I forgot to add wine to a cake recipe, what will happen?

Marla Z G. (Q&A ID 18042)

I'm baking a honey cake. The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of red wine. I completely forgot to add it. Will it come out OK, if a little dry? Or will there be more dire consequences as a result of leaving out the alcohol?

Lynn C. (Q&A ID 662)

Hi Marla -

In addition to, obviously, changing the flavor of the cake, you're correct that it will affect the moisture of the cake since the wine is part of the liquid ingredients in the batter. The alcohol doesn't serve any purpose in the cake from a technical perspective.

Best,

The Milk Street Cooking Team