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What is a High Ratio Cake?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

In general, a high ratio cake is any type of cake that is prepared with a relatively high amount of sugar in the recipe, especially when the sugar content is compared to the amount of flour that is used. This type of cake is characterized by a taste that is made exceptionally sweet, owing to the higher sugar content, and the tendency to be very moist in comparison to cakes that contain less in the way of granulated sweeteners.

Usually, a proper high ratio cake will require the use of specially formulated flour and shortening. The shortening is usually emulsified, which helps to lend more smoothness to the texture of the finished cake. The flour is usually ground into very fine particles and may be heat treated or chlorinated to allow the particles to blend quickly with the high sugar content and the liquids used in the recipe. There are bleached flour and whole wheat flour blends that are ideal for use in this type of cake.

Specially formulated wheat flour is used to make a high ratio cake.
Specially formulated wheat flour is used to make a high ratio cake.

Eggs, water, and milk are the typical liquids of choice in sugary cakes of this nature. As a rule, the three liquids are mixed separately from the dry ingredients, then slowing worked into the mix of flour and sugar. Other flavorings can be added at the discretion of the baker.

When it comes to the amount of sugar that is contained in a high ratio cake, there is some difference of opinion. There are those that consider any cake recipe that calls for a ratio of more than one part sugar to three parts flour to be high ratio. Others believe that any recipe for a sugary cake including more than one part sugar to two parts flour qualifies. Just about everyone agrees that if a recipe calls for as much sugar in the mixture as flour, then the finished product can properly be referred to by this term.

In general, a high ratio cake is any type of cake that is prepared with a relatively high amount of sugar in the recipe.
In general, a high ratio cake is any type of cake that is prepared with a relatively high amount of sugar in the recipe.

One advantage of a high ratio cake is that it tends to stay fresh at room temperature longer than some cakes that contain less sugar. However, it will begin to mold more quickly when wrapped in plastic wrap or confined in a small, covered cake plate.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon139461

When using high ratio ingredients in your cake mixes will your cake taste like a professional made cake?

panda2006

@recapitulate, it's true that these desserts probably should not be consumed with the same regularity as, say, a lighter cake or something like a sweet bread. While they certainly aren't the only thing contributing to the rising epidemic of diabetes, high amounts of sugar in diets, especially of children, are a huge factor in that and many other health issues.

recapitulate

Of course, a high ratio of sugar also means a high ratio of calories; there are not desserts than should be consumed often or in large amounts, although restaurants and bakeries often sell high ratio cakes the same size as their less sugary desserts.

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    • Specially formulated wheat flour is used to make a high ratio cake.
      By: m.u.ozmen
      Specially formulated wheat flour is used to make a high ratio cake.
    • In general, a high ratio cake is any type of cake that is prepared with a relatively high amount of sugar in the recipe.
      By: Stocksnapper
      In general, a high ratio cake is any type of cake that is prepared with a relatively high amount of sugar in the recipe.