If you've recently opened a small bakery and you're in the depths of your first summer, one of the things you may be struggling with is how to overcome the heat with things such as your cakes. Every baker knows that heat is not a friend to baked goods, but if you don't know how to adapt your processes and your storage techniques, you may find yourself chasing problems instead of delivering the products that best represent your business. Here are a few tips for getting through that first summer heat wave with your cakes.
Maximize Your Refrigeration
Whenever possible, it's best to have an extra refrigerator or two dedicated to cake storage in the summer. Things you might have been able to let sit out on the counter during the cooler winter months are likely to spoil if you do that during the heat of the summer. Make the most of your refrigeration and freezers to preserve your cakes as best as possible.
Consider freezing finished, decorated layers before you assemble the final cake. When you take frozen layers out to assemble the cake, it will thaw by the event time, allowing you to preserve the cake for longer than you would otherwise. If you're transporting the cake to a venue for an event, call ahead and make sure there will be a refrigeration option to hold the cake until it's ready to present. If not, bring coolers or a small, portable refrigerator to store it in.
Market Your Frostings Wisely
One of the biggest cake problems in the heat of summer is the frosting. The most popular frosting option for many cakes is buttercream frosting, which is butter-based and doesn't stand up well to the heat. In fact, the heat can not only soften the frosting, but it can also cause the butter to separate from the liquids, resulting in a runny, clumpy mess if it gets too hot.
One of the best things you can do through the summer is to promote frostings that hold up better to the heat. Fondant, for example, is far more heat tolerant than buttercream. The gelatin base of fondant provides it with more stability, so it will maintain its structure and won't be as likely to melt as buttercream or other, more delicate frostings.
Offer Heat-Friendly Fillings
Fillings are a popular add-on for cake orders, whether they are made from frosting, mousse, fruit, or even whipped cream. When the weather warms up, it's important that you're careful about the filling options that you offer.
Any fillings that are dairy-based will be a cause for concern unless you're able to keep the cake refrigerated until right before serving. Even then, if the temperatures are significant and the event is outdoors, dairy-based fillings should be discouraged.
Instead, offer fillings made from preserves, fresh fruit, or something similar. They will hold up better against the heat. Make sure, though, that you create a solid filling dam around the outer perimeter of the layer and add a protective frosting layer beneath and above the filling so that it doesn't melt and seep into the cake.
Make Decorations Sturdy
The final component to consider when you're dealing with cakes in hot weather is the decorations. If you're used to piping fresh buttercream for your decorations, you'll want to think again during hot weather. You can alter your decorating techniques easily for the heat, though.
Fondant or gum paste can be used to create many shaped items and cut-out decorations. These will hold up far better in the heat because of the stabilizers in them. Another option is to use a thicker royal icing to make all of your flowers. Royal icing hardens, so it won't melt in the heat. You can pipe all of the flowers and other decorations just like you would with buttercream, but do them in advance, let them harden, then place them on the cake afterward.
For more ideas, contact a company that sells bakery supplies.
Share10 July 2018
After I began thinking about different ways to improve my nightly meals, I realized that there had to be something better. I knew that some of the ways I was cooking were a little antiquated, but I didn't quite understand how to change my ways. Fortunately, a friend of mine began working on teaching me various cooking techniques, and it was a blast. I wanted to start a powerful new venture into cooking, so I started up this blog. This website is here to help others to choose the best ingredients, techniques, and skills to make their food better than ever before.
