.

The result: amazing cupcakes!!!

This is the first time I've seen liquid coconut oil. Usually it is sold in a solid state... here's the kind I used: http://www.naturesway.com/Products/Essential-Fatty-Acids-EFAs/15857-Liquid-Coconut-Premium-Oil.aspx.

I've also tried this in place of butter and vegetable oil for my dinner tonight. It was delicious!

Not only can this be used for baking and cooking, but also for healthy hair and skin! This makes a great conditioner when applied to hair before washing or a great moisturizing lotion when applied to the skin.

LOVE it!!

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Gum Paste and Fondant

I am working to make a display piece for the store... thought I'd share a few creations from this weekend! :-)

Friday, December 28, 2012

Sharing some helpful links

Just wanted to share a few links that I find helpful...

How to Make a Cake

Here’s a handy guide on baking cakes and cake pan preparation; baking time and batter amounts; torting and filling cake making methods; choosing a cake size; and tiered cakes serving amounts.

How to Decorate Cakes

Here you will get a step-by-step rundown of the essential prep work and cake decorating ideas everyone must learn before starting to decorate. Icing cakes; types of icing for cake decorating; coloring icing and fondant for decorating cakes; cake decorating techniques; cake decorating basics; decorating cakes with fondant; icing recipes for decorating cakes; decorating shaped cakes; icing consistency for decorating your cake; and decorating cake boards.

How to Display and Store Cakes

Includes information on cake display stands, cake transport, storing cakes, storing the top tier of a wedding cake, and cake transport carriers and boxes.

How to Cut a Cake

Here you will find guides for properly cutting wedding and party cakes of all sizes.

Ask Nancy

Video podcasts that offer great tips on baking and decorating – from ingredients to fondant. Check out the latest series of podcasts that allow you a glimpse behind the scenes at Wilton. You’ll have access to the Wilton Test Kitchen, The Wilton School, Decorating Room, Photo Studio, and more.