How to Make Easy Cakes | Bake It Up a Notch with Erin McDowell

Who doesn’t love cake that’s simple and easy to make? From quick breads to bundts, icebox cakes, and more, Food52’s Resident Baking BFF Erin McDowell is here to share with you all the different kinds as well as troubleshoot common mistakes. Go ahead and sit back with this latest #bakingtutorial and let us know which cake you’d bake! READ MORE ►► f52.co/3m7DuH3
Get the recipes in this video
Cinnamon-Sugar Crusted Zucchini Bread: f52.co/3sckM1Z
Gingery Spice Cake: f52.co/2VLtA2P
Cream Cake: f52.co/3iEAYG5
Blueberry Biscuit Buckle: f52.co/2XncB7T
Toasted Almond Bundt Cake: f52.co/3xRRfMB
Lemon-Raspberry Skillet Pudding Cake: f52.co/3lUDCd7
Fresh Watermelon Poke Cake: f52.co/3sc1AkZ
Double-Chocolate Pudding Cake: f52.co/3AFZ0qn
1 Fruity Cake, 3 Ways: f52.co/3CHklBK
Also featured in this video
Five Two Ultimate Baking Tool Set: f52.co/3m9H03E
For more cake videos
How to Make Layer Cakes: f52.co/3iQwRXY
The Ultimate Chocolate Cake: f52.co/3AA0Nxp
How to Make Roll Cakes & Roulades: • How to Make Roll Cakes...
How to Make Cheesecakes: f52.co/2Udyo0B
Looking for something specific?
VIDEO CHAPTERS
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:06 Get Your Equipment Together
00:04:25 Quick Notes on Quick Breads
00:11:19 Let's Talk Naked Cakes
00:15:31 All Things Bundt Cakes
00:23:37 Cool Icebox and Poke Cakes
00:29:24 Fun Fruity Cakes
00:37:24 All About Buckle Cakes
00:39:59 Fruit Studded or Topped Cakes
00:42:55 Warm Skillet Cakes
00:47:00 Cute Mini Cakes
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ABOUT FOOD52
As a one-stop shop for joyful living, Food52 connects discerning home cooks with the interests they're passionate about via award-winning food and lifestyle content across platforms. We provide our audience with the recipes and solutions they crave to eat thoughtfully, live joyfully, entertain beautifully, and travel differently.

[@food52]

Which easy cake would you make? Let us know in the comments! 🎂

[@rumbleinthekitchen_Amy]

I made a double chocolate zucchini bread/ cake last night. So good!

[@food52]

That sounds so delicious!

[@tammyjones1529]

I absolutely adore chocolate/vanilla marble cake and bake one in one of my many bundt pans every year for my birthday.

[@cee-west]

I kinda want to do an upside cake in a charlotte pan. The fruit surrounded by that crust may make it look like a deep-dish fruit pizza!

[@adedow1333]

It's not in the episode, but I made pound cake. The kind with a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour with a dash of salt and some vanilla. It's so yummy and fits my Bundt pan exactly. Currently macerating some strawberries before I whip some cream to soft peaks.

[@meekaeelbooley]

I still can't believe these videos are free, she goes through the equipment, ingredients and what could go wrong and how to fix it, it's practically masterclass and even though I'm a good baker it's nice to watch these videos(and I do re-watch them) and just see how I can become better, she is truly inspirational❤️ we need more of these hour long master classes

[@cindyglass5827]

Meekaeel Martin ... I totally agree w/ your comment : ) tfs !

[@everseeking60]

She is the best❤

[@elizabethk3166]

Every time I see this category of comment on her videos it comes across like this is free?! No no, that can’t be right-allow me to pay for this 😂💓. Queen Erin forever 👸🏻🎂

[@hipflex168]

She is the best teacher ever😍

[@montseday8558]

Ameeen 🙏🏽🙌🏻

[@StrokeSeat91]

Erin and her team define "quality" for producing these videos. High quality teaching, filming, and editing. Thank you for making us better.

[@chefsalgadobx]

Not to mention that catchy tune to start each episode!!!!

[@annafraser5]

This is just positivity, joy, and free education.

[@lilisommerfeld]

I love how Erin "humanizes" her cakes. The way she talks about "so called imperfections", and how she always emphasizes that the cake will still be delicious, is almost as if she would talk about how poeple come in different shapes and sizes and abilities and you should not discriminate against them, because we're all still delicious.

