Category: Decorating Cakes

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This Super Moist Coconut Cake Will Win Over Everyone!

My Super Moist Coconut Cake that Wins over Everyone
My Super Moist Coconut Cake

** This post also contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you purchase a product after clicking on a link at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Take your baking skills to a whole new level with this super moist and delicious coconut cake that will win over everyone! Not only will its flavor delight everyone, but it’s also perfect for any special occasion!

Treat yourself and your family to a delightfully flavorful coconut cake that is sure to please. The perfect cake for any special occasion, this super moist and delicious recipe is sure to be a hit!

1. Gather Your Ingredients.

Gather The Ingredients for This Super Moist Coconut Cake

Before getting started, you’ll need to gather your ingredients for the cake. For this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll need 2 1/2 Cups of White Lily Unbleached Self-Rising Flour, 1 1/2 Cups Sugar, 1 Cup Whole Buttermilk, 3/4 cup Butter Flavored Crisco Stick, 4 Eggs, 1 Teaspoon Vanilla, 1 Teaspoon Coconut Extract.

Now gather your ingredients for frosting. 2 (14 oz) Packages Coconut (Sweetened), 2 (16 oz) Sour Cream (or one 32 oz), 2 (8 oz) Cool Whip (or one large), 4 Cups Powdered Sugar. 

2. Mix the Cake Batter.

Dash Electric Mixer for Mixing my Super Moist Coconut

Once you have your ingredients, it’s time to create the cake batter. To start, preheat your oven to 350-degrees. Spray two 8-inch or two 9-inch round cake pans, or a 13x9x2-inch cake pan with Pam Baking Spray. 

Thoroughly combine flour and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add milk and shortening and beat for 2 minutes.  Add eggs, vanilla, and Coconut Extract. Beat an additional two minutes, scraping the side of bowl as needed. 

 Evenly spread batter into prepared pans. Tap pans on the counter several times to remove air bubbles. Bake 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean.

If you must cook longer, just do it in 5-minute increments. Cool on wire cake racks for 5 to 10 minutes before removing cakes from pans. Finish cooling on wire racks.  Note: You can leave your cake in the 13x9x2-inch to cool and frost it in the pan. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting! 

3. Make the Coconut Cream Filling and Frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting for My Super Moist Coconut Cake

To make the coconut cream filling and frosting you will need: 2 Tablespoons Sugar, 1/4 Cup Reduced Fat (lite) Coconut Milk (Not Cream of Coconut), 2-3 Cups of Flaked Coconut (Sweetened).

Filling: In a small microwavable bowl, microwave 2 tablespoons sugar and the coconut milk on High 1 minute. Stir until sugar dissolves. Brush half of the coconut milk mixture over 1 layer cake within 2 inches of edge. 

Frost with 1 cup of frosting; sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the coconut. Top the second cake layer; brush with remaining coconut milk mixture.  Frost with 1 cup frosting; sprinkle with 1/2 cup coconut. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread the remaining frosting on top and sides of the cake. Sprinkle with remaining coconut.

4. Assemble the Cake Layers and Frosting.

Assembling my This Super Moist Coconut Cake

First make the frosting. For this you will need: 2 (14 oz) Packages of Coconut (Sweetened), 2 (16 oz) Sour Cream (or one 32 oz), 2 (8 oz) Cool Whip (or one large), 4 Cups of Powdered Sugar. You should have these ingredients already from #1.

Next, Freeze Coconut. Mix sour cream and powdered sugar. Add frozen coconut. Lastly fold in the Cool Whip. This will frost a 2–3-layer cake. 

Before you can begin to assemble the cake layers and frosting, it is important to make sure that your layers are cooled completely.

Place one of the cake layers on a serving platter or cake stand and spread 1/3 of your coconut cream filling evenly over the top.

Place the second layer of the cake on top of this and spread the remaining filling across it. Finally, spread the frosting smoothly over your coconut cream frosting and finish by sprinkling extra shredded coconut over top. Enjoy!

5. Decorate with Toasted Coconut Flakes and Berries.

Decorating my This Super Moist Coconut Cake

For a final addition, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes around the sides of the cake or place them in an even circle near top of the cake.

You can also decorate with some fresh berries like raspberries and blueberries for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy this delicious and special coconut cake with all your friends and family!

This makes such a beautiful cake, not to mention how scrumptious it is! Store the remaining cake in a tight container and keep refrigerated. 

Conclusion of “This Super Moist Coconut Cake Will Win Over Everyone!”

COFFEE AND CAKE

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I have. This Super Moist Coconut Cake is so delicious and makes a beautiful presentation. Great for birthdays, holidays, and any special occasion you may have. Don’t forget the coffee and enjoy!

What, no time to bake this awesome cake? Let me do it for you! Visit Nana’s Bakery and place your order. My products are always made fresh when you order them. Never frozen!

Thank you for supporting my small business!

Nana 🍰

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How to Make Delicious Homemade Pound Cake

Pound Cake

** This post also contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you purchase a product after clicking on a link at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

How to Make Delicious Homemade Pound Cake will get you ready to impress everyone with these 8 techniques on making the best pound cake ever!

Pound cakes are delicious desserts that are easy to make at home. They’re often made with butter flavored Crisco stick, sugar, flour, eggs, and sometimes nuts.

Homemade desserts are so much better, have a lot more flavor and your family and guest will be asking for more. You can count on that!

The thing about my pound cake recipe is that you can make so many flavors out of it just besides vanilla. For example, chocolate marbled pound cake, coconut, strawberry, peanut butter, and many more flavors.


