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Embark on a journey of discovery into the captivating world of baking! Brought to you by the experts at Baker's Brew, the home of quintessential baking mastery in Singapore, this treasure trove of insider advice is designed to elevate your baking skills. 

So, prepare to indulge in the secrets of our pros, and let's turn your kitchen into a bakery with our tips as well as our engaging baking classes!

1. Check the Temperature when Handling Butter and Sugar

Butter and sugar can be tricky to master, but with a bit of insight, they're a breeze to handle. The secret? Monitor their temperature. Room-temperature butter ensures a smooth, creamy texture when creamed with sugar. But beware of overly soft butter—it can result in heavy, dense cakes. Sugar, more than a sweetener, also acts as a moisture provider, a browning aid, and a tenderiser. A hint of experimentation with sugar quantities can lead to a more distinct flavour profile.

2. Invest in Quality Baking Tools

The tools in your baking repertoire play a key role in your baking success. Essentials include a set of measuring spoons and a digital scale for precise measurements, a high-quality mixer—preferably a stand mixer for frequent bakers—and top-notch bakeware that impacts the cooking time and final look of your cakes.

3. Avoid Overmixing Your Batter

Mistakes are part of the baking process, and one common error is overmixing. This can lead to tough, less appetising cakes. The solution is simple—stop mixing your ingredients as soon as the flour disappears.

4. Test Your Baking Powder and Bicarbonate of Soda

If you're unsure whether your raising agents are still active, there's a simple test you can do. For baking powder, mix a teaspoon with half a cup of hot water; it should bubble immediately. For bicarbonate of soda, mix a teaspoon with a splash of vinegar; it should also bubble up. This can save your baked goods from turning into flat, dense bricks.

5. Know Your Oven

Every oven is unique, with hot and cold spots that can affect baking. Get to know your oven; try baking a few batches of cookies in different areas to identify any uneven heating. This understanding can help you rotate your pans effectively for even browning.

6. Measure Ingredients by Weight

Lastly, always measure your ingredients by weight rather than volume for consistency. This is particularly crucial with flour, where compaction can significantly affect the amount you're actually adding.

Enrol in Baking Classes at Baker’s Brew

We've shared some tips, but there's so much more to learn and explore in the realm of baking. Why not take the leap and enrol in a baking class? Whether you're a beginner seeking basic baking lessons near you, a seasoned baker hunting for the best baking class in Singapore has to offer, or a parent interested in a baking class for kids, our curriculum at Baker’s Brew caters to all. The benefits of our private baking classes and cake-making classes in Singapore are that they provide personalised, as-on experiences designed to transform you into a baking maestro. Still not convinced? Here are 5 more reasons to sign up for a baking course!

Join our baking courses and unlock the delightful world of baking today. We can't wait to welcome you and your family to our family of passionate bakers!

In every culture, weddings are steeped in meaningful traditions and customs that symbolise love, happiness, and the union of two souls. And just as weddings in other parts of the world have unique customs and rituals, Chinese weddings offer a captivating tapestry of traditions that celebrate love and unity. Particularly rich with age-old traditions to bless the couple and their future together, one of the most significant ceremonies in a Chinese wedding is the Guo Da Li, which holds deep cultural significance.

The Guo Da Li ceremony is a time-honoured tradition where the groom's family presents betrothal gifts to the bride's family as a gesture of respect, gratitude, and goodwill. These gifts symbolise the groom's sincerity and commitment to the union. From the intricacies of selecting the right gifts to the etiquette involved, understanding Guo Da Li can be both fascinating and essential for couples preparing for their Chinese wedding.

Whether you are a bride, groom, or curious enthusiast, join us as we delve into the world of Guo Da Li and uncover the significance behind this integral part of Chinese weddings. 

What is Guo Da Li?

Guo Da Li, also known as the Betrothal Ceremony, is a formal occasion where the groom and his family visit the bride and her family to express their sincerity and intention to marry their daughter. This ceremony serves as the official "proposal" and showcases the groom's commitment to taking care of the bride after marriage.

Traditionally, Guo Da Li was not only a proposal but also the first meeting between the families of the bride and groom. However, in modern times, Guo Da Li has been simplified to focus on the traditional custom of the groom presenting a Chinese wedding gift to the bride's family.