[@AleAwesome23]

I swear Erin is the best teacher ever!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge

[@lifeisbeautiful_nz]

✔Erin not only the best tutor..I adored her personality and her type of fashionable..... ✔Can not get enough of Erin.. ❤Thank you so much.

[@m.a.franklin3763]

It doesn't matter how long I've been baking & things I've learned from flops during the decades, I ALWAYS seem to pick up more baking tips & tricks from her. While all of the hosts are great Erin is Truly my fav, I can't wait for her next class, you are blessed with so many talents, you've become my baking mentor at 62yrs old !!

[@nullasalus3]

I found this episode actually really healing, which sounds dramatic, but it's true. I love learning more complicated recipes, but when I was only making these simpler recipes before, I kind of felt like a fraud when people told me I was a good baker. So thank you, Erin and Food52, for showing these recipes in the same format you show more complicated baking projects like macarons. Because I've made several delicious layer cakes, but they never receive as glowing, joyful feedback as the poke cakes I make. :)

[@sfopera]

I think that "healing" is a great word to use and isn't dramatic at all. I find all of Erin's videos to be greatly soothing and inspiring, even though I don't bake all that often.

[@lifeinkorea333]

A party without cake is just a meeting. If we are what we eat, then I’m awfully sweet. Love from Korea 🇰🇷💕

[@josephinegrech8438]

True my friend!😋😋

[@annab3184]

I can't believe we're getting all this educational info from Erin on youtube for free. She's not only knowledgeable and nice, but also has great diction and expresses her thoughts so well. Everything you could ever want from an educator.

[@ramrq]

I always feel like I’m taking a class that I should be paying for when watching Erin’s videos. Love them all!!

[@ladybirdchance]

I just love how enthusiastic Erin is. You can tell she just loves sharing her knowledge.

[@fernandopardo9478]

Thank you so much. These episodes are jewels of culinary knowledge .

[@Sonzoul1]

You are the queen of cakes. No one can explain the way you explain. Thank you.

[@scruffy281]

Besides her sharing her huge knowledge of pies and cakes what I love most about Erin is she is no snob when it comes to baked goods. She will walk you through a "poke" cake and lead you right through technique toughies like croissants with the same verve and joy. Erin makes me want to run to my kitchen and try something new. I own both her books and have bought both of them for my daughter (2) and nieces. These books need to be part of everyones cookbook library. She's awesome.! Thanks for another great video that doesn't make me afraid to get in my kitchen and bake!!!❤ P.S. Please give us another book Erin.............no pressure!😂

[@cindyglass5827]

Who couldn't love Erin ? The end clip was so Adorable !! Thank-you Erin for all of your Expertise, Honesty, Sweetness & Enthusiasm : ) You're a Gem, HAGWknd !

[@LauraForest]

So thorough and good. Time flew by with your teaching.

[@johannajames9980]

AAAAA ITS OUT!!!! i get so excited whenever i see a new bake it up a notch episode, never ending thanks to erin for being the best pastry teacher i’ve ever encountered

[@muffinmarie01]

I have run out of words to describe Erin and her videos. The following comments say it all. I'll just say as long as Erin makes these videos I'll continue to watch and learn.

[@melaniemueller8350]

Anyone else get sad when it's the end of the video? Erin, you are my inspiration when I feel like I'm in a baking rut! You give so much great info and have so many wonderful tips and ideas for everything!

[@rosamelselvaggi7936]

Erin good morning from Australia we are in lockdown and my Autistic son wants to do baking so thank you from a grateful mumma. You rock you explain so easily love your videos ❤🇦🇺😋

[@adedow1333]

Good luck! I hope the bake was tasty!

[@angiehunt8057]

Erin ,you are an amazing teacher !! Everything is explain so well and understandable !!! Love to watch you !! Your end products are absolutly The Best that I have seen on KZbin,and many THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR WONDERFUL TALENT with us ☺️☺️!!!!

[@lindacbenson4400]

OMG! I made a peach upside down cake today for the first time in years! It turned out beautifully, too. A couple of hours later I clicked on this episode and low and behold....upside down cakes were part of your fabulous presentation. What are the odds? Love, love, love your videos!

[@FigaroHey]

Lo and behold. Lo means 'look.' Low has nothing to do with it. The phrase means 'look and see.' If you don't even know what the phrase means, why use it?

[@arlineswardson6012]

Erin, you are the best teacher ❣️💕💕Thank you for posting all of these amazing videos. I’m learning so much!