I have been baking cakes, cookies, pies, and many other things since I was twelve. So, I do have a few years of experience under my belt or apron should I say. My delicious homemade pound cake. I can’t wait until you try it.

Below you will find my 8 techniques for delicious homemade Pound Cake. Enjoy!

8 Techniques for Delicious Homemade Pound Cake

Please be sure you follow these techniques so that you will have the best baking experience ever! I know this is going to seem like a lot of steps, but once you get the hang of it, it will be a breeze!

1. Get Your Mixer

KITCHEN AIDE STAND MIXER for How to Make Delicious Homemade Pound Cake


And the attachments that go with it. I suggest using the paddle for mixing up your cake. Go ahead and get your pan, you can use a Bundt pan or an Angel food cake pan.

2. Bundt Pan

Nordic Ware Bundt Pan part of How to Make Delicious Homemade Pound Cake

Grease and flour the Bundt pan using either Pam with the flour in it or Bakers Joy. Pam works better for me. Get yourself a good Pound Cake recipe. I will be giving you one at the end of the posts.

3. Choose the Best Ingredients 

Gather The Ingredients for How to Make Delicious Homemade Pound Cake

Gather the ingredients listed in the recipe. This recipe calls for 8 ingredients: Shortening, Sugar, Eggs, Cake Flour, Salt, Soda, Buttermilk, and Vanilla.

4. Measure Out the Ingredient’s

Measure The Ingredients part of How to Make Delicious Homemade Pound Cake

Get your measuring cup(s) and measuring spoon(s) that you are going to need. Now you have all your ingredients together, start measuring them out as directed by the recipe. Now comes the fun part!  

5. Mixing the Ingredients

Kitchen Aid Mixing Blade for How to Make Delicious Homemade Pound Cake

Add the ingredients in the order they appear in your recipe and mix well. This is an especially crucial step to ensure that your cake comes out beautifully and is not a flop!

6. Prepared Pan

Angel Food Cake Pan part of my How to Make Delicious Homemade Pound Cake

Now pour the prepared mix into the pan (Your batter will be thick). Making sure you get it as even as you can. I usually just give it a few little shakes to spread it out.

7. Bake the Cake

Preheated Oven for my How to Make Delicious Homemade Pound Cake

Place the pound cake into a preheated 350-degree oven. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. When you take the cake out of the oven place it on a cake rack and let it cool completely. For 5 minutes.

8. Check for Doneness

Check for Doneness part of my How to Make Delicious Homemade Pound Cake

Check for doneness, I do this by inserting a toothpick in the thickest part of the cake. When it comes out clean it’s done. Cool on a cake rack for 5 minutes and then turn out on the cake rake and let it finish cooling and enjoy!

Store on a cake plate.

Conclusion of How to Make Delicious Homemade Pound Cake

MARBLE CAKE AND COFFEE part of my How to Make Delicious Homemade Pound Cake

I hope you have enjoyed “How to Make Delicious Homemade Pound Cake” using my 8 techniques. I really had fun sharing this with you and would love to hear how the pound cake turned out for you. And I want pictures as well. 😉

Bam! You did it! You just made your first homemade pound cake! I am so proud of you! You go, girl! Oh, and don’t forget the coffee!

Here’s the recipe for Nana’s Homemade Pound Cake. Download and enjoy!

Nanas-Homemade-Pound-Cake-1Download

No time to bake? Let me do it for you! Visit Nana’s Bakery and place your order(s).

Thank you for supporting my small business!

Nana 🍰

Nana’s Bakery (To Place Your Orders)

nana@bakewithnana.com 

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10 Tips for THE Perfect Cookie

COFFEE AND COOKIES

** This post also contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you purchase a product after clicking on a link at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

When baking cookies, there are many things to consider. Find out what they are here with my “10 Tips for THE Perfect Cookie.“

As you know we are getting close to the holidays, and you will have spectacular results if you follow these tips and use my cookie recipe.

Do this and you will be a hit at all your gatherings. Enjoy!

The best way to bake perfect cookies is to follow these simple steps:

1. Choose the Right Ingredients

Gather The Ingredients part of my10 Tips for THE Perfect Cookie

To make sure your cookies turn out perfectly, use only high-quality ingredients. This includes flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. If you add too much of any ingredient, your cookie will not taste as good.

When baking cookies, there are two main ingredients that determine whether the cookie turns out perfectly baked. These two ingredients are butter and eggs. Butter adds moisture to the dough while eggs add structure. If you want to create the perfect cookie, use both ingredients.

2. Measure Everything Carefully

Measure The Ingredients is an important step of 10 Tips for THE Perfect Cookie

It’s also important to measure everything carefully when making cookies. You need to weigh the flour, sugar, and other ingredients so you can ensure the right proportions are used.

If you want them to be soft and chewy, use less flour than if you want them to be crisp and crunchy. Also, remember to preheat the oven before adding ingredients. And lastly, always grease cookie sheets properly.

3. Mix the Dough Properly

Kitchen Aid Mixer With Dough Hook

After measuring the dry ingredients, mix them together with the butter using either a mixer or by hand. Make sure the dough is well mixed and not lumpy. If you are using a mixer, use the dough hook for the best results.

When baking cookies, there are two things you should always remember: 1) Make sure to mix the dough properly; 2) Always use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. If you don’t, you’ll end up with uneven baked cookies.

If the dough seems too sticky, add more flour until it becomes workable.

4. Let the Cookies Rest

Let the Cookies Rest is another crucial step in 10 Tips for THE Perfect Cookie

Once the dough has been formed into balls, place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes.

