Vanilla beans, extract, and paste ... The ingredient is required in nearly every dessert recipe, whether it is a no-bake banana pudding or a layered birthday cake.

If you're making a cake and it you want it to cleanly release from the pan you'd traditionally would coat the pan with grease and flour. To save time and effort a commercial cake release paste is ...

2. In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt to blend them. 3. In an electric mixer set on medium speed, beat the butter, almond paste, and granulated sugar until well blended.

Next, measure the circumference of the cake with a piece of string. Roll out 2 long strips of almond paste: trim both edges to the height of the cake with a palette knife.

Take your baking skills from proficient to professional with the simple tips and tutorials featured in our new ‘Cake Creations’ series.