10 SYRUPS FOR CAKE SOAKING

Ingredients

Basic Sugar Syrup

100 grams (3.55 ounces) water
50 grams (1.75 ounces) sugar

Lemon Syrup

½ lemon
100 grams (3.55 ounces) water
50 grams (1.75 ounces) sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla essence (optional)

Coffee Syrup

100 grams (3.55 ounces) sugar
120 milliliters (0.5 cup) water
120 milliliters (0.5 cup) freshly brewed strong coffee

Orange Syrup

1 large orange
70 grams (2.45 ounces) sugar

Coconut Soaking

100 grams (3.55 ounces) milk
40 grams (1.40 ounces) coconut flakes
2 tablespoons condensed milk

Citrus Soaking

80 grams (2.80 ounces) lemon/orange juice
40 grams (1.40 ounces) lime juice
60 grams (2.10 ounces) sugar

Creamy Soaking

70 grams (2.45 ounces) cream (10%)
30 grams (1.05 ounces) condensed milk

Cocoa Soaking

50 grams (1.75 ounces) milk
30 grams (1.05 ounces) cream (30-35%)
2 teaspoons high-quality cocoa
2 tablespoons sugar

Coffee Soaking

100 grams (3.55 ounces) boiling water
1 teaspoon instant coffee or freshly brewed strong coffee
2 tablespoons condensed milk

Chocolate Soaking

50 grams (1.75 ounces) milk
50 grams (1.75 ounces) cream (30-35%)
40 grams (1.40 ounces) dark chocolate

Equipment

Saucepan
A heavy-bottomed saucepan helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the sugar from burning while making syrups.
Whisk
Essential for ensuring the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth.
Microwave
Useful for quick heating in some of our non-syrup soaking recipes.
Strainer
Necessary for straining out any zest or coconut flakes for a smooth syrup.
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Accuracy matters! Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully to make the perfect syrup every time.

Instructions

Step 1

What's your favorite way to soak the cake? The soaking syrup is just as important as the cake itself, or the custard. Not all cakes need extra soaking, some are very moist like Red Velvet cake. Today, we'll explore some options for soaking the cake!

Step 2

Basic Sugar Syrup:

1. Combine 100 grams (3.55 oz) water and 50 grams (1.75 oz) sugar in a saucepan with a thick bottom. Using a thick-bottomed pan helps to distribute heat evenly.
2. Bring to a boil over low heat, continuously stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Once the syrup boils, remove any foam that forms and take off the heat. Allow the syrup to cool slightly. Done!
You can add flavors like wine, cognac, fruit juices, liqueurs, coffee, essences, or vanilla to the cooled syrup.

Step 3

Lemon Syrup:

1. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon and add the grated zest.
2. Add 100 grams (3.55 oz) Basic Sugar Syrup to the lemon juice and zest, and whisk until smooth. You may add ½ teaspoon of vanilla essence for extra flavor, if desired. Done!
Perfect for creamy and classic cakes; for chocolate cakes, try using orange syrup.

Step 4

Coffee Syrup:

1. Combine 100 grams (3.55 oz) sugar and 120 milliliters (0.5 cup) water in a saucepan with a thick bottom.
2. Bring to a boil, then add 120 milliliters (0.5 cup) fresh strong coffee.
3. Let it cool to room temperature. Done!
This is great for chocolate biscuits. Add 1 tablespoon of cognac for an even richer flavor.

Step 5

Orange Syrup:

1. Squeeze the juice from a large orange and pour it into a saucepan with a thick bottom. Add the zest and 70 grams (2.45 oz) sugar.
2. Boil over low heat. After boiling, cook for 3-5 minutes more. Done!

Step 6

Coconut Soaking:

1. Bring 100 grams (3.55 oz) milk and 40 grams (1.40 oz) coconut flakes to just before boiling. Do not let it boil to maintain the quality of the coconut milk.
2. Let sit for 20 minutes, then strain and add 2 tablespoons of condensed milk. Done!

Step 7

Citrus Soaking:

1. Combine 80 grams (2.80 oz) lemon/orange juice, 40 grams (1.40 oz) lime juice, and 60 grams (2.10 oz) sugar in a saucepan.
2. Bring to just before boiling. Allow to cool. Done!

Step 8

Creamy Soaking:

1. Mix 70 grams (2.45 oz) 10% cream and 30 grams (1.05 oz) condensed milk.
2. Heat the mixture in the microwave until warm, then whip again. Done!

Step 9

Cocoa Soaking:

1. Combine 50 grams (1.75 oz) milk, 30 grams (1.05 oz) 30-35% cream, 2 teaspoons high-quality cocoa, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, cool, and mix. Done!

Step 10

Coffee Soaking:

1. Combine 100 grams (3.55 oz) boiling water and 1 teaspoon instant coffee or freshly brewed strong coffee.
2. Add 2 tablespoons condensed milk. Done!

Step 11

Chocolate Soaking:

1. Combine 50 grams (1.75 oz) milk, 50 grams (1.75 oz) 30-35% cream, and 40 grams (1.40 oz) dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Heat in the microwave until the mixture is warm and the chocolate is melted, then mix. Done!
Ready-made milkshakes with different flavors can also be used for soaking cakes.

Servings

Imagine pouring a luscious lemon syrup over your vanilla sponge cake and watching it soak in, leaving behind a zesty punch that pairs perfectly with summer berries. Or, picture a rich coffee syrup seeping into your chocolate cake, bringing an indulgent mocha flavor that’ll have your guests reaching for seconds. Want to take it to the next level? Serve your orange syrup-soaked cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh zest; it’s like sunshine on a plate! For a tropical twist, use the coconut soaking on a light almond cake and garnish with toasted coconut flakes. Hosting a fancy dinner? Present a cocoa-soaked cake with a dusting of cocoa powder and perhaps a chocolate curl or two. Your friends will think you've gone professional. And don’t overlook the classics; a creamy soak transforms a basic vanilla cake into a melt-in-the-mouth moment of joy. Trust us; these serve suggestions will leave you and your guests truly delighted!

Variations

Making sure everyone at the table can enjoy your masterpiece is important! For a gluten-free version of the syrup recipes, use a gluten-free cake as the base, then apply any of the syrups as directed. To make these recipes vegan, substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk or coconut milk. For the condensed milk, use a vegan condensed milk available in many health food stores. These small changes ensure that everyone can enjoy the same delicious soaking syrups without compromising on taste.

Faq

How do I know when the sugar in my syrup is fully dissolved?
Keep whisking continuously as you bring the mixture to a boil; the syrup should become clear and you shouldn't feel any granules of sugar when you taste a small drop.
Can I use flavored syrups for store-bought cakes?
Absolutely! These syrups can enhance the flavor and moisture of any cake, store-bought or homemade.
Can I make these syrups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead and store in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they're at room temperature before applying to your cake.
How much syrup should I use for one cake?
This depends on personal preference, but a good rule of thumb is to use about half a cup of syrup for a standard 8-inch cake.
What’s the best way to apply syrup to the cake?
Use a pastry brush to evenly distribute the syrup over the cake layers; this ensures a consistent soak throughout.
Can I mix different syrups for one cake?
Yes, blending flavors like lemon and orange or coffee and cream can create unique and delightful combinations. Just be careful not to overpower your cake with too many flavors.