When baking cookies, let them rest at least 15 minutes after removing them from the oven. If you try to eat them too soon, they won’t be soft enough. Also, if you use a cookie sheet, you should place the cookies directly onto the pan, rather than placing them on top of each other.

Remove from oven and let cool completely on a cooling rack before storing in an airtight cookie jar.

5. Bake at the Correct Temperature

Preheated Oven is a step of 10 Tips for THE Perfect Cookie

When baking cookies, there are two things you should keep in mind: temperature and timing. First, you want to use a thermometer to ensure that your oven is set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).

Second, you want to allow the dough to rest before baking. If you try to bake the cookie dough immediately after mixing it, the dough will be too soft and won’t hold its shape.

Baking your cookies at too high a temperature will burn them before they set up. This means that when you take them out of the oven, they will still be soft.

You should also avoid baking them too cold because they won’t spread properly. Make sure you pre-heat the oven before you place the cookies in there.

6. Use the Right Size Baking Sheet

Using the Right Size Baking Sheet is essential for 10 Tips for THE Perfect Cookie

The size of the baking sheet will determine the size of your cookies. If you use a cookie sheet that is too small, then your cookies will run together and will not bake evenly, and they are hard to separate when this happens. Hince, you will end up with funny shaped cookies that you won’t be able to decorate.

If you use too big of a cookie sheet this could lead to your cookies spreading out too much and this may cause them to burn.

7. Cool Cookies Before Decorating Them

Cake Cooling Rack Part of 10 Tips for THE Perfect Cookie

When you remove hot cookies from the oven, the cookie dough will still be incredibly soft. So, it is best to place them on a cooling rack. Let them completely cool before decorating them with frosting or icing.

If the cookies are warm and you attempt to frost or ice them, you will end up with a mess! The frosting or icing will simply run off the cookies.

8. Cornstarch Instead of Extra Flour

Clabber Girl Corn Starch is a must for 10 Tips for THE Perfect Cookie

It is better to use cornstarch instead of flour if you need your cookie dough thicker. Flour can toughen cookies, but cornstarch won’t change the texture of your dough at all!

Adding too much flour will cause your cookies to be heavy and dense, changing the delicious flavor and texture of the cookies.

9. Plan for Holiday Cookies

Planning Ahead is very important part of 10 Tips for THE Perfect Cookie

If you are cooking cookies for any event, it is best to decide which cookies you plan to serve and if they require decorating with frosting, icing, or just sprinkles.

Did you know that most cookie dough can be made ahead of time and left in the fridge over night? Or you can make a batch of your favorite cookies and freeze them until you are ready to decorate them.

Cookie dough can be kept in the freezer for about 3 months. If not used within the 3-month period, it will lose some of its freshness.

FYI: Did you know using a Party Planner can help keep you organized during the holiday season and throughout the year?

10. Parchment Paper Please

Reynolds Parchment Paper

If you have never used parchment when baking cookies, you don’t know what you are missing! When I discovered parchment paper a few years back, I was amazed at the ease of using it and most of all the quick clean-up.

Once you use parchment paper for baking your cookies, you will wonder how you have survived without it all these years. I know I did!

This stuff is the best invention since the wheel!

Conclusion of 10 Tips to THE Perfect Cookie

Peanut Butter Cookies

I hope you enjoyed my “10 Tips for THE Perfect Cookie” article and feel that you are ready to bake any cookie you would like too.

You are about to be on your way to baking the best cookies you ever thought possible. And quite possibly the envy of some of your guests. 😉

Now that you have all these tips to help you get started on your baking, you need to head on over to “Nana’s Best Holiday Butter Cookies” for the ultimate experience in awesome cookie goodness. This will be the only cookie recipe cutouts you will ever need. Great for any cookie you would like to cut out.

I would love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below. Also, let me know if you make these cookies and how they turned out for you. How about some photos too?

No time to bake? Let me do it for you! Visit Nana’s Bakery and place your order(s).

Thank you for supporting my small business!

Nana 🍪

Nana’s Bakery (To Place Your Orders)

nana@bakewithnana.com 

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Frosting vs. Icing: The Differences Explained

Butter or Frosting

** This post also contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you purchase a product after clicking on a link at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Do you know the difference between frosting and icing? No worries, in “Frosting vs Icing: The Differences Explained” will tell you everything you need to know.

In baking, frosting is the mixture of butter or shortening and powdered sugar used to cover cakes. Frosting vs. Icing: The Differences Explained will help you to know the difference and how each one is made.

There is a particularly important distinction between frosting and icing. Many people think that they are the same. That is not true, and understanding the differences is a matter of looking at each ingredient.

Frosting and Icing are both essential when it comes to decorating cakes and cupcakes with beautiful designs. Many of you who follow Bake with Nana, might be wondering, what is the difference between Frosting and Icing?

The difference comes down to the consistency of the product. For instance, Frosting is thicker than Icing. So, if you are using frosting to decorate a cake or cupcake, it will not run off the top of your creation like icing will.

Let us look more closely at the differences. Enjoy!

What is Frosting?

Butter-part of Frosting vs. Icing: The Differences Explained

The frosting is thick, creamy, and fluffy, and is made using butter, shorting, powdered sugar, and sometimes cream cheese.

You spread it with a spatula, knife, or pipe it through a pastry bag. Frosting is used for decorations on cakes and cupcakes.

Frosting stays soft and fluffy and is used to decorate cakes and cupcakes, however, cream cheese frosting is not good for piping through a bag because of its thick texture.

