Why do some cake recipes have vinegar or salt in them?
I'm still very new to the whole baking experience and while browsing for cakes (or cupcakes) recipes, I sometimes find a pinch of salt in the ingredients, or even more strangely vinegar! Why are these added to a recipe? What do they do to a batter? I'm particularly curious about the vinegar and can't dare try it.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by June Kowalczyk on
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Hey Mai
Ok. The pinch of salt is to bring out the flavor in the cake mix. I have often omitted it. Not not always necessary, especially if using a good flavoring/extract. The vinegar is for lift/rising of the cake. Creates a chemical reaction with baking soda to do so. I use this when making a vegan cake for my daughter. I also use vinegar to "sour" my milk, to create buttermilk, when I don't have it on hand. Trust me Mai, you cannot taste it in the final product. When salt is used in icing, it is to cut the sweetness.
Hope this helps. :o)
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Permalink Reply by Mai Fathalla on
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Perfect answer (as always) June... Thank you!
One minor thing, so if I'm using baking powder as a substitute to baking soda (which we don't have around here), I shouldn't be using the vinegar?
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Well baking powder isn't a substitute. It is what normally is used. Baking soda is usually the substitute. And no, vinegar isn't necessary if using baking powder. :o)
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:) Thank you dear June... You're so helpful.
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:o) :o) :o)
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Permalink Reply by Katy Nott on
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Mai - I never use vinegar, always baking powder. As June says, salt is for bringing out the flavour - it's just the same as seasoning any kind of food (I'm sure you season your meat before you cook it?). It's only a pinch mind you, and again, it really is not neccessary if you have good tasting basic ingredients - eg free range eggs, good quality cocoa etc. When I making butter icing, I always use salted butter, rather than unsalted - gives the icing a bit more 'zing'
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O really? will surely try that on a small portion (for the butter icing)... I was actually wondering more about the vinegar in some recipes, but apparently everyone omits it safely :)
Thank you Katy :)
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Permalink Reply by Maria Gemini on
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I have watched DC cupcakes owners making their red velvet cupcakes using vinegar. They said the secret for making a good red velvet is the apple cider vinegar and not the ordinary white vinegar. I've tried the recipe and it's good. Adding vinegar to the cakes bring out the flavor and helps in preventing spoilage. Salt is also a flavor enhancer. It contributes to overall flavor of what you are baking.
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Thanks Maria :)
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Yes Maria
I also use apple cider vinegar in my red velvet cake. Sounds crazy, but it works!!! :o)
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