What makes a cake rise besides self raising flour?

Besides self-raising flour, there are several key factors that make a cake rise:

1. Chemical Leavening Agents:

* Baking Powder: This is the most common leavening agent in cakes. It contains baking soda, an acid, and a drying agent. When mixed with liquid, the acid reacts with the baking soda, releasing carbon dioxide gas, which causes the cake to rise.

* Baking Soda: Baking soda requires an acidic ingredient (like buttermilk, lemon juice, or brown sugar) to activate and produce carbon dioxide.

2. Air Incorporation:

* Creaming Butter and Sugar: This process incorporates air into the batter, creating tiny air pockets that expand during baking, causing the cake to rise.

* Whipping Eggs: Whipping egg whites creates foam that traps air, adding volume and lightness to the cake.

3. Steam:

* Water in the Batter: As the batter heats up, the water turns into steam. This steam expands, also contributing to the cake's rise.

4. Gluten Development:

* Gluten: A protein found in flour, gluten forms a network that traps the gas bubbles created by leavening agents and air incorporation. However, excessive gluten development can lead to a tough cake.

5. Oven Temperature:

* Correct Temperature: An oven that is too hot can cause the cake to rise too quickly and brown on the outside before the inside is cooked through, resulting in a dense cake. Conversely, an oven that is too cool will slow down the rise and create a flat cake.

6. Other Factors:

* Baking Time: The time it takes for the cake to bake is important for proper rising.

* Cake Pan Size and Shape: The size and shape of the pan affect how the cake rises and how evenly it bakes.

* Ingredients: The type and quantity of ingredients used can influence the cake's rise. For example, a cake made with heavy ingredients like nuts or chocolate will rise less than a cake made with lighter ingredients like flour and sugar.

It's important to note that all these factors work together to create a successful cake. Understanding the role of each element will help you create delicious and perfectly risen cakes.