But you can use sprinkles, colored sugars, confetti, or pearls to create a stunning cake.

What is Icing?

Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing part of Frosting vs. Icing: The Differences Explained


Icing is a type of thin glaze that is applied to the surface of a cake or cookies after it has been baked. It is more delicate than frosting because it is typically made with confectioner’s sugar and water.

Icing can cover an area like a cookie without having to be piped on and covers the surface quickly. This type of icing is not good for stacking cookies.

Both Frosting and Icing Have Their Uses

Cream Cheese Frosting is another of Frosting vs. Icing: The Differences Explained

While both frosting and icing are used to decorate cakes, there are some differences between them. The frosting is typically thicker than icing and has more air incorporated into it. It’s often used as a finishing touch to add extra sweetness to a cake.

On the other hand, icing is thinner and smoother than frosting. It’s used to fill gaps between layers of cake and is used on cookies.

You Should Use Whichever One Best Suits Your Needs

A Woman Deciding on Frosting vs. Icing: The Differences Explained

If you’re looking for a simple explanation of the difference between frosting and icing, here’s what you need to know. Frosting is made with fat (butter or shortening) and powdered sugar.

This combination creates a thick paste that covers the top of a cake. Frosting is usually applied using a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip.


Icing is made with water, powdered sugar, and sometimes milk or cream. This combination makes an extremely smooth and thin paste that fills in any gaps between the layers of a cake. Icing is usually applied using a small spoon or spatula.

Now Let’s Look at Some Textures and Styles of Frosting and Icing

Frosting:

Swiss Meringue Buttercream– A classic frosting made with egg whites that are beaten until stiff and then mixed with butter and sugar.

American Buttercream– This frosting is made from equal parts confectioner’s sugar and butter. It is often flavored with vanilla. But you can also make chocolate buttercream frosting as well. Delicious! 😋

The thing about buttercream frosting is that it is so easy to use for decorating your cakes and cupcakes. It’s not too sweet and it’s very tasty.

Cream Cheese-Another favorite frosting of mine. Talk about delicious! Note: this is not good for decorating. It is way too thick for that, but you can make a beautiful cake using sprinkles, confetti, etc.

Icing:

Chocolate Ganache– Is an exceptionally smooth texture with a satin finish and will give any cake you make a very elegant look. You can garnish with fresh fruit, sprinkles, or whatever you like to add a finishing touch. You only need 2 ingredients to create beautiful icing.

Basic Powdered Sugar- This is an extremely easy one to make with only 3 ingredients that will give your baked goods just a little dash of sweetness for some added flavor. This icing is considered wet icing because it does not dry hard. Take extra care if you pack them up for transport. Excellent for cinnamon rolls.

Conclusion of Frosting vs. Icing: The Differences Explained

COFFEE AND CAKE part of Frosting vs. Icing: The Differences Explained

I hope you enjoyed reading “Frosting vs. Icing: The Differences Explained” and have a better understanding of each one.

It doesn’t matter which option you choose; you will soon be the talk of your family and friends with these delicious toppings.

No time to bake? Let me do it for you! Visit Nana’s Bakery and place your order(s).

Thank you for supporting my small business!

Nana 🍰

Nana’s Bakery (To Place Your Orders)

nana@bakewithnana.com 

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A Bakers Love Story by Nana

Baked With Love

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My Love Affair with Baking

Tiny Glass Mixing Bowls

A Bakers Love Story by Nana was inspired by my awesome mama. My love affair with baking began when I was just a little girl. My mom was a homemaker and loved to bake, so it makes sense that I would grow up to enjoy the same hobby at such an early age. My mom taught me how to bake in the kitchen with her.

When I was about 12 years old, I asked her for my own set of mixing bowls. My mom bought me a complete set of tiny little glass bowls. Yes, they were cute, but boy did they take forever to get the batter out of them after you were done mixing.

I also remember trying to scrape the batter off the tiny little glass bowls with a butter knife. That was not fun at all!

My Own Real Baking Supplies

Measuring Cups and Spoons Baking with Nana: A Bakers Love Story

The first time I ever had my own real baking supplies was when I got into home economics in high school. I attended Villa Rica High School in Villa Rica, Georgia which is where I learned how to bake with real measuring cups and spoons.

I remember making my very first cake, a Red Velvet cake for Christmas. I was 13 years old when I made it and it turned out beautiful and it was quite delicious if I do say so myself. It was so moist, and my family loved it! After that, I was hooked on baking.

Mom, My Great Teacher

Young Daughter and Mom Baking with Nana: A Bakers Love Story

My mom told me what an excellent job I had done. “Well,” I said, “I had a great teacher!” Then I told my mom I wanted to learn how to make homemade biscuits, cornbread, etc.

And guess what? I did it, but not without mistakes along the way. But I was not discouraged, because that is how we learn.

I still make mistakes baking after all these years and you will too. Oh, sure it aggravates the daylights out of me, but you can’t give up, you just got to keep on keeping on. Even if that means starting all over again!! And believe me, honey, I have had to do that.

My Favorite Time of the Year

Nana's Santa Cake Baking with Nana: A Bakers Love Story

I love to cook when I have the time, which I do most days. My favorite time of the year is the holidays. I enjoy getting in my kitchen and baking cakes, cookies, pies, fudge, bread, and actual food.

Are there any other foods besides sweets? Just kidding, of course, there are. I just really enjoy baking sweets.

During the holidays I like making goodies for my family and friends. It just makes me feel good to give them something I have baked homemade, and they always have a big smile on their face and dig in immediately.