[@rwuthenow]

I love this channel so much. Seriously, it's my go to when I want to relax, be inspired, or just have something entertaining and informative playing. Thanks Erin! You are endlessly delightful!

[@ashleyleal3393]

Bake it up a notch Merch….. I need it. Baking tools, shirts, an apron… I think I would explode. 🧨😍

[@fightevilbymoon]

such a good idea

[@chantellcutrer4368]

I love watching your videos, even though I've baked for over 30 years, I still learn new things or get reminded of things I may have forgotten. Thanks for all the enjoyable videos.

[@msbuff]

I love you Erin! You are a natural when it comes to teaching. And this is coming from a 20 year veteran elem. teacher. Keep the lessons coming. Your smile and humor is the secret ingredient!

[@kishajones7545]

This was SO informative! Erin is delightful!! Love the intro music too;)

[@morninggloryinnmainevacati4512]

A natural teacher ~ I’ve learned so much from your videos, and enjoy your engaging nature.

[@heathercarr8785]

Love you Erin. You are the best and every time I watch your videos I learn so much. Feel like can improve so much!❤

[@BlueFox.Jerome]

These episodes inspire me to try new recipes 🤤

[@debrariley2057]

As always a truly terrific tutorial, informative, clear, concise and made simple for all cooks, we can all learn something, every time i watch these videos i learn something they are wonderful. And thank you for taking the time and effort to make these videos.

[@edaulku1619]

This women deserves more respect. Love u erin, you re the best❤

[@cindyglass5827]

Eda ... I totally agree ! : )

[@agnestan6428]

Dear Erin - such a great depth of knowledge you share with us. I love all your presentations

[@maribeth711]

Appreciate everything, Erin! A big hug❤️

[@mlzavala04]

I feel a lot better considering that even Erin had a cake stick in that spiral bundt pan! I had the same issue with that specific pan. I never thought to make a trifle out of the ruined cake though-- great idea!

[@AJ-ws8vp]

Erin Jeanne McDowell is brilliant. I learn something every time she shows up in a video. I am a good baker but I love to watch and learn. She's a genius! I always end up baking something from the video and I am always in a good mood after watching her "classes". Erin, you are amazing!!

[@grat2010]

Erin is so likeable and a fantastic teacher.

[@lisaflower5994]

Thankyou Erin! I have been baking for over 50 years but I always learn something from you. You are so knowledgeable and SO likeable! Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou, for your passion, for your knowledge and for sharing ‘you’, so special!

[@lisaflower5994]

My favourite simple cake is the old family recipe I grew up with. A pretty basic butter cake that we make with a few variations….a mocha swirl, apples, hazelnut meal, citrus zests. It was always eaten for breakfast with a large mug of cafe latte. A little on the dry side for Anglo taste but it is made for dunking into our coffee. Another thing that wouldn’t be popular is the use of vanillin instead of real vanilla. I will usually use a vanilla bean, my sugar that all my old pods sit in, but if I am looking for the nostalgia of my childhood, it’s orange and lemon zest and a sachet of paneangeli vanillina.

[@abbiewilcock]

Please do a brownie and blondie video soon with all the troubleshooting! Also cookies! Love the expert knowledge I take away from these ❤️

[@sonjavicenteid98]

i swear your desserts are next level

[@DuckyB]

So the title says easy cakes - then Erin spends half an hour (or more) on arranging mango in a beautiful pattern. Easy is in the eye of the beholder. Love love this woman and wish she lived near me so we could be friends.

[@vahneb7260]

I have learned so much. This is clear and concise baking lessons. Thanks Erin.

[@lisahinton9682]

Erin, I've been baking since I was a teen (a loonnnnggg time ago) and I still always learn something from you. Every video teaches me at least one thing, and often many things. Thank you so very much - you're the best.

[@katherinesmith4754]

You are amazing Erin! I love your channel ❤

[@ameliawalton1285]

Can’t have a weekend without a desert… amazing that there is always things to learn. Tks

[@jacksonlevon5106]

Hello beautiful how're you doing today? Hope you had a great day at work.?

[@Romi_Zii]

Erin is a treasure! Am so happy when there is a new baking episode. 💗❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤍🤎

[@tinhnhuluc2346]

i love your channel so much im watching this after a very stressful day and its making me so relaxed i wish you were on spotify

[@kroy2121]

Easy cakes should be a legit category on its own

[@user-hb9jm1dx3o]

Thankyou sooo much. Your classes have answered all of my questions about baking and just recently my abilities have gone from good most of the time but I can't explain why thing go wrong to making everything I do completely awesome and everything I was always hoping to see in my results. You have changed my life. You are totally awesome. ❤

[@jessierios7734]

My gosh, you are such a great teacher, I need you always with me, love you!!!!

