Baking tips from top chef in leadup to RSPCA Cupcake Day

As Australians around the country plan and prepare for this year’s RSPCA Cupcake Day, the theme of Baking to Fight Animal Cruelty has never been more important.

The sweetest event of the year is taking place on Monday 26 October, however Australians are being encouraged to host their own COVID-safe events at any time in the lead up to the official date.

For many people this year, RSPCA Cupcake Day will look a little different as participants create virtual bake offs and socially distanced events.

The RSPCA’s newest Chef Ambassador Dan Pasquali of Dan’s Bake Lab said the changes also provided new opportunities to involve more people, and he shared some hints and tips to remind everyone to remember the hens and use cage-free eggs in their baking.

“Higher welfare eggs equals lots of happy chooks and happy cooks,” said Dan, who is best known from his time on The Great Australian Bake Off.

“I’m getting ready for the RSPCA’s Cupcake Day in my Bake Lab right now, so my message is grab your aprons, turn on your ovens and let’s get baking for this important cause!

“Baking is fun and it’s full of chemical reactions, there’s lots to learn, and if you make a mistake, don’t panic, the most important thing you can do is keep baking for RSPCA Cupcake Day to raise important funds that go towards caring for animals in need.

“In my years as a baker, I’ve learned and lived by some important tips to create delicious baked goods and I hope they will help those who are baking for RSPCA Cupcake Day this year.

“Always remember to use cage-free eggs! By doing so you’re supporting farmers doing the right thing and helping to create a better life for Australian hens.

“Room temperature eggs are the secret for a great bake. Always remember to remove your eggs from the fridge and allow them to sit for 20-60 minutes depending on the climate. This helps to create an emulsion with small air bubbles which expand during baking and create a delicious, soft and fluffy treat.

“Precision is important. Make sure to weigh all the ingredients, prepare them carefully and follow the recipe.

“An oven thermometer is essential as every oven is slightly different, so consider investing in this handy tool.

“Rotate your baking tray halfway through the desired baking time, as the temperature in front of the oven may be slightly different from the temperature at the back of your oven.

“Don’t forget to add salt, people are often afraid to add salt to sweet recipes but it makes food more delicious, helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavours.

“Sifting makes a big difference to your final result, and remember there are 10-15 grams difference between 1 cup sifted flour and 1 cup of non-sifted flour.

“Be patient when it comes to frosting, my tip is to place cakes in the fridge for 5-10 minutes and then apply the frosting to avoid melting.

“With all this in mind, you’re ready, get set, and BAKE for animals in need!”

Supporters can register now, get help planning their events and download all the material they need by visiting www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au

And if you can’t hold an event this year, there’s no ‘knead’ to worry! There are still plenty of ways to get involved in RSPCA Cupcake Day. Encourage a friend, family member or colleague to host instead, and bake up a storm to support them. Or hold a virtual get together!

However you decide to help, your support makes the world of difference to animals in need.

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Baking tips from top chef in leadup to RSPCA Cupcake Day

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