Ree Drummond, known for her culinary prowess, has shared invaluable insights into achieving the fluffiest, most delectable homemade cakes. Despite once confessing that baking wasn’t her forte due to its exact nature, she now stands as a testament to growth and learning in the kitchen. Through experimenting and learning from experts, Drummond has honed her skills and developed a knack for creating irresistible cakes that leave taste buds tingling.

One of Drummond’s key revelations is the importance of buttermilk in cake baking. By incorporating buttermilk into recipes, she attests to achieving cakes with a moist crumb and a delicate balance of sweetness and tanginess. Not only does buttermilk act as a tenderizer, but it also plays a crucial role in activating baking soda, thereby enhancing the cake’s rise and resulting in a fluffier texture. For those without buttermilk on hand, a simple substitute of whole milk and white vinegar can work wonders, offering a similar effect in the baking process.

In her pursuit of the perfect cake, Drummond advocates for the use of cake flour. This specialized flour, with a lower protein content compared to all-purpose flour, prevents the development of excessive gluten, which can lead to a tough cake. The finer, more delicate crumb produced by cake flour is ideal for creating light and airy cakes, such as angel food or coconut layer cakes. For those looking to swap all-purpose flour with cake flour, a slight adjustment in measurement by adding cornstarch can help achieve the desired result.

Avoiding overmixing is another essential tip shared by Drummond. By gently incorporating dry ingredients into the batter and refraining from excessive mixing, she prevents the overdevelopment of gluten, ensuring a tender and moist cake. A careful balance in mixing, stopping once the ingredients are just combined, followed by a few manual folds, can make a significant difference in the final texture of the cake.

Drummond’s journey from a self-professed baking novice to a skilled cake connoisseur serves as inspiration for aspiring bakers. Her willingness to learn, experiment, and share her valuable insights has enriched the baking community and empowered individuals to embark on their own cake-baking adventures. By embracing these expert tips from Ree Drummond, both novice and experienced bakers can elevate their creations, delighting friends and family with fluffy, irresistible cakes that are sure to impress.