During Guo Da Li, the groom and his family present a red packet containing the "Pin Jin" (betrothal gift money) and a list of items to the bride and her family — this includes traditional wedding cakes and Chinese pastries.

Putting a Modern Twist on the Traditional Wedding Cakes

As we delve into the intricacies of the Guo Da Li ceremony, it becomes evident that cakes and pastries hold a special place in this time-honoured tradition. These delectable treats not only add sweetness to the occasion but also carry symbolic meanings that deepen the significance of the ceremony.

One such example is Chinese pastries, also known as Xi Bing. These pastries weave a symbolic thread that signifies the groom's profound appreciation for the bride's family. These exquisite pastries embody a heartfelt gesture, expressing gratitude for their nurturing and care throughout the bride's life journey. With their delicate craftsmanship and delightful flavours, these pastries not only add an extra layer of sweetness to the Guo Da Li ceremony but also serve as an enchanting announcement of the couple's forthcoming union. 

At Baker's Brew, we understand the importance of blending tradition with a touch of modernity. That's why we offer an exquisite collection of Guo Da Li gift sets that embrace the harmonious union of the old and the new. Our thoughtfully curated gift sets elevate the blissful celebration, allowing you to indulge in our delectable customised cakes, cupcakes, and tarts.

Betrothal Gift Boxes

Celebrate the joyous occasion of your betrothal with our specially crafted Betrothal Gift Boxes. Filled with an assortment of delightful tartlets and macarons, these boxes serve as a heartfelt gesture to honour and express gratitude to your future in-laws. Each delectable treat is meticulously handcrafted with a burst of unique flavours, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved. With a harmonious blend of sweetness and richness, our Betrothal Gift Boxes symbolise the beginning of a blissful journey together. Choose from our selection with a minimum of 5 boxes to ensure an abundance of happiness to share with your loved ones.

Guo Da Li Cupcakes

Experience the epitome of indulgence with our Guo Da Li cupcakes. These delightful treats are not only charming gifts for grooms to present to their bride's family but also a symbol of reverence and appreciation. Each cupcake is a work of art, meticulously adorned with intricate fondant designs representing the values of harmony, everlasting love, and prosperity.

Choose from our thoughtfully curated selection of flavours, designed to captivate your taste buds and create moments of pure bliss. For example, the Earl Grey Lavender cupcakes offer a sophisticated blend of aromatic Earl Grey tea-infused sponge cake and a luscious liquid cheese filling — a true delight for the senses. For a taste of tropical paradise, our Lychee Mango cupcakes combine the exotic flavours of lychee-infused sponge cake, tangy mango curd, and refreshing lychee chunks, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and tanginess.

You can even choose to indulge in the rich heritage of Southeast Asia with our Ondeh Ondeh cupcakes. The soft and moist pandan sponge, filled with fragrant gula Melaka (palm sugar) and desiccated coconut, transports you to the heart of traditional flavours and cherished memories.

To make your Guo Da Li cupcakes even more meaningful, we offer the option to personalise them with a custom print of a significant date and name on the fondant. This personal touch adds an extra layer of sentimentality and ensures a truly memorable experience for all. Whether you choose a box of 4 or 6 cupcakes, there will be plenty to share and create moments of joy with your loved ones.

Customised Cakes

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of customised cakes, where artistry and love intertwine to create exquisite masterpieces. Our Guo Da Li collection offers a range of captivating designs that embody the spirit of tradition and eternal love.

Experience the timeless beauty of our Eternal Love Guo Da Li Cake, meticulously crafted to celebrate the joy of tradition and the profound bond between two souls. This masterpiece features a stunning golden phoenix and dragon topper, symbolising a harmonious union and the auspicious blessings bestowed upon the couple.

From traditional symbols to modern designs, our enchanting Union Guo Da Li Cake is a true embodiment of everlasting love. Every detail is carefully crafted to exude pure bliss and capture the essence of this joyous occasion.

For those seeking unique flavours beyond the standard offerings, indulge in the delightful combination of our Strawberry Speculoos cake. Layers of moist strawberry sponge cake are filled with homemade strawberry jam and crushed speculoos, creating a symphony of flavours that will leave you craving for more. Alternatively, unleash your inner child and embrace the vibrant colours of our Rainbow Tower cake. This fluffy vanilla rainbow sponge cake is filled with velvety vanilla buttercream, creating a visual delight.