It warms my heart to see them enjoying the fruits of my labor. Plus, it makes them feel a little more special and loved.

Conclusion of A Bakers Love Story by Nana

Me and My Mom the inspiration of Baking with Nana: A Bakers Love Story
My Mom and Me

I hope you have enjoyed reading about A Bakers Love Story by Nana. It was truly my pleasure to share this with you. If you are new to baking, I hope this encourages you to continue and grow in your baking skills and know that making mistakes is unavoidable. But you can never give up!

You can do this! If you are a seasoned baker, I hope you took away a few little tidbits from this as well.

How did you come about baking? Do you love it? What kind of mistakes have you made? I would love to hear from you, leave your comments below.

Check out Bake with Nana’s “Little Book of Recipes” for 6 of my favorite recipes just in time for the holidays! Download, it’s FREE!

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Thank you for supporting my small business!

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8 Things Bakers Should Know Before Baking

Frustrated Baker

** This post also contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you purchase a product after clicking on a link at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

You don’t have to be an expert baker to bake delicious treats. In fact, baking is one of the easiest things to do. Read on to discover 8 Things Bakers Should Know Before Baking.

Baking is a term that describes many diverse types of food preparation techniques. Some people call this type of cooking baking while others call it pastry or custard making.

The word bake comes from the Old English word for bread, which was called Half or loaf. This means cooking something in a hot oven.

Are you ready for 8 Things Bakers Should Know Before Baking? Let’s do it!

1. You need a little extra dough.

Cookie Dough Part of 8 Things Bakers Should Know Before Baking

When you are baking, there are instances when you will need to use more dough than the recipe calls for. This is especially true when it comes to cookies.

If you are making chocolate chip cookies, you will need to use more dough than the recipe calls for to make all your cookies about the same size.

If you use too much dough for your mold, just use the extra dough and make a few smaller cookies or roll it out and create your own cookie-cutter shapes.

2. You will always forget something.

Woman Forgot Something On Her Shopping List another one of 8 Things Bakers Should Know Before Baking

Yes, unfortunately, you will always forget something you need for your recipe. I have been baking for many years, and I forget stuff all the time! Always make a grocery list to help you remember things.

So frustrating. Luckily, my hubby is kind enough to go to the store for me and get what I need. But the good news is you can always be getting other things ready for your baking.

You know, like measuring your ingredients, getting your pans oiled and floured, pre-heating the oven, etc.

3. You will need extra stuff.

Collection of Pans that 8 Things Bakers Should Know Before Baking Mentions

If you bake a lot of cakes like I do, especially around the holidays, you will need more than two round pans for sure. That way you can get your cakes done even faster.

I got tired of baking two layers and having to wait for the pans I was using for the next cake. Long story short, I have two of every pan I use so that I don’t run into this problem.

I also have three sets of measuring cups, three sets of measuring spoons, and several spatulas. It just makes baking easier for me.

4. Please follow the recipe step by step!

Follow the Recipe Step by Step is one of My Crucial 8 Things Bakers Should Know Before Baking

Trust me, when I tell you to do this, follow the recipe! If it tells you to mix the dry ingredients first, PLEASE do that. If it tells you to add one egg at a time and mix well before adding another egg, you’d better do it. Or I promise you terrible things will happen to your cake!

For instance, it won’t rise as it should. It will be heavy and dense, and it won’t be moist and delicious. I know this sounds crazy, but the recipe is in steps for a reason. Just do it, ok?

You will be glad you did it in the end. There’s nothing worse than spending time and energy on a cake to have it flop and you must start all over again.

Plus, it is a huge waste of supplies like flour, sugar, oil, eggs, etc. Do you get the picture?

5. Don’t open the oven door!

The Sunken Cake

Yep, you read that right. Don’t open the oven before the cake is done or it will sink in the middle. And you can’t fix that! Of course, your kids will love it because they have a nice little unexpected snack.

It’s always better to let it get done before you open the oven to avoid this mishap. Also, don’t let the kids run or stomp through the kitchen or it will make your cake sink in the middle as well.

At least that’s what my mama always told me. And mamas know best, right? 🤔

6. You will have lots of dirty dishes.

Dirty Dishes

Yes, this is sooo true. But luckily, I have a hubby that is willing to help me clean up not only the dishes, but the kitchen.

Let me tell you, I can make quite a mess when I am baking, especially cakes. Give me flour, sugar, and friend it’s on. I must spill the flour and sugar when measuring them.

My poor hubby went to the store for me (because of course I had forgotten something) and when he came back, he was like, “What in the world did you do?”

There was flour from one side of my counter to the other! 😂 I said, “Well honey you know how I am with the flour and sugar, sorry!” Oh, I also get crap on the floor too.

7. The cakes need to cool completely.

Cooling The Cakes

People, I promise you, you must let the cake cool completely before you can apply the frosting or icing. It will run off if the cake is still the least bit warm. Guess who found out the hard way. 😒 I know, live and learn I always say.

Next, I like to make a crumb coat, which is a thin layer of frosting, and then I put the cake in the fridge or freezer for about 20-30 minutes.

This keeps all those annoying crumbs out of your frosting. Then your cake will look wonderful.

8. Don’t be hard on yourself.

If You Wait For Perfect You'll Never Get Anything Done!

Don’t be hard on yourself if you mess up. It’s ok. Just learn from your mistakes and keep on baking. I have been baking for years and still make mistakes.

But guess what? The next time you will remember what you did wrong and correct it. Unfortunately, that’s how we learn to be better bakers and become better at anything we do.

