Showstopping Cakes: Mastering the Art and Science of Baking

by Rahul Mandal

Overview

The Times Best Food Books of 2022

"Rahul Mandal is a brilliant baker with the eye of an artist." - Nigella Lawson

"Rahul is a scientist of extraordinary talent, both in baking and explaining how it's done." - Dame Prue Leith

"Rahul's book is an absolutely spectacular one with so much detail and knowledge behind every recipe. So many delicious frostings, fillings, sponges and everything you need to make a showstopping cake! I can't wait to try something out!" - Jane Dunn, author of Jane's Patisserie

"Impressive, phenomenal, and magical! Rahul takes cakes to another level in this book. I'm always blown away by his work!" - Eloise Head, author of Fitwaffle's Baking It Easy

"The hardest part of opening up this stunning book is remembering that I'm already married so Rahul can't make my wedding cake. It's a truly inspiring collection of recipes that will become staples in any baker's kitchen, whether novice or seasoned." - Jake Cohen, author of Jew-Ish

Create sensational showstopping cakes with this collection of dazzlingly delicious bakes from GBBO winner Rahul Mandal.

From advice on stacking a tier cake to piping flowers, creating the perfect flavour pairing and avoiding a curdled cake batter or buttercream, Rahul shares his scientific knowhow on achieving sublime bakes - as well as advice on how to fix things when they go wrong. Featuring everything from mirror glaze, meringue, genoise and caramel to drip, fault-line and geode cakes, these are jaw-droppingly beautiful bakes that will wow family and friends every time.

Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2018, Rahul won hearts as he quietly baked his way to glory with some of the most spectacular creations the show has ever seen. A research scientist at the University of Sheffield, he continues to spend his spare time baking and writes a regular column for The Times magazine.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781914239489
Publisher:	Octopus
Publication date:	10/13/2022
Sold by:	Hachette Digital, Inc.
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	254,742
File size:	29 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2018 and GBBO New Year Special 2020, Rahul Mandal won the hearts of the nation with his self-deprecating, shy demeanour as he quietly baked his way to glory with some of the most stunning creations the show has seen. A research scientist at the University of Sheffield, Rahul spends his spare time practising his baking, painting and gardening. He has a large and dedicated following on Instagram and writes regularly for The Times. He has recently worked on social media campaigns with a number of brands including Castello, Panasonic and Cadbury.

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

My baking journey 7

Why cake is so special 8

The Great British Bake Off 9

What makes a cake work? 10

Baking techniques 12

Ingredients 20

Equipment 22

Tips and solutions to common problems 24

Flavour pairing 28

Fillings and Frostings 30

Buttercream 32

Cheese-based frosting 37

Pastry crème 40

Bavarois 43

Caramel 44

Ganache 49

Fruit compote and jam 56

Curd 62

Decoration and Accessories 64

Marzipan 67

Royal icing and honeycomb 70

Chocolate 75

Chocolate decorations 77

Buttercream flowers and Decorations 84

Transforming Everyday Cakes to Showstopping Cakes 98

Decorated Cakes 144

Meringue-Based and Gluten-Free Cakes 188

Tiered Cakes 212

Acknowledgements 236

Index 238

Editorial Reviews

11/01/2022

Scientist and Great British Bake Off winner Mandal showcases his love of both cakes and science in his first cookbook. Growing up in India without an oven, he didn't bake his first cake until 2016, after he had moved to the UK. Writing the book he wished he had when he started baking, Mandal offers tips and explains some cake baking techniques along with details of the chemical and molecular reactions that happen to cake ingredients while baking. He begins with a chapter on frostings and fillings and then moves on to décor, such as marzipan, buttercream, and paste flowers and chocolate decorations. Several different types of cakes are featured, ranging from classics including genoise and Swiss rolls, although often updated with interesting flavor combinations, to more modern decorated cakes such as fault-line and geode. Additionally, there are meringues, dacquoise, and cheesecake, ending with several tiered cakes. These bakes look intimidating but seem attainable thanks to Mandal's detailed written instructions. VERDICT Featuring many elaborately decorated cakes meant to impress, this is best for ambitious bakers hoping to recreate some Bake Off magic at home.—Melissa DeWild

Library Journal