[@none941]

I make Cobblers but will add the Buckle to my routine. You are the best teacher! Thank you, Erin!

[@readyplayer2]

How do I like this more than once?! Can’t wait to try the blueberry buckle. Honestly I want to try everything shown in this video. Thanks so much for the inspiration and shared knowledge. The only thing missing from the video is your adorable Westie.

[@jennym259]

And samples

[@rosalindajose7242]

I love these baking videos. I love an expert baker, who is a great teacher, explaining why some of my bakes go wrong. It's wonderful to learn from some who is sympathetic with my best baking efforts. Thank you!

[@cindihunter9119]

Love these videos! Erin your craft of being a Chef is amazing! Thank -You for all of the creative, time consuming, filming, and planning that you do! A shout out to any or all of your crew that assists you! Bravo! ♥️🥧🍞🥐🥖🍰🍓♥️

[@jacksonlevon5106]

Hello beautiful how're you doing today? Hope you had a great day at work.?

[@nlc6275]

Love your advice! Thanks for going to pastry school and distilling it all down so that I get all the info without having to go myself!

[@paolarodriguez4152]

You make the best baking videos ever!

[@janejarve]

So delicious looking. My favourite cake is the simple rectangular one with fruit placed inside around the middle. Just lovely 😊

[@alaneisenberg4203]

Bravo! Nice Bundt! Pudding pies 🥧 with oh so many crumbly crusts. Your tips how to's are worth it by themselves. Thanks for another great episode!

[@revrontalbot6911]

Erin, I love how easy and enjoyable your bake it up a notch! I love using my iron skillets … over the years I have been privileged to have been gifted irons 2 - 8” & 2 - 12” a 6” flat iron and a 9” X 14” X 5”(?) iron (my father n law used it for his family fish fry.

[@autumnbeckles3373]

Wow this info is too good to be free! You need a masterclass, Erin. You are so knowledgeable! Thank you for all of these tips. SOOOO helpful!

[@TheLadyRochester]

Erin’s banana bread recipe is foolproof. It has never let me down once. Thank you to Erin and Food52 for this incredible series! I’ve learned so much

[@marghiel.3847]

Do you a link for that please? I can’t find it as they have many videos. Thank you. I have a recipe that’s my go-to for many years but maybe hers is better

[@TheLadyRochester]

@@marghiel.3847 It's on NYT Cooking cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020899-chocolate-chip-banana-bread?action=click&module=Local%20Search%20Recipe%20Card&pgType=search&rank=1

[@marghiel.3847]

@@TheLadyRochester thanks

[@kathymyers-host6187]

Erin, I'm fairly new to your awesome Channel and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE 💕 how you explain things so thoroughly!🎂🍰🥧🧁 Thank You for Sharing your Knowledge ❤️

[@jacksonlevon5106]

Hello beautiful how're you doing today? Hope you had a great day at work.?

[@kellylehman7159]

Love your show! Wish you had time to cover Ice Cream cakes.

[@adedow1333]

This! Yes!!!

[@mariavictorialucasanm]

You are a teacher topnotch! Much hearts!

[@jasmineflower4809]

Love Erin as she is a pleasure to watch and a wonderful teacher. I would, howerver, like to see more GLUTEN FREE recipies please.

[@____Ann____]

6:45 exactly! I also salt the zucchini, let it sit to get the water out and squeeze it. I can double the amount of zucchini in the cake. The squeezed out water gets into the soup and the dry zucchini into the dessert. More vegetables.

[@martihurford]

I love pineapple upside down cake. Growing up I always asked for that as my birthday cake. Now I want to make one but perhaps in individual ramekins. Hmmmmm need to think about. Thanks Erin for another fun and educational episode. 🌸💖🌸

[@dianaadamo5574]

I actually did this! I often end up using canned pineapple. The circular pineapple slices fit perfectly in my ramakins. I add a walnut in the centre hole and they turn out great each time. You should totally try it!