We mess up, we learn, and move on. So, enjoy baking and have fun with it!

Conclusion of 8 Things Bakers Should Know Before Baking

CAKE AND COFFEE

I hope this helps you avoid some of the many mistakes I have made during my baking years. I still make mistakes from time to time, but my love for baking outweighs the mistakes I have made and will continue to make.

Like I said, just have fun with it and keep on baking.

Do you have any baking mistakes you would like to share with me? I would love to hear about them.

Thank you for supporting my small business!

Nana 🍰

Bake with Nana’s Shop (To Place Your Orders)

nana@bakewithnana.com

bakewithnana.com

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10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays

Family Gathering for the Holidays

** This post also contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you purchase a product after clicking on a link at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Do you have trouble keeping up with the demands of the holidays? Learn how to keep yourself sane with my 10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays.

It’s important not to let overwhelm seep in and keep you from enjoying the many gifts and blessings we receive during this time of year.

I love this time of the year even though it can get Harry Caray, so grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and let me help you ease through the holidays with my 10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays.

10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays

1. Make a List and Check it Twice

Part of 10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays is to Make a List

If you do not have a list already made up, it is time to get started! This is crucial during the holidays. The last thing you need to be thinking about is if you have everything you need for your big night.

2. Prioritize with my 10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays

Family Time is another of my 10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays

Spend time with those who matter most to you. Family and friends. Make sure you do not overwhelm yourself trying to fulfil everyone else’s expectations of you.

3. Simplify with my 10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays

Simplify is another of my 10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays

There is no need to arrive at every party or gathering with a plate of cookies to eat, or a dish to pass around. Arrive with a smile and be present with those who cross your path. If you don’t like to cook, go with a store-bought dish instead of making something from scratch.

4. Plan Your Menu with my 10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays

Holiday Meal Planning is one of my 10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays

Planning your menu ahead of time can save you a lot of time and heartache. Don’t wait until the day before or the day of to try and figure out what you want to cook and serve. Do this at least a week in advance, I promise you will be glad that you did! A big-time saver!

5. Preparing Ahead of Time

Preparing Veggies is one of my favorite of 10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays

If you are like me and love to bake from scratch, make food ahead of time that you can freeze or just pop in the oven the next day. Doing simple things like chopping vegetables up, chopping up nuts, etc. the day before will save you valuable time.

6. Ask for Help

Asking for Help is another good tip of 10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays

This is one of the hardest things for me to do! I know, right? There is no shame in asking for help! I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, so I can’t do the things I used to do and that has been hard for me. Thankfully, my youngest daughter has taken over a lot of the cooking I use to do for the holidays. Now, don’t get me wrong, I still bake my cakes and cookies, because I am not willing to give that up yet! Lol! Oh, and my hubby cleans up my messes. Bless his heart!

7. Just Breathe

Take a Deep Breath

Yes, breathe and try to get in a little exercise. I know, I know. Who has the time? You are saying to me as you are reading this. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy process, just do some stretching, breathing exercises, etc. The reason for this is when we get stressed out or anxious, we tend to hold our breath or breathe very shallowly.

8. Laughing is the Best Medicine

Laughing with Family is Good Medicine

Yep, you read this one right. Laughing reduces your stress levels, soothes tension, helps you breathe deeper, improves your immune system, improves your mood, relieves pain, plus more! Who would ever think laughing could do so much good? 🤔

9. Be Grateful

Gratitude is my favorite of the 10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays

Stop and think about all the things you should be grateful for. Be thankful to God for your good health, your family, and your friends. Not to mention all the things that you should be grateful for throughout the year. Try writing down 6-8 things you are grateful for in your life. Try it, you will be surprised how much better you will feel.

10. Spend Some Time Relaxing

Relaxing Back Massage

Yessss, honey, be good to yourself. All the cooking and cleaning, hosting, etc. It’s time to do something good and kind just for YOU! Put it on your list to get a gift card for a massage if someone asked what you would like for Christmas. You can always put that little bug in your hubby’s ear. 😉

Conclusion to 10 Tips-How to Survive the Holidays

We all know it! Christmas time is a stressful time for a lot of us. It’s a time of the year that drains us of our energy and motivation. It’s a time when we feel the need to prove ourselves as great wives, moms, daughters, or whatnot.

So, it is especially important that you be good to yourself and others during this time of stress. Make sure to take time for yourself to decompress to keep from getting too stressed out.

Please don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help if things are getting to be too much for you. It’s ok to ask for help and your family will be glad to pitch in, I promise!

**No time to bake? Let me do it for you! Visit Nana’s Bakery and place your order(s)! **

From my family to yours, Happy Holidays!

Thank you for supporting my small business!

Nana🦃🎄

Nana’s Bakery (To Place Your Orders)

nana@bakewithnana.com

bakewithnana.com

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5 Tips to Perfect Yellow Butter Cake

Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting

** This post also contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you purchase a product after clicking on a link at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

How to Make the Best Yellow Butter Cake by following my 5 Tips to Perfect Yellow Butter Cake. You will be enjoying this cake for years to come! It is so moist and delicious.

The yellow butter cake is a classic American dessert that has been around for over 100 years. It’s made with flour, sugar, and butter. This simple recipe will give you the best results when you follow the directions exactly. So, ready to check out my 5 Tips to Perfect Yellow Butter Cake.

