In the kitchen, we all make a common mistake: placing a cake on the oven rack. Here’s why it ruins cooking.
According to the magazine Cookistmany pastry enthusiasts commit without knowing it an error that compromises the success of their cakes : cook them directly on the oven rack. This automatic reflex can, however, spoil the texture, shape and even taste of your desserts. Here’s why you should avoid it.
A baking tray protects the dough and preserves the oven
When preparing a cake without a mold, you should never place it directly on the rack. Under the influence of heat, the dough may leak through the gaps and damage the base of the dessert. In addition, when falling, the pieces burn and emit unpleasant smoke.
So, beyond ruining the recipe, these sticky splashes dirty the oven, cause persistent odors and make cleaning difficult. A simple baking tray or drip pan avoids this disaster and ensures a stable base for the dough or filling.
Have perfectly uniform oven cooking
The oven rack, made of metal spaces, does not support the dough evenly. This softens during baking and sags between the bars, resulting in an irregular or misshapen cake. On the other hand, a flat plate guarantees a regular structure and a smooth bottom.
The plate also ensures even distribution of heat. Unlike the grid, it conducts heat over the entire surface of the dessert. Result: no burned or raw areas, and a cake that bakes evenly, from crust to core.
A crispy and golden base thanks to a good surface
The consistency of the bottom of a cake directly depends on the baking medium. On a grid, the moisture in the dough does not drain properly and the base becomes soft or soggy. On a baking sheet, the surface remains firm and allows you to obtain a golden, crispy crust.
This is particularly important for pies, strudels or crumbles: these preparations need dry and uniform cooking. Using the correct platethe heat is distributed better. This way, you will come out of your oven with a dessert that is soft on the inside and nicely browned on the outside.
Also read :
Journalist
Web editor and independent journalist for over ten years, I combine my passion for writing with that of cooking. Mother of four children, I take pleasure in their…
