Tips from a master Beaminster Cake Maker
Creating the perfect Cake is about so much more than simply knowing what size pan to use. Take a wander through Beaminster’s streets, and you’d no doubt have spotted the amazing creations in the recently re-branded GC Cakes in Fleet Street. From fanciful cupcakes to cakes that would be fit for a King or Queen’s table, Georgina’s creations are perfect for any celebration. And if you’d ever wanted to create your own masterpiece, this blog is perfect for you. Georgina shares some of her favourite cake-making tips with us to ensure you get it right, first time!
Here’s what she says:
2 ways to provide a smooth finish to your cakes:
- My number one tip is to not over whip the buttercream! Many people think, if you whip it long enough then it will turn a fresh snow colour with the texture becoming fluffy, which does happen, but it also tends to allow air bubbles to appear. So, when you eventually get to fill and cover the cake in the buttercream, this is when the air bubbles come into play and it won’t allow you to have this smooth and clean finish that you anticipated. My tip is, if this does happen, add a little bit of boiled kettle water into the buttercream and give it a quick whip. This will allow the buttercream to become smooth and silky.
- My next tip, is if you’re covering the cake in Sugar paste, heat it up in the Microwave for 1 minute. When kneading without heating, it’ll take a lot of time and effort, so just adding a little heat will allow the oils to come to the surface and will make it easier for you and save a lot of time!
3 tips on creating the perfect Wedding Cake:
If you’ve decided to brave it out, and create your own, or someone else’s wedding cake, then this bit is especially for you. Georgina says this:
- Before you’ve even measured out the flour, stop. Make sure you have a plan! Ensure sure you’ve got a thorough idea on what you’re creating and what you want the end product to look like (or at least, a rough idea) Don’t go into it not knowing how you’re going to do things, or think that ‘winging it’ will be the best option.
- When creating a wedding cake, be patient and don’t rush things. They might not pan out the way you want them to if you rush, so take your time. Things will probably go wrong, and that’s ok. But remember to be patient, and think on your toes. Work with what you have and if you’re calm, you’ll be able to weather your way through most challenges.
- And now, once you’ve started, make sure you give it your all. This is for a very big day, so give yourself enough time, put in enough effort, and you’ll create something truly beautiful.
2 tips on making your cakes (slightly) healthier:
Yes, we (most of us) are health-conscious – so when it comes to cake, surely there are healthier alternatives? Of course there are. Georgina shares her best tips about testing out healthier alternatives if you’re in the baking mood.
- We all know that cakes are packed with sugar and fats, however there are slight switches you can make to provide a more healthier option. Why not add some veg or fruit into your cake mixtures and reduce the amount of sugar? Carrot cake is a firm favourite of mine, full of grated carrot and sultanas. There are many recipes out on the Internet which provide you with healthier options. Try substituting sugar for honey as an alternative, and experiment with different types of flour to get you to where you want to be.
- If you’re toying with becoming Vegan, then give it a go! The option to become Vegan is becoming more popular as the months go on – and it’s no different in baking. The smallest changes made by you could make a huge difference – and could start with something as small as switching your normal margarine to a plant-based alternative, or replacing the eggs with plant-based milks and vinegars. Most health-shops have fantastic alternatives available to help you get started. Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day – so try making small changes, and you’ll soon start to pick up quick-ways to replace old favourites with healthier options.
Georgina took over the cake shop from Heather’s Fancy That Cakes earlier in 2019, and has been building her own creations in the very same kitchen. But starting and running a business is a lot more complicated than it looks, and Georgina shared some of the key lessons she’s learnt about starting her own Cake Shop with us.
Here’s what she says:
3 secrets nobody tells you about running your own cake shop:
- If you’re a baker, you have to be able to manage your time properly. But if you own a cake shop, and you’re baking on a professional level, you’ve got to be great at time management. Never overbook yourself and allow plenty of time to be creative (giving yourself breathing space for new projects and new ideas in between too).
- As with most new businesses, owning a cake shop requires perseverance and LONG hours. You need to be willing and prepared to put in the hard work. This might mean sacrificing certain things that you enjoy doing, but if you want the business to thrive, you’ve got to put in the time. The harder you work, the quicker you’ll get into a routine, and you’ll soon be balancing work life to allow for all the things you enjoy too.
- Cake-making is an an expensive trade, so make sure you budget yourself on everything. Many bakers just setting out on the journey immediately set out to buy new equipment to do particular things and too soon, they have spent way more on gadgets and gizmos than they needed to. Simply re-using what you already have is key to growing your business organically. One example is the use of Foaming Mats – something that bakers use to dry sugar paste leaves and flowers. To save yourself money, try use an egg tray instead! There are a number of alternatives that are lying right in front of you – so before you set out with your shopping list, take a look around you and see what’s available to you to use before you do!
Georgina Clapp runs GC Cakes, which can be found at 10 Fleet Street. If you’re on the hunt for something special, get in touch with Georgina on 01308 862242 or via Facebook. Georgina also runs 1-2-1 baking classes which covers a wide range of skills from the basic of butter-creaming, to making the perfect assortment of sugar paste flowers. Make sure you follow her on Facebook, or take a look at her website for everything on offer!
