Simple syrup is a secret ingredient that can make your cakes even more delicious. It’s a versatile tool in the world of baking that helps keep cakes moist, enhances flavor, and can even be used to add sweetness without overwhelming your cake with dry sugar. Whether you’re making a layer cake, sponge cake, or cupcakes, simple syrup can be a game-changer in your baking routine. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a simple syrup and explain how to use it effectively in cake baking.
What is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is a mixture of equal parts water and sugar that is heated until the sugar dissolves. It’s called “simple” because it only takes two ingredients and is incredibly easy to make. When added to cakes, it helps maintain moisture, especially in cakes that have a tendency to dry out quickly. Simple syrup is often flavored with extracts like vanilla, almond, or citrus, which allows you to infuse subtle flavors into your cakes.
Why Use Simple Syrup?
There are several reasons why simple syrup is a must-have in cake decorating:
- Moisture: Adding simple syrup to your cake layers helps keep them moist, ensuring your cake stays fresh longer.
- Even Sweetness: It adds sweetness evenly across the cake without having to worry about uneven layers of dry sugar.
- Flavor Enhancer: You can infuse different flavors into your syrup, adding complexity to your cake’s taste.
- Easier to Handle: Simple syrup can make the process of icing and layering cakes smoother because the layers will not absorb too much moisture from buttercream or fondant, making them easier to handle.
How to Make Simple Syrup
Making simple syrup is incredibly easy, and you can do it in just a few steps. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Combine the Water and Sugar: In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Stir the mixture to ensure that the sugar is evenly distributed in the water.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve.
- Dissolve the Sugar: Once the sugar has completely dissolved, allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes. You do not need to boil the syrup, just ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup is clear.
- Cool the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely before using it on your cakes.
That’s it! You’ve made your own simple syrup, and it’s ready to be used in your cake recipe.
How to Use Simple Syrup on Cakes
Now that you have your simple syrup, it’s time to learn how to use it effectively. Here’s how:
1. Brush the Cake Layers
- After baking and cooling your cake layers, you can brush a generous amount of simple syrup onto each layer before frosting. The syrup helps the cake absorb moisture and keeps it from becoming dry, especially in layered cakes.
- Use a pastry brush or a spoon to apply the syrup evenly. You don’t need to soak the cake, just lightly moisten the surface.
2. Infuse Flavors into the Syrup
- While the syrup is still warm, you can infuse it with various flavors. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the syrup and stir well.
- You can also experiment with flavored syrups by adding herbs or spices like lavender, cinnamon, or mint for a unique twist.
3. Use for Cupcakes
- For cupcakes, you can lightly dip each cupcake top into the syrup or drizzle it over the top with a spoon. Be sure to do this while the cupcakes are still warm so that they can absorb the syrup.
4. Use in Layer Cakes
- For a multi-layer cake, apply a thin layer of simple syrup to each layer before frosting. This ensures the entire cake is moist and adds a bit of extra sweetness without being too overwhelming.
5. Incorporate in Frosting
- You can also mix a small amount of simple syrup into your buttercream frosting for added moisture. Just be sure not to add too much, as it could make the frosting too runny.
Flavored Simple Syrup Ideas
If you want to add a bit more complexity to your cakes, try flavoring your simple syrup. Here are some ideas for creating flavored syrups:
1. Vanilla Simple Syrup
- Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the cooled syrup. This flavor is perfect for adding a subtle, sweet taste to any cake.
2. Lemon Simple Syrup
- Add the zest of one lemon to the syrup and allow it to steep for a few minutes. This is a great choice for citrus-flavored cakes like lemon or orange.
3. Almond Simple Syrup
- Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the syrup for a rich, nutty flavor. This is perfect for almond-flavored cakes or even chocolate cakes.
4. Herb-Infused Simple Syrup
- For something a little different, try adding fresh herbs to your syrup, like rosemary or thyme. Bring the syrup to a simmer with the herbs, then remove them once the syrup has cooled. This flavor works wonderfully for cakes like lemon cake or vanilla.
5. Spiced Simple Syrup
- Add spices like cinnamon, ginger, or cloves to the syrup for a warming, comforting flavor. This is perfect for cakes like carrot cake or pumpkin cake.
How to Store Simple Syrup
Once your simple syrup is made, you can store it for later use. Simply place the cooled syrup in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will last for about a month. If you’ve flavored your syrup, be sure to label it so you remember what flavor you’ve infused.