Good Eats Season 15 Episode 6 Let Them Eat Cake

In this episode of Good Eats, titled "Let Them Eat Cake", host Alton Brown dives into the world of baking cakes and explores the science behind what makes a cake rise and what gives it its texture and flavor.

The episode begins with a history lesson on the origins of cake and how it has evolved over time, from ancient Egyptian flatbread to the elaborate wedding cakes of today. Brown then introduces the key ingredients needed to make a cake, including flour, sugar, eggs, and leaveners such as baking powder or baking soda.

Brown experiments with different types of flours to see how they affect the texture of a cake, and explains the difference between cake flour, all-purpose flour, and bread flour. He also explores the concept of gluten development and why it's important to not overmix the batter.

Next, Brown looks at the role of sugar in cake baking and demonstrates how to properly cream butter and sugar together to create the perfect cake batter. He explains the science behind why creaming helps to create lightness and rise in the cake.

Brown then turns his attention to the star ingredient of any cake – eggs. He explains the purpose of eggs in cake batter and demonstrates how to properly incorporate them into the mixture. He also shares some tips for achieving a perfectly moist and tender crumb, including the use of buttermilk or sour cream.

Finally, Brown dives into the topic of leaveners and how to properly use baking powder and baking soda in cake baking. He explains the chemical reaction that occurs when these ingredients are combined with acidic ingredients, such as buttermilk or vinegar.

Throughout the episode, Brown offers helpful tips and tricks for creating the perfect cake, such as how to line a cake pan with parchment paper and how to properly test for doneness. He also shares some creative ideas for decorating cakes, including how to make a simple but beautiful buttercream frosting.

Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this episode of Good Eats is sure to provide plenty of useful information and inspiration for baking delicious cakes at home. So grab your mixing bowl and spatula, and let's bake some cake!