Have you ever wondered why some cakes are so incredibly moist and delicious, while others can be dry and crumbly?
The secret ingredient that many professional bakers rely on to keep their cakes moist and flavorful is simple syrup.
This easy-to-make mixture of sugar and water is brushed onto cakes before decorating and assembling, helping to add sweetness and moisture to every layer.
In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of using simple syrup on cakes, from preventing dryness to enhancing flavor.
Whether you’re a professional pastry chef or a home baker, read on to discover why simple syrup is a must-have ingredient for any cake recipe.
Why Is Simple Syrup Used On Cakes?
Simple syrup is used on cakes for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to keep the cake moist throughout every stage of assembly and decoration. Even if you bake your cake for the right amount of time and use all the correct ingredients, there’s no guarantee that it will turn out perfectly moist. A dry cake can often be caused by something as seemingly minor as overmixing the batter or using a dark cake pan, which retains more heat.
Secondly, simple syrup adds sweetness and flavor to the cake. The liquid in the syrup helps give the cake a more even texture and also helps to keep the crumb moist. Simple syrup also helps to retain the flavor of the cake and is especially useful for cakes that contain fruit or stronger flavors, like chocolate or coffee. Additionally, simple syrup can help prevent sugar from crystallizing and forming a crunchy texture on the surface of the cake.
Thirdly, simple syrup is a great all-purpose glaze for cakes and fruitcakes, adding moisture and a bit of sweetness. It’s also a key element in certain mixed drinks.
What Is Simple Syrup And How Is It Made?
Simple syrup is a mixture of sugar and water that is heated briefly until the sugar dissolves. It is a popular sweetener that can be used in cocktails, coffee, tea, and added to baked goods and desserts. Making simple syrup is incredibly easy; all you need to do is mix equal parts of granulated sugar and hot water until the sugar dissolves completely. You can also add flavorings to the mixture, such as vanilla extract or fruit juices, to enhance the taste.
To make simple syrup, start by heating water in a saucepan until it comes to a boil. Then, add an equal amount of granulated sugar to the boiling water and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool completely. You can then transfer the syrup to a bottle or container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Simple syrup is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be brushed onto cake layers to add moisture or used as a glaze for fruits and fruitcakes. It’s also a great sweetener for cold drinks like iced tea and cocktails since it dissolves quickly and evenly. With its simplicity and versatility, it’s no wonder that simple syrup is a staple in many kitchens and bars.
The Benefits Of Using Simple Syrup On Cakes
There are several benefits to using simple syrup on cakes. Firstly, it helps to keep the cake moist and prevents it from drying out. This is especially important for cakes that are going to be assembled and decorated over a period of several days, as it can help to preserve the freshness of the cake.
Secondly, simple syrup can add an extra layer of sweetness and flavor to the cake. The liquid in the syrup helps to distribute the sweetness evenly throughout the cake, giving it a more consistent flavor profile. This is particularly useful for cakes that have a more subtle flavor, as it can help to enhance and amplify the taste.
Thirdly, simple syrup can help to prevent sugar from crystallizing on the surface of the cake. When sugar crystallizes, it can create a crunchy texture that can detract from the overall texture of the cake. By using simple syrup, you can help to prevent this from happening and ensure that your cake has a smooth and even texture throughout.
How Simple Syrup Prevents Dryness In Cakes
Simple syrup prevents dryness in cakes by adding moisture to the cake layers. When a cake is baked, it can sometimes turn out dry due to various factors such as over-baking, overmixing the batter, or using a dark cake pan that retains more heat. In such cases, brushing simple syrup onto the cake layers can help to add moisture and prevent dryness.
The liquid in the simple syrup seeps into the cake layers, helping to give them a more even texture and keeping the crumb moist. This is especially useful for homemade cakes that can sometimes seem drier and denser than box mix cakes. Simple syrup can be applied to the cake layers using a sprinkle bottle or pastry brush.