1. Choose the Right Mixer

MY KITCHEN AID MIXER is one of my Perfect Yellow Butter Cake-5 Tips

If you want to bake a delicious yellow butter cake, then you should use a stand mixer. A hand mixer won’t work because it doesn’t mix the ingredients well enough. You also shouldn’t use a blender or food processor because they won’t get the batter mixed properly.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheated Oven for Baking one of my Perfect Yellow Butter Cake-5 Tips

If you want to get the most from this recipe, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before starting. You should also grease the pan well before pouring in the batter. Do this before you start mixing up the ingredients.

Once everything is ready, add the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and oil into a large bowl. Mix them together until they form a batter. Add the flour into the mixture and mix them together thoroughly.

3. Sift the Dry Ingredients

Sifting the Dry Ingredients is part of Perfect Yellow Butter Cake-5 Tips

If you want to get the most from this recipe, sifting the dry ingredients before adding them to the batter is essential. You’ll notice that the cake rises beautifully if you use a stand mixer instead of hand mixing.

4. Beat the Butter and Sugar Together

Beating the Butter and Sugar is part of my Perfect Yellow Butter Cake-5 Tips

If you want to make sure that your yellow butter cake turns out perfectly every time, then you should use room temperature butter and beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You should also mix the dry ingredients together first before adding them to the batter.

5. Add the Eggs Separately

Add the Eggs Separately another one of my Perfect Yellow Butter Cake-5 Tips

If you want to get the most from this recipe, be sure to use room temperature eggs. You should also mix the dry ingredients separately before adding them to the wet ingredients. Finally, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Now that everything is all mixed together, pour the cake batter into your prepared cake pans. Place cakes in the 350-degree oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove cakes from the oven and cool on a cake rack completely before frosting. (About 60 minutes.)

Conclusion of my 5 Tips to Perfect Yellow Butter Cake

COFFEE AND CAKE go good together

I hope you enjoyed reading 5 Tips to Perfect Yellow Butter Cake as much as I enjoyed authoring this article for you.

If you follow my 5 Tips to Perfect Yellow Butter Cake, I promise you it will turn out moist and delicious every time.

Get ready to impress your family at your next get-together. They will love this yellow cake and so will you! 

**No time to bake? Let me do it for you! Visit Nana’s Bakery to place your order(s). **

Thank you for supporting my small business!

Nana 🎂

Nana’s Bakery (To Place Your Orders)

nana@bakewithnana.com 

bakewithnana.com 

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How to Make a Cake in a Mug

Cake In A Mug

** This post also contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you purchase a product after clicking on a link at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

 

How to Make a Cake in a Mug is a lot easier to make than you think. In fact, you’ll wonder why you ever bought those boxed mixes that require six different bowls and a hand mixer.

Now you can make cake from scratch without all those annoying bowls!

So, I sprayed my mug with a non-stick cooking spray. I used the microwave for this cake, but it can be baked in an oven as well. The oven temperature for baking is 350 degrees F for about 12 minutes – that’s about three minutes per layer.

This cute little cake is perfect for that after-dinner treat, or it’s great for breakfast if you’re that kind of person. Either way, it’s super simple to make, and will take less than 5 minutes of active work on your part.

The wonderful thing about this recipe is that you don’t have to use just one mug or one type of mug. You can use different mugs in varied sizes for different portions. So, if you just want a little bite of cake, use a smaller mug. If you have company, use larger mugs.

To celebrate Fall, I know you will love the following recipe. This is so simple, so let’s get baking. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pumpkin Spice Latte Mug Cakes

Pumpkin Spice Latte Mug Cake

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

1 Egg

3 Tablespoons brewed espresso coffee or extraordinarily strong coffee, room temperature

1 Tablespoon canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)

1/4 Cup sugar

1/3 Cup Original Bisquick™ Mix

1/2 Teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Pinch of salt

Whipped cream, for serving

Ground cinnamon, for serving

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, beat melted butter, egg, espresso, and pumpkin with whisk. Add the sugar, Bisquick mix, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Mix until incorporated; batter may be lumpy.
  2. Divide batter between 2 microwavable mugs. Microwave uncovered on High 2 minutes. Cool a few minutes before serving.
  3. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Tips from Nana’s Kitchen

TIP #1: If you want to save on cleaning, mix up the batter in one mug, and then pour half of it into the other mug.

TIP #2: If you are not a fan of coffee, you can use other liquids such as water, buttermilk, Chi Tea, milk, etc.

Try this easy recipe for Homemade Cool Whip Only 2 ingredients:

Homemad Cool Whip

Your taste buds will thank you! This is way better than the canned stuff and a lot tastier than what comes in the plastic bowls.

Ingredients:

3/4 Cup heavy whipping cream (Very Cold)

2 Tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions:

  1. In a chilled medium bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed.
  2. Add powdered sugar before stiff peaks form.
  3. Beat ingredients until stiff peaks form.

Tips from Nana’s Kitchen

TIP #1: For enhanced flavor, try adding a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract when adding powdered sugar.

TIP #2: Make sure you keep your mixing bowl and your beaters in the freezer until you are ready to use them for the best results. And you want your heavy whipping cream very cold too.

TIP #3: This homemade cool whip is great on Pumpkin Pie, Sweet Potato Pie, Strawberry Short Cake or whatever you want to put it on. Enjoy! 🧁

Conclusion of “How to Make a Cake in a Mug“

COFFEE

I hope you enjoyed How to Make a Cake in a Mug. It’s simple to make if you just want a little something sweet to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Let me know what you think when you fix one. Enjoy!

Thank you for supporting my small business!

