Cake is a beloved dessert in Singapore, with a rich history and cultural significance. From traditional kuehs to modern layered cakes, Singaporeans have a deep appreciation for all types of cake. However, with the rising cost of ingredients and bakery products, affordability has become a significant concern for cake lovers in Singapore. In this blog post, we will explore tips and strategies for making delicious cakes on a budget. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these tips will help you create affordable and tasty cakes that won't break the bank.
Tips for Making Cake on a Budget
When it comes to making cake on a budget, there are several strategies that you can use to save money without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips to help you create delicious cakes without breaking the bank.
A. Choosing cheaper ingredients without sacrificing quality
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Flour - Opt for all-purpose flour instead of specialty flours like cake flour or bread flour. All-purpose flour is cheaper and more versatile.
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Sugar - Choose granulated sugar instead of specialty sugars like brown sugar or powdered sugar. Granulated sugar works well in most cake recipes.
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Butter and oil - Use vegetable oil instead of butter or expensive oils like coconut oil. You can also use a combination of oil and butter to save money without sacrificing flavor.
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Eggs - Use large eggs instead of extra-large or jumbo eggs. Large eggs are cheaper and work well in most cake recipes.
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Flavors and add-ins - Use affordable ingredients like vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and spices to add flavor to your cakes. Fresh fruit and nuts can also be affordable and delicious add-ins.
B. Making substitutions to save money
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Using applesauce or yogurt instead of oil or butter - Applesauce and yogurt can be used in place of oil or butter to add moisture to your cakes. This substitution can also reduce the fat content of your cake.
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Using buttermilk instead of milk - Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor to cakes and can be used in place of regular milk in most recipes.
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Using baking powder instead of baking soda and cream of tartar - Baking powder is a combination of baking soda and cream of tartar and can be used in place of both ingredients in most recipes.
C. Tips for using baking equipment and tools that are affordable
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Hand mixers vs stand mixers - Hand mixers are cheaper than stand mixers and work well for most cake recipes. You can also mix your cake batter by hand using a whisk or spatula.
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Non-stick vs traditional baking pans - Non-stick baking pans are more expensive than traditional baking pans, but they can save you money in the long run by reducing the amount of oil or butter needed to grease the pan.
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Using a kitchen scale to measure ingredients - Using a kitchen scale to measure ingredients can help you avoid waste and ensure that you're using the right amount of each ingredient.
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Investing in reusable silicone baking mats and cupcake liners - Reusable silicone baking mats and cupcake liners are more expensive upfront, but they can save you money over time by reducing the need to buy disposable paper liners and parchment paper.
By using these tips and strategies, you can create delicious cakes without breaking the bank. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can enjoy the sweet taste of cake without sacrificing your budget.
Affordable Cake Recipes
Now that we've covered some tips and strategies for making cake on a budget, let's dive into some affordable cake recipes that you can try at home.
A. Vanilla Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost and decorate the cakes as desired.
B. Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost and decorate the cakes as desired.
C. Carrot Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add oil and eggs to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Stir in grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost and decorate the cake as desired.
We hope that these tips and affordable cake recipes have inspired you to try making your own cakes at home without breaking the bank. Remember, there are many ways to save money on baking ingredients and equipment, and with a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can make delicious cakes that are just as good (if not better!) than store-bought ones.
To recap, some of the tips we covered include choosing cheaper ingredients, making substitutions, and using affordable baking equipment and tools. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations and decorations to make your cakes truly unique and special. We encourage you to give these affordable cake recipes a try and let us know how they turn out. And if you have any other tips or experiences making cake on a budget, we'd love to hear about them in the comments section. Happy baking!