Flour, particularly wheat flour, contains gluten, a protein that forms a network when mixed with water, providing structure and elasticity to the cake batter.

Creaming butter and sugar together incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake.

Eggs play multiple roles in cake batter: they provide structure through their proteins, add moisture, emulsify ingredients like fat and water, and enhance flavor.

Baking powder or baking soda, when combined with an acidic ingredient, creates a leavening effect, causing the cake batter to rise during baking.

Most cakes bake best at a moderate oven temperature of 180°C (350°F), allowing for even cooking and preventing the cake from over-browning.

To determine if a cake is done baking, you can check for several signs: a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, the cake should have risen and browned evenly, and it should have pulled away from the sides of the pan.

Cooling a cake before frosting serves multiple purposes: it prevents the frosting from melting, allows the cake to settle and stabilize, and makes it easier to handle and decorate.

Meringue frosting is made by whipping egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy frosting.

Layer cakes are made with multiple layers, typically round, and often decorated with frosting, while sheet cakes are made with a single layer, usually rectangular, and are often frosted and then cut into squares.

Tempering chocolate involves heating and cooling it in a specific way to prevent it from seizing, create a smooth and glossy texture, and enhance its flavor.

Fruit cake is a dense, moist cake that often contains dried fruits and nuts, and is typically served during special occasions like Christmas.

Sponge cakes are made with whole eggs, have a denser texture, and are typically baked in a round pan, while chiffon cakes are made with egg whites only, are lighter and airier, and are baked in a tube pan.

Flour provides structure, absorbs moisture, and thickens the cake batter, contributing to its overall texture and stability.

Sugar provides sweetness, tenderizes the cake by inhibiting gluten formation, and adds moisture to the batter, contributing to the cake's overall flavor and texture.

Butter contributes richness and flavor to the cake, tenderizes it by inhibiting gluten formation, and creates a moist texture by trapping steam during baking.