Cakes Key Terms

Dive into common terms for dealing with delicious cakes

By Darcy Chadwick

Cakes are a delicious treat, whether for birthdays, parties or for no reason at all. But how do you become familiar with all that the cake business has to offer? You should learn some common cake terms that will have your business booming and customers flocking to your bakery. If a customer desires a particular type of cake, you must know the ingredients as well as how to prepare it. Brush up on some typical cake terms before you start baking.

Marzipan

Marzipan is made of almond paste, powdered sugar and a moistening agent such as water. When it's used to ice cakes, marzipan can be rolled out and draped over the cake with a fruit glaze applied between the two. This seals the marzipan and cake together.
Try: Learn about the difference between marzipan and almond paste at Ochef.

Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska is a dessert dish made in a variety of ways. Early versions called for this dessert to contain ice cream that is encased in meringue and browned in an oven. But today's Baked Alaska uses a sponge cake.
Try: Learn how the Baked Alaska received its name at What's Cooking America.

Black forest

Black Forest is a chocolate cake containing layers of cake, whipped cream and cherries. It is normally decorated with more whipped cream, more cherries and chocolate curls or shavings. Sometimes the cake is dipped in liquor, but most American-made Black Forest cakes eliminate this step.
Try: Learn the history behind the Black Forest cake as well as the common brands used to make the cake at The Nibble.

Petite four

The petite four is a tiny cake served at the end of a meal, usually accompanied by a cup of coffee. There are several varieties available, but the most popular version is a 1-inch square layered sponge cake filled with buttercream and topped with colored fondant.
Try: Visit baking911.com to learn about the different types of petite fours.

Cake flour

Cake flour is a necessity when working with cakes. The difference between cake flour and regular flour is that cake flour is more bleached and has a higher starch-to-gluten ratio. As a result, it produces a lighter, less dense cake, which is ideal for cakes like angel food.
Try: Visit Cookeryonline.com to learn more about the different types of flour, including cake flour.

Ganache

Ganache is a rich, thick, velvety icing that is made out of melted chocolate and heavy cream. Normally the hot cream is poured over the chopped chocolate, which can be bittersweet or semisweet. The common ratio is equal parts of both chocolate and cream.
Try: Visit Joyofbaking.com to learn more about ganache.