Where To Bake Mexican Wedding Cakes: Middle Rack?

Mexican wedding cakes are a beloved tradition in many parts of the world. Baking these cakes is an art form that requires skill and expertise. But an important question arises when baking these cakes: should they be baked on the middle rack of an oven? This is not only important for ensuring the cakes are baked to perfection but also as a safety measure, as the wrong rack might lead to uneven heating and overcooking. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of baking Mexican wedding cakes on the middle rack and offer advice on how to best achieve the desired texture and flavor.

How to make Mexican wedding cakes

Mexican wedding cakes, also known as polvorones, are a traditional Mexican pastry made from ground nuts, sugar, butter, and flour. They are usually shaped into small balls, though some recipes call for them to be formed into bars or cookies. The cakes are typically covered with a light dusting of powdered sugar and may be filled with a variety of ingredients such as cinnamon, chocolate, or dried fruit.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar (plus more for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the vanilla. Gradually beat in the flour, and stir in the pecans. Shape each tablespoon of dough into a 2-inch crescent and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking trays. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly browned. While still warm, roll the cookies in additional confectioners' sugar, then let them cool completely on wire racks.

Tips:

• For an extra-white sugar coating, roll the cookies a second time in confectioners' sugar once they have cooled.
• To make chocolate Mexican wedding cakes, mix in some cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
• For a Mexican hot chocolate flavour, add a pinch of chili or cayenne powder.
• You can also add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or clove to the dough.
• If you prefer a different type of nut, you can use peanuts, almonds, pistachios, or walnuts instead of pecans.

Now, to answer your question about rack placement, it is generally recommended that you bake Mexican wedding cakes on the middle rack of the oven. This is to ensure even heating and to prevent overcooking, which can lead to dry and hard cookies. However, it's important to keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, as different ovens may have varying heat distribution. The ideal doneness is a light golden brown, and the cookies should be firm to the touch.

The history of Mexican wedding cakes

Mexican wedding cakes, also known as polvorones, have been a traditional Mexican dessert for centuries. The origin of the cake dates back to the Aztecs, where the cakes were made from ground and toasted amaranth grains and honey, and served as a symbol of love and fertility. Today, Mexican wedding cakes are made with ground pecans or almonds, sugar, butter and vanilla and are commonly shaped into round balls and dusted with powdered sugar.

While the cakes originated in Mexico, their creation has also been traced back to medieval Arab baking, which featured ingredients such as butter, sugar, spices and nuts. As trade routes broadened, these sweet confections made their way from the Middle East to all parts of Europe, and eventually to Mexico, via European nuns or Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.

The term "Mexican wedding cake" did not appear in American cookbooks until the 1950s, when it replaced the term "Russian tea cake" due to the strained US-Russia relationship during the Cold War. However, the precise origins of this sweet treat are still unknown, and it remains a beloved treat and an important part of Mexican culture.

How to store Mexican wedding cakes

Mexican wedding cakes are a beloved tradition in many parts of the world, often served at weddings and other celebrations. These cakes are a type of cookie that is buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Here are some tips on how to store them:

Storing Mexican Wedding Cakes at Room Temperature

You can store Mexican wedding cakes at room temperature in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about one week. To ensure they keep their shape, place layers of parchment paper between each cake. Make sure the container is very airtight to prevent the cakes from going stale.

Storing Mexican Wedding Cakes in the Fridge

If you prefer chilled cakes or want to extend their shelf life, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Freezing Mexican Wedding Cakes

Freezing is a great option if you want to store the cakes for an extended period. You can freeze both the unbaked dough and the baked cakes. Here are some tips for freezing:

• Freeze the dough in a disk shape, wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to one month. Then, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature and shaping it into cookies.
• For the baked cakes, place them in a zip-top freezer bag or another freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature and give them a roll in confectioners' sugar for an extra-white coating.
• To freeze the dough in cookie-ready balls, roll them without the sugar coating and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator, then roll them in sugar and bake as usual.

Tips for Storing Mexican Wedding Cakes

• Avoid storing the cakes while they are still warm.
• Always use airtight containers to prevent the cakes from drying out or becoming stale.
• If you're storing multiple cakes together, separate them with layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.
• If you're freezing the cakes, be sure to use parchment paper or waxed paper between layers to keep them in good shape.

How to prevent Mexican wedding cakes from drying out

Mexican wedding cakes are a beloved tradition in many parts of the world. However, they are delicate and can quickly dry out and crumble. Here are some tips to prevent your Mexican wedding cakes from drying out:

Ingredients

• Butter: Use the amount of butter specified in the recipe. The butter-to-flour ratio is critical, and too much butter can make the dough delicate and crumbly.
• Flour: Avoid using too much flour. Use a level spoon to measure, not a heaped one, unless the recipe specifically calls for a heaped spoon.
• Liquid: Don't add too little liquid to the batter to avoid skimping on oil if the recipe calls for it. You can use alternatives such as apple sauce.

Mixing and Baking

• Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter as this can cause a build-up of gluten, making the cake dry.
• Oven temperature: Check that your oven is reaching the correct temperature and preheat it before baking.
• Baking time: Bake the cakes for less time than the recipe suggests and keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking. Use a cake tester to check if they are baked – if it comes out clean, they are ready.

Storage

• Cooling: Allow the cakes to cool completely before storing them.
• Container: Store the cakes in an airtight container. You can buy special cake keepers for this purpose.
• Parchment paper: When storing multiple cakes, place layers of parchment paper between them to help retain their shape.

How to decorate Mexican wedding cakes

Mexican wedding cakes are traditionally made of buttercream and have a plain white bridal background. This is then covered in fun and colourful botanical patterns. Here are some ideas for decorating Mexican wedding cakes:

Colours and Patterns

The cakes can be adorned with colours and patterns that are as bold and contrasting as you like. You can hand-paint the cake yourself or use edible paint and decorations. You could also try airbrushing or stencilling.

Greenery and Flowers

You can decorate your cake with sugar flowers, paper blooms, or fresh flowers.

Fun Toppers

Toppers can include flowers, cacti, significant animals, banners, or laser-cut calligraphy.

Ribbons

Red or pink ribbons can be added to each tier to increase the colour contrast.

Edible Tiles

Edible tile decorations are a great way to add a unique touch to your cake.

Skulls

Sugar skulls and skeletons can be used as cake décor or as a topper. Alternatively, you can use a skull-painted banner.

Cake Shaped Cookies

You can make wedding cake-shaped cookies and decorate them with white icing and brightly coloured sugar flowers.

Diamond Rings

Diamond-shaped cookies can represent the longevity and prosperity wished for the couple. Sprinkle them with sugar for extra sparkle.

Hearts

Heart-shaped cookies signify the love shared by the couple.

Frequently asked questions