Bread · Cake · Pastry ·Apr 01, 2023

Bread, Cake, and Pastry: Understanding the Differences and Sample Recipes

Bread, cake, and pastry are all delicious baked goods that are enjoyed by people all around the world. While they may all seem similar at first glance, there are actually quite a few differences between them in terms of their ingredients, preparation, and taste.

Bread:

Bread is a staple food in many cultures and is typically made from flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is usually kneaded and then left to rise, allowing the yeast to ferment and create carbon dioxide gas, which causes the bread to rise. The bread is then baked in an oven until it is golden brown.

Bread can be enjoyed in many different forms, from a simple loaf to rolls, bagels, and even croissants. It is a versatile food that can be used as a base for sandwiches or eaten on its own with butter or jam.

One of the most popular bread recipes is the classic French baguette. Here's a simple recipe:

All-time Favorite Bread

Ingredients:

3 cups of bread flour
2 teaspoons of salt
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups of warm water

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
Slowly add the warm water and stir until the dough comes together.
Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 450°F and place a baking stone in the oven.
Shape the dough into a baguette shape and place it on a floured surface.
Let the baguette rise for another 20-30 minutes.
Use a sharp knife to make several slashes in the top of the baguette.
Place the baguette on the baking stone and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Cake:

Cake is a sweet dessert that is typically made from flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Unlike bread, cake is not leavened with yeast but with baking powder or baking soda, which causes the cake to rise. Cake batter is usually mixed until it is smooth and then baked in an oven.

Cakes can be made in many different flavors and shapes, from classic chocolate cake to lemon pound cake, and can be decorated in endless ways. They are often enjoyed for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and holidays.

Classic Yellow Cake

Pastry:

Pastry is a type of dough that is used to make a wide variety of baked goods, including pies, tarts, quiches, and turnovers. It is a versatile dough that can be used to make both sweet and savory dishes, and it is often used in both traditional and modern cuisine.

Pastry dough is typically made from flour, butter, water, and sometimes sugar or salt. The dough is mixed together and then chilled before it is rolled out and used to make different pastry dishes. There are many different types of pastry dough, including shortcrust pastry, puff pastry, and choux pastry.

Shortcrust pastry is a type of pastry dough that is commonly used in pies and tarts. It is made from flour, butter, and a small amount of water, and it is typically rolled out and used to line a pie dish or tart pan. It can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from fruit and custard to savory fillings like cheese and vegetables.

Here's a simple recipe for shortcrust pastry:

Shortcrust Pastry

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
3-4 tablespoons of ice water

Directions:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and stir until the dough comes together.
Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to the desired thickness and use it to line a pie dish or tart pan.

Overall, the main differences between bread, cake, and pastry lie in their ingredients, texture, and intended use. Bread is a staple food that is often eaten on its own or used as a sandwich filling. Cake is a sweet treat that is typically frosted or decorated. Pastry is a versatile dough that can be used to create both sweet and savory dishes. By understanding these differences, you can better appreciate and enjoy each type of baked good. If you wish to read and explore more recipes, you'll have more here and helpful tips here.