[@martihurford]

@@dianaadamo5574 I like the idea of a nut in the center. I’m going to go for it. 😁

[@nematarot7728]

oh my gosh what a treasure trove of tips! thank you Erin!!!!!! i will have to start a new playlist just for baking basics ♥️ you’re a genius and i love this long form content! ♥️

[@theresahutch168]

I made the carrot cake 2 times. The first time it was a flop because I took out the coconut flakes (so the inside was batter while the outside was overdone). The second time, I took it out again but this time I added rolled oats (same amount listed for coconut) and it turned out perfectly!!! Thanks Erin for your bright and fun videos. :)

[@coffeegirl4370]

You are an excellent orator, teacher, Baker and content creator. The people who disliked this video are allergic to knowledge.

[@babitalotliker7234]

I tried your Mangoe upside-down it turned out yummy...and the base was perfect 👌..Thank you so much ❤

[@margaretcinque4548]

This is such a wonderful vid as are they all. The instructions and information are so fantastic. Erin makes you feel that you can actually bake. Thank you erin. You are truly inspirational!

[@DH-qz2so]

Hands down,... the best youtube baker lady instructor ever..... I would bake anything Lemon related.....

[@phuongthaokhang6670]

i love your recipes specially the sound of utensils love your recipes

[@wmichaelh29]

A family memory of ours is when my mother made an angel food cake but buttered the inside of the pan. Woops !!

[@jessicabaker541]

Brilliant. Can we do a bread episode please?

[@rohintanchristian4193]

Trust me I always watching your clip I like it lot thanks for sharing your knowledge I truly appreciate 🙏

[@lizaustin5773]

I want to make them all! Thank you so much Erin, you are an excellent teacher and a joy to watch.

[@StephenNissou]

You are amazing and your passion for baking is contagious. Me and my girls and wife love watching your videos. Thank you!!!!

[@alishadash]

I love your videos. It’s so well described. Seriously good advice. And the vibe is 💯✨

[@syd2248]

The self-saucing cake looked sooo comforting and yummy. And that chocolate pudding ice box cake…oh my🥲

[@deedee8053]

I just love Erin….. she’s so energetic & entertaining! She’s adorable! 🥰❤️👍🏼👍🏼

[@elysedarrellma6105]

today i made two of these for my parents (they liked it, and making them for the first time they came out decent so, thank you

[@idahohoosier8989]

FANTASTIC! Y'all are a fabulous reacher/baker. Blessings, julie

[@elysetodd2308]

There's some sort of high pitched chiming/tune in the background of the audio... anyone else pick up on that? Was driving me crazy! Erin is excellent as always though. Love quick breads.

[@NaomiKlous]

Dear Erin, L was sick last week and just happily found your blogs bij accident,ooh lord what am l happy l found you,youre a great inspire for a whole lots of poeple like me.youre great,youre funny, expericence great baked goddess.thank you for sharing your expericence with us,l love all your blogs.and now l will hopefully starting to baked Just a little bite like you!! Love u Erin. Greetings Meg.

[@nyaradhiambo]

A course in baking... Basically. Thank you

[@icutwitch3333]

Thank you, Erin. You are so amazing and helpful. I really appreciate you.

[@AneShiroo]

I’m so in love with your tutorials 💚💚💙💚💙‼️‼️‼️

[@upp_avasyathinutastydish]

What a delight! Excellent cake recipe my friend. First time watching this channel.

[@mandytuthill7156]

I like making a tres leches style 9 x 13" cake, but add malt powder to the milk mix. I've done it with vanilla and with chocolate cakes, and both turned out great.

[@zipbangcrash]

With malt powder!!! Sorry for yelling, but this is the BEST idea I've ever heard! Mandy, you're a genius. 😍

[@StorytimewithSai]

Thank you for sharing 🥰 looks delicious 🤤

[@marcelacecil3036]

I bought her dessert book and all the recipes are amazing!

[@mariajacqueline5085]

I feel I'm in heaven , thanks so much, is dificult to have so much instruction here in Venezuela,

[@AneShiroo]

I’m going to try the Upside Down Mango Cake ‼️‼️

[@tonyfaillo5991]

OMG ... you are awesome! I've learned little tips and tricks about making all these different cakes I've made for a long time! Thanks you!

[@somacarr7528]

Wow, so many great choices!

[@leahness3588]

I've been making lots of zucchini bread, tis the season. Changing it up with nuts, dates, raisins and citrus flavoring. Rhubarb is ready again. Love my rhubarb bread with a crusty sugary topping.❤

[@elizaz3627]

Rhubarb bread sounds very delicious! I have to try that 🙂