To add a personal touch, customise a heartfelt message on the cake board, expressing your deepest sentiments and creating a cherished memory. Our Guo Da Li cakes are available in sizes ranging from 6 inches to 8 inches, ensuring there's a perfect fit for every celebration.

Have a Sweet Celebration of Love with Baker’s Brew

At Baker's Brew, we take great pride in embracing these traditions while infusing them with our own touch of creativity and flair.

Discover our exquisite Guo Da Li cupcakes, cakes and tarts, each meticulously adorned with intricate fondant designs. Each bite is a celebration of sweet flavours that bring joy to the palate and warmth to the heart. Celebrate Guo Da Li in style, savouring each moment and creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

As we welcome the exciting year of 2023, the pastry and bakery industry is ripe with innovation, and a fresh batch of trends is out of the oven, ready for culinary enthusiasts and dessert devotees to savour. 

At the forefront of these trends in Singapore is Baker's Brew, an acclaimed online bakery that also offers engaging baking classes. Here are some of Baker’s Brew’s trendy creations you’ve got to try before they sell out!

1. Yuzu Pear Blossom Cake

One trend that has come to the forefront this year in Singapore is cakes that pair together a delightful combination of familiar and exotic flavours. Our Yuzu Pear Blossom Cake is an exquisite example of this trend, blending the tart citrus essence of yuzu with the sweet succulence of strawberry pear. This cake isn't merely a treat for your taste buds; its beautiful decoration with hibiscus cream and lush strawberry pear slices also makes it an eye-catching centrepiece for any celebration.

2. Yubari Melon White Peach Cake

Embracing the trend of using unique and luxurious fruits in baked goods, our Yubari Melon White Peach Cake indulges your senses with a marriage of creamy melon ganache curd and fresh white peach slices. Every bite of this cake is a harmonious blend of Yubari melon and white peach, allowing you to savour the flavours of Japan from your home in Singapore.

3. Mango Calamansi Yoghurt Cake

The call for tropical flavours has been answered with our Mango Calamansi Yoghurt Cake. This light, airy dessert includes a moist vanilla sponge and yoghurt chantilly cream, layered with rich mango plum compote. With the addition of the fresh, sweet mango, this cake is a celebration of vibrant tropical flavours perfect for Singapore’s hot and sunny tropical weather.

4. Black Sesame Hazelnut Praline Cake

In 2023, embracing traditional flavours with a twist is one of the top trends amongst dessert lovers in Singapore. Our Black Sesame Hazelnut Praline Cake epitomises this trend with its soft sesame sponge cake layered with creamy black sesame mousse and topped with crunchy hazelnut praline. The interplay of the distinctive black sesame with the rich hazelnut praline is a sensory charm that blends visual appeal with tantalising tastes.

5. Hokkaido Strawberry Shortcake

When it comes to classic cakes with a refreshing twist, our Hokkaido Strawberry Shortcake stands out. This light dessert features layers of vanilla milk sponge and fresh cream filled with strawberry chutney and fresh strawberry chunks. Frosted with light fresh cream and topped with more strawberries, it's a satisfying treat that reinvents and elevates a classic favourite beloved by Singaporeans.

6. Chocolate Rhapsody Cake

No list of bakery trends is complete without a nod to the eternal appeal of chocolate. Crafted with Valrhona Ariaga 66% chocolate, our Chocolate Rhapsody Cake is a must have sweet treat on every dessert table as it promises a rich and intense flavour that will impress even the most discerning chocolate lovers. Velvety in texture and with a deep cocoa aroma, this cake is a rhapsody of chocolate decadence.

Dive into the World of Baking Trends

Whether you wish to indulge in the tanginess of yuzu, the luxury of Yubari melon, or the vibrancy of tropical flavours, Baker's Brew is your go-to online cake shop and baking class provider in Singapore. Experience the trends firsthand, order your favourite cake from our online bakery, or discover the reasons why people enrol in a baking class and allow us to guide you through creating unforgettable desserts. 

Moreover, with our swift cake delivery in Singapore, you can enjoy these delicious creations without leaving the comfort of your home.