Basic Cakes

While it seems there are hundreds of different kinds of cakes, there are really only six: sponge cakes, butter cakes, oil-based cakes (such as carrot cake and chiffon cake), yeasted cakes (including babas and savarins), meringue-based cakes, and custard cakes (cheesecake, for example). Once you know how to make one of each type, you’ll know how to make them all.

Four basic ingredients make virtually all cakes and pastries what they are: flour, eggs, sugar, and butter. Cakes can be made with other ingredients, such as flavorings (nuts, chocolate, fruits) and leavenings (baking powder and baking soda), but the amazing variety is the result of manipulating the four basic ingredients in different ways.