Why An Extra Egg?

Baking By patton78 Updated 23 Feb 2007 , 1:36pm by Tiffysma

patton78 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
patton78 Posted 23 Feb 2007 , 1:20pm
post #1 of 5

What does adding an extra egg do? The cake mix extender recipe calls for an extra egg (4 all together) but the enhabced cake mix just calls for 3 eggs, they are virtually the same recipe. Is the extra egg really necessary?

4 replies
mjjandz Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
mjjandz Posted 23 Feb 2007 , 1:25pm
post #2 of 5

Eggs are a binder, I would think it would give more body to the cake.

Tiffysma Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Tiffysma Posted 23 Feb 2007 , 1:26pm
post #3 of 5

The extra egg will make it richer, more moist and make it rise better. I always add an extra egg to my "doctored" cake mixes.

patton78 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
patton78 Posted 23 Feb 2007 , 1:31pm
post #4 of 5

Hmm, interesting... I know eggs are a binder, did not realize it will help the cake rise better. 4 eggs just seems like so many!

Tiffysma Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Tiffysma Posted 23 Feb 2007 , 1:36pm
post #5 of 5

Sometimes I use 3 eggs and 1 TBS meringue powder or dried egg whites, especially for a white cake. That will be a bit lighter texture, but rises well.

This info about eggs is from The Joy of Baking web site:

Eggs, as well as flour, are the structural ingredients in baking. Eggs provide leavening; add color, texture, flavor and richness to the batter. They are very important in helping to bind all the other ingredients together. Beaten eggs are a leavening agent as they incorporate air into the batter, which will expand in the oven and cause the cake to rise. Some cakes use beaten eggs as their only source of leavening. Eggs are also used as a thickener in custards and creams, and to glaze pastries and breads. Egg whites are used to make meringues.

Quote by @%username% on %date%

%body%