In addition to preventing dryness, simple syrup also adds sweetness and flavor to the cake. It helps to retain the flavor of the cake and is particularly useful for cakes that contain fruit or stronger flavors like chocolate or coffee. The syrup also helps to prevent sugar from crystallizing on the surface of the cake, which can create a crunchy texture.
Enhancing Flavor With Simple Syrup
In addition to keeping cakes moist and adding sweetness, simple syrup can also be used to enhance the flavor of cakes. By adding a few drops of extract, such as vanilla or almond, to the syrup, you can bring out the natural flavors of the cake. This is especially useful for cakes that have subtle flavors or for those that need a little extra boost.
Another way to enhance the flavor of cakes with simple syrup is by adding a touch of liquor. While this may seem like an unusual choice, alcohol can actually dissolve flavors that are not water or fat soluble, creating a bridge between different flavors in the cake. By matching the liquor to the flavors in the cake, you can create layers of flavor that will make your cake truly stand out.
It’s important to note that when using simple syrup to enhance flavor, it’s best to use it sparingly. Too much syrup can overpower the natural flavors of the cake and make it overly sweet or soggy. A light brushing or spritzing of syrup is all that’s needed to add a subtle yet noticeable boost of flavor to your cake.
How To Use Simple Syrup In Cake Decorating
When it comes to cake decorating, simple syrup can be a valuable tool. Professional pastry chefs often use simple syrup to keep cakes moist during all steps of the decorating process because it can sometimes take days to build a cake.
To use simple syrup in cake decorating, start by preparing your simple syrup on the stove. Poke a few small holes in the top of the cake with a toothpick or a skewer. Lightly drizzle the simple syrup over the top of the cake, making sure to spread it evenly across the surface. If the syrup does not sink into the cake completely, smooth it out with a spoon.
It’s important to use quality over quantity when moistening your cake with simple syrup. You do not want to overdo it with the simple syrup or your cake will become dense and overly sweet. Use a clean pastry brush or small spray bottle to apply the syrup to each of your cake layers as you fill your cake. Use just enough to lightly moisten the surface. It should easily absorb into the cake.
When applying your syrup with a pastry brush, it’s a good idea to pour a small amount of syrup into another container or cup and dip your brush into that to apply it – this way you won’t get crumbs in the rest of your syrup.
If you’re looking for an extra burst of flavor, you can also use flavored syrups in your cake decorating. For example, you could brush cherry simple syrup on a chocolate cake for a subtle burst of flavor.
Tips For Making And Storing Simple Syrup At Home
Making and storing simple syrup at home is easy and can be modified to suit your preferences. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Use a clean jar or container to store your simple syrup. Basic simple syrup made with just sugar and water will last longer than flavored syrups. For any flavored syrups, it’s best to store them in the fridge and use them within a month. If you notice any discoloration or mold, discard the syrup immediately.
2. To make simple syrup, all you need is water and sugar in equal parts. Dissolve the sugar in water over low heat, stirring constantly until it dissolves completely. Do not let the mixture boil or simmer for too long as this can alter the texture and flavor of the syrup.
3. You can add other ingredients to your simple syrup for added flavor. For example, you can add vanilla extract, lemon juice, or herbs like mint or rosemary. Simply add these ingredients to the mixture after the sugar has dissolved and let it steep for a few minutes before straining it.
4. When applying simple syrup to your cake layers, use a clean pastry brush or small spray bottle to apply just enough to lightly moisten the surface. Pour a small amount of syrup into another container or cup and dip your brush into that to apply it – this way you won’t get crumbs in the rest of your syrup.
5. Simple syrup can last for 1-2 months if stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge. If it starts to form crystals around the edges or if you see even the tiniest bit of mold, discard it immediately.
By following these tips, you can make and store simple syrup at home for all your baking needs. Whether you’re making cakes, fruitcakes, or mixed drinks, simple syrup is an essential ingredient that adds moisture, sweetness, and flavor to your creations.
