Can food processors really make decent cakes

[Wills]

Until now I've been a hand mixer gal. But all the books I pick up recently talk about using a food processor (not a food mixer thingy). So I gave it a go on my ancient food processor - its a good 15 years old. It only has one attachment - a metal blade the whirls round. I tried making fairy cakes yesterday. OMG! The mixture looked more like batter. The cakes came out erm solid. Is this because I'm using a metal blade? Do the modern ones have plastic paddles. I'm really reluctant to buy a new one to find that it still doesn't work. I'm wondering whether it would be better to save up for a biggie food mixer but at a cost £340.00 on the John lewis website I'm going to be saving for years. Oh and as to why I'm changing.... I keep being asked to bake cakes for school events and either I learn to say no, work all night or speed up somehow.

I've found that with a magimix, the air in a cake seems to get mixed out, so flatter cakes.

I have a kitchenaid (expensive though, was a wedding present) and it is brilliant for cake making and egg white beating. Completely brilliant.

I think they over process things - but that is just my opinion. I find that victoria sponges come out extra light done by hand.

I also make a cherry and almond tart, if I do the filling in the processor it does not come out cakey like it should do, more like solid, although it does taste as nice but on looks - a big thumbs down.

It does make a difference, you have to use a recipe with more raising agents in it. It certainly doesn't get the air in physically the way a hand mixer does.

Pooka - Yep that'll be 340 thingy I looked up on John Lewis's website (have 100.00 in gift vouchers and innocently thought I could get one)

So thumbs down and I shan't bother again. Thanks ladies

I always think that the time saved in using a food processor is lost by having to wash it up, that can be a real faff.
Also the blade will chop any fruit etc. so small it will be horrible.
I do still use mine for cakes, but depends on which ones,. I have a Magimix btw

My magimix seems to turn out fairy cakes just fine. I use the metal blade - can't be bothered to dig out the plastic one.

You have to do the all-in-one recipe - eg self raising flour PLUS a teaspoon of baking powder.

Haven't tried a whole sponge cake as dds prefer little cakes.

Stick all the bits in the dishwasher - cakes in 20 minutes start too finish

No, I really don't think sponge style cakes can. Mine are much better when made with a £20 electric hand whisk than with the Magimix. Food processors just don't get the air in, and its too easy to overwork the ingredients.

My magimix seems to do fairy cakes and sponges ok, I wouldn't use it to do muffins though....