Nana 🍰

Nana’s Bakery (To Place Your Orders)

nana@bakewithnana.com 

bakewithnana.com 

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8 Wilton Bakeware Products I Love

Wilton Products 5 Wilton Bakeware Products I love

** This post also contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you purchase a product after clicking on a link at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

8 Wilton Bakeware Products I love. Keep reading to find out why!

I have been a Wilton product user for many years, and I have never been disappointed with their products. I do find that since I am a serious baker, I often need more than just a basic cake pan.

I love good Bundt pans, but honestly, they are hard to find. The problem with a lot of the nice Bundt pans is that they tend to stick.

Non-stick spray is not effective, and it is such a pain to try and clean them up. This is where Wilton comes to the rescue with their non-stick line of products.

Keep reading on to find out more about the 8 Wilton Bakeware Products I love. Plus, three of their baking tools I love. Enjoy!

1. Wilton Bakeware Non-Stick Bundt Pan

Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Pan

The Wilton Bakeware Non-Stick Bundt Pan is everything anyone could want in a Bundt pan. It is made from heavy gauge aluminized steel, and it has a non-stick coating that makes cleaning up easy and foolproof.

This pan has oversized handles for ease of putting in and getting it out of the oven. Plus, durable non-stick coating so your treats will fall out with ease.

2. Wilton Non-Stick Cookie Sheets

Wilton Bakeware Non-Stick Cookie Sheet another of the 5 Wilton Bakeware Products I love

The Wilton Non-Stick Cookie Sheets are awesome cookie sheets that you will use like I do for years to come. I love this cookie sheet. It is made of heavy-duty cold-rolled steel, and it has a durable non-stick coating with oversized handles so you can easily put it in and get it out of the oven.

This pan is a generous size: 17.25 x 11.5-Inch so you can bake many of your delicious cookies at one time. And to make clean-up a snap, it’s dishwasher safe. #1 Best Seller on Amazon

3. Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Cake Pans

Wilton Perfect Results Cake Pans part of my 5 Wilton Bakeware Products I love

Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Cake Pans will be your go-to pans for making 2-layer cakes. And yes, I have this set of pans and they are awesome. I have had them for several years and they still look good and amazing.

I still use Pam Spray or Baker’s Joy when cooking my cakes for that little extra protection.

My cakes always turn out moist and delicious and even every time. You get a set of two of these 6-inch round cake pans. Amazon’s Choice

4. Wilton Perfect Results Square Cake Pans

Wilton Perfect Results Square Cake Pan

Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick cake pans will be your next favorite cake pans to go to. You can bake your cakes to your heart’s content.

These pans are made with heavy-gauge steel and will last you for years to come. With their Premium Non-Stick service, your cakes will turn out perfect every time.

These pans are easy to clean with a little warm soapy water or for even quicker cleanup, they are dishwasher safe. Best Seller on Amazon

5. Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick Oblong Pan

Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick Oblong Pan 5 Wilton Bakeware Products I love

Wilton Recipe Right Non–Stick 9 x 13-Inch Oblong Cake Pans are good to make brownies, cakes, lemon bars, or even bake a roast.

Made from durable steel, these pans are sure to last a lifetime. Your goodies will slide right out of the pan with no problem.

These pans are dishwasher safe and make cleaning up a lot faster. Or you can wash them in warm soapy water. Now, get to baking! Amazon’s Choice

6. Bake-Even Cake Strips

Bake-Even Cake Strips 5 Wilton Bakeware Products I love

Wilton Bake-Even Cake Strips for Evenly Baked Cakes are truly awesome. I have these and I love, love, love them!

It really does make your cakes bake evenly as it says it will do. No more having to cut the “crowns” of your cakes off with that serrated knife.

You simply soak the cake strips in chilly water, remove excess water, and wrap them around your cake pans. That’s it!

Your cake pan will cook evenly with cake strips because they insulate the sides. You are going to love them as I do. Amazon’s Choice

Check out my post and video on How to Use Wilton Bake Even Strips.

7. Wilton Icing Smoother

Wilton Cake Icing Smoother 5 Wilton Bakeware Products I love

Wilton Cake Icing Smoother is another product I have and enjoy using as well. This handy jewel will have you smoothing out the icing on your cakes like a pro.

It has a comfortable grip that makes it easy to use. It makes smoothing your icing much faster, saving you valuable time.

Easy to clean with just warm soapy water. I can’t remember how I ever survived without this.

8. Wilton 9-inch Angled Spatula

Wilton 9-inch Angled Spatula 5 Wilton Bakeware Products I love

Wilton’s 9-inch Angled Spatula is great for frosting, filling, to decorating your cakes. I love this product as well. I couldn’t imagine not having this little jewel to help me frost and remove excess frosting from my cakes.

This is one of my favorite go-to tools for frosting my 2-layer cakes. I like to use it as well to make little swirl designs by using the tip of it. This makes a very pretty design.

Depending on the level of pressure you put on the spatula will determine what kind of result you will get. Apply just a little pressure to the center of the spatula to remove some icing from the cake top.

Conclusion of 8 Wilton Bakeware Products I love

Wilton Cake Strips

I can tell you that you will not be disappointed with the above-mentioned products. Their durability will last for years to come.

Plus, they are very inexpensive. Take your time and check each one of them out. Enjoy! 🍪

Leave me a comment below and let me know which ones you like and what you think about them. I would love to hear from you.

**No time to bake? Let me do it for you! Visit Nana’s Bakery to place your order(s). **

Thank you for supporting my small business!

Nana 🍰

Nana’s Bakery (To Place Your Orders)

nana@bakewithnana.com

bakewithnana.com

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