Baking Basics: Substitutes, Rising Agents & Fixing Cakes

Mastering baking basics involves understanding rising agents and finding the right substitutes for butter or milk. Learn how to fix a crumbly cake, avoid soggy pizza dough, and ensure your baked goods rise perfectly every time.

What Kind of Oil Is Best for Baking a Cake?

Published Jul,08 2011 | By Maria Christensen

A moist cake is the goal of every baker, but it's sometimes easier said than done. Vegetable oil can help prevent a dry cake and you will find it as an ingredient in many recipes, as well as a staple for boxed cake mixes.

Since 1997, Maria Christensen has written about business, history, food, culture and travel for diverse publications. She ran her own business writing employee handbooks and business process manuals for small businesses, authored a guidebook to Seattle, and works as an accountant for a software company. Christensen studied communications at the University of Washington and history at Armstrong Atlantic State University.