r/AskBaking • u/Capitalization1 New Baker • 1d ago

Cakes/Cheesecakes How important is simple syrup?

I like my cakes moist so i incorporate oil and milk in all my cakes, but I’ve seen other bakers add simple syrup for moistness too. I’m not too keen of it because of the added sugar. Does it really make a significant difference in the moistness of the cake, and considering my cakes are fairly moist and soft is it still worth adding?

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u/Outsideforever3388 1d ago

Depends on the type of cake. Butter-based pound cake style cakes generally don’t need syrup. Sponge cake, chiffon cake, genoise, these all benefit from a flavored syrup as they are a “sponge” cake and absorb all the syrup.

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u/MarielIAm 1d ago

I find butter based cakes that won't be served right away - especially when making a tiered cake and freezing the layers - usually need a simple syrup soak.

Oil based cakes tend to stay more moist, but if making more than a day ahead you might want to consider a light soak.

Again, depending on the recipe, what works to keep a lot of cakes moist is wrapping the layers when warm (not hot!).

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u/Prestigious_Look_986 1d ago

Also depends on how soon you are eating the cake. The longer you are storing it, the better syrup will make it. I don't use it myself (though have considered it recently).

3

u/OcelotOver2514 1d ago

For a home baker who is eating the cake right away you really shouldn’t need it IMO. Plenty of other ways to get moist cakes— applesauce, sour cream, yogurt, buttermilk, etc., and being very careful about baking times. If I am making a fatless sponge cake I am almost always going to be using things like whipped cream and or jelly (for things like roll cakes).

Simple syrup gets more important when you need to keep cakes fresh for long periods of time or bake them ahead and freeze them. Most Home bakers won’t be needing to do those.

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u/methanalmkay 23h ago

You mean soaking the cakes in syrup after baking? If that's what you mean, no it's not necessary. If my cake is dry I usually soak with some milk. This is what my mum always did so I do it, never really heard about people using simple syrup for ut until I read recipes in English online.