Cake tin wraps (also called cake strips or baking strips) help cakes bake more evenly and prevent a domed top. Here's how to make a homemade version using newspaper and foil:
Materials:
- Newspaper
- Aluminum foil
- Water
- Cake tin
Instructions:
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Dampen Newspaper: Thoroughly wet a sheet of newspaper. You don't want it dripping, just damp. This helps to insulate the cake tin.
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Prepare Foil: Cut a piece of aluminum foil that is long enough to wrap around your cake tin (approximately 36 inches for a standard 6-8 inch round cake tin). The width should be about twice the height you want the wrap to be.
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Create the Strip: Place the damp newspaper at the bottom edge of the foil. Fold the foil over the newspaper repeatedly, creating a strip that is approximately 2 inches wide (or the desired height for your cake tin). The newspaper should be completely enclosed in the foil.
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Mold to the Pan: Wrap the foil-covered newspaper strip around the outside of your cake tin. Secure it tightly. You can use a safety pin to keep it in place, if needed. The purpose is to create an insulating barrier.
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Bake as Usual: Bake your cake as usual, following the recipe instructions. The wrap will help the cake bake more evenly, reducing doming and creating a flatter top.
Why This Works:
The damp newspaper insulates the sides of the cake tin, preventing the edges from cooking faster than the center. This allows the cake to rise more evenly, minimizing the dome shape.
