Cake Pan

• The look or shape of the cake begins with the cake pan. Cake pans come in all shapes and sizes. If you want to create a uniquely shaped homemade cake, yet there isn't an appropriate cake pan available, it is possible to bake the cake in a traditional rectangular pan, and after the cake is finished, it can be cut into the desired shape. You will need to freeze the cake first to make it easier to cut and frost. This won't be appropriate for all cake types, and can make for a drier cake. Many homemade cake recipes are also suitable for cupcakes, if you are looking to bake up single servings.
  
  

Ingredient Exchanged

• Many homemade cake recipes call for vegetable oil, which helps to make the cake moist. Instead of oil, applesauce can be used to make your homemade cake a healthier treat. Because applesauce provides sweetness, it may be necessary to reduce the amount of sugar used, which will require a bit of experimenting. Instead of swapping ingredients, consider adding embellishments to the cake, such as chocolate chips, nuts or pieces of candy.
  
  

Frosting

• "It's frosting on the cake" is an old adage that refers to the frosting as a bonus, a gift beyond the actual cake, something extra. When baking an actual homemade cake the frosting can either make the cake a masterpiece or distract from its superb taste and texture. Before frosting your cake, consider the choices and what type of frosting will be best suited for the type of cake. Frosting can be a simple blend of powdered sugar, butter and a drop of cream and vanilla. It can be whipped cream, or whipped cream topped with slices of banana or other fresh fruit. Instead of butter, cream cheese can be blended with the powdered sugar to make cream cheese frosting. For a smooth texture, fondant frosting can be used. It is a popular choice for wedding cakes. Nuts, coconut and candy can be used to embellish frosting.