**🍰 Cake by Courtney: 7 Tips for Perfect Cakes — Bake Like a Pro Every Time!**
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**Introduction**
Imagine slicing into a cake so moist, tender, and flawlessly layered that your guests swear it’s from a five-star bakery. Meet **Cake by Courtney**, your new secret weapon for baking showstopping desserts that look *and* taste divine. Courtney Rich, the self-taught baker behind this beloved brand, started her journey with a “train wreck” of a first cake (her words, not ours!) but now shares foolproof methods to help *you* avoid common pitfalls and bake with confidence.
Why is **Cake by Courtney** a game-changer? These seven tips distill years of Courtney’s expertise into simple, actionable advice—think of them as your baking fairy godmother. Whether you’re tackling a birthday cake or a weekend treat, these strategies ensure *perfect* results every time. And guess what? You don’t need fancy tools or a pastry degree.
Ready to transform your baking from “meh” to *magnificent*? Let’s preheat that oven and dive in!
what is Cake by Courtney? 🤔*
Is this a cake recipe? A baking course? A lifestyle brand? Spoiler: It’s all three! **Cake by Courtney** began as a blog where Courtney chronicled her journey from box-mix依赖症 to scratch-baking queen. Named after her own mantra—“cake changed my life”—the brand is a love letter to decadent desserts and the joy of sharing them.
Why “Cake *by Courtney*”? Well, could it be because her recipes are so reliable, they might as well come with a “100% Foolproof” stamp? Or maybe it’s because her fans (including this writer) would happily crown her the Duchess of Desserts. As the saying goes, *“the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach”*—and Courtney’s cakes are basically edible love letters. So, grab your whisk and let’s bake your way to glory!
**Why You’ll Love These Tips**
1. **Pro Results, Beginner Effort**: Courtney’s tips demystify baking science, like why *cake flour* beats all-purpose for tender crumbs, or how room-temperature ingredients prevent lumpy batter. Even newbies can nail these!
2. **Save $$$**: Skip the $50 bakery cake! With Courtney’s advice, you’ll avoid costly mistakes (like overbaking or collapsed layers) and use pantry staples creatively.
Just like her **Biscoff Strawberry Cake** balances cookie butter crunch with fresh berries, these tips blend practicality with creativity. Ready to bake smarter, not harder? Let’s go!
**How to Bake Perfect Cakes with Cake by Courtney**
**Quick Overview**
âś… **Prep Time**: 10 mins (tips) | **Bake Time**: Varies | **Skill Level**: All levels
âś… **Key Features**: Moist layers, smooth frosting, and zero stress!
**Key Ingredients for Success**
– **Cake Flour**: 200g (lighter texture than all-purpose).
– **Unsalted Butter**: 225g, *room temperature* (soft but not melted).
– **Fresh Eggs**: 4 large, *room temperature* (for even mixing).
– **Buttermilk**: 240ml (adds tang and moisture).
– **Vanilla Extract**: 2 tsp (pure, not imitation!).
**Step-by-Step Tips**
1. **Weigh, Don’t Measure**: Use a kitchen scale for precise grams—no more dense cakes from too much flour.
2. **Prep Pans Like a Pro**: Grease, line with parchment, *and* grease again. No stuck layers!
3. **Cream Butter & Sugar** for 5 mins until pale—this creates air pockets for rise.
4. **Alternate Dry/Wet Ingredients**: Add flour and buttermilk in thirds to prevent overmixing.
5. **Check for Doneness Early**: Insert a toothpick at the *minimum* bake time. Overbaking = dryness!
6. **Cool Completely Before Frosting**: Warm cakes melt buttercream—patience is key.
7. **Crumb Coat First**: Apply a thin frosting layer, chill 15 mins, then add the final coat for a sleek finish.
**What to Serve with Your Cake*
– **Coffee or Tea**: Pair Earl Grey with lemon cakes or espresso with chocolate.
– **Fresh Fruit**: Berries cut through rich frostings.
– **Ice Cream**: A scoop of vanilla turns cake into Ă la mode heaven!
**Top Tips for Flawless Cakes**
✨ **Substitute Smart**: No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice.
✨ **Fix Flat Layers**: Ensure baking powder is fresh (test with hot water—if it fizzes, it’s good!).
✨ **Avoid Curdled Batter**: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
**Storing and Reheating Tips**
– **Room Temp**: Unfrosted cakes keep 2 days under a dome.
– **Fridge**: Frosted cakes last 5 days; wrap in plastic to prevent drying.
– **Freeze**: Wrap layers in plastic + foil; thaw overnight before decorating.
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We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please take a moment to review your experience
The instructions were clear and easy to follow
I recently gave Courtney’s cake recipe a try, and it was a delightful experience from start to finish! The instructions were clear and easy to follow, which made the baking process stress-free. Courtney’s tips on freezing cake layers and using cake boards were incredibly useful, ensuring my cake was both delicious and structurally sound.
The end result was a beautifully decorated cake
I recently tried out the cake recipe from Courtney’s article, and I must say, it was a fantastic experience! The step-by-step instructions were incredibly easy to follow, making the entire baking process smooth and enjoyable.