Effect of hydrocolloids and emulsifiers on the rheological, microstructural and quality characteristics of eggless cake

Effect of hydrocolloids like Arabic (AR), guar (GR), xanthan (XN), carrageenan (CG) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) in combination with emulsifiers such as glycerol monostearate (GMS) and sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (SSL) on the rheological, microstructural and quality characteristics of eggless cake was studied. Addition of GR to wheat flour in the presence of SSL increased peak viscosity, while in the presence of GMS all hydrocolloids excepting XN increased the peak viscosity. The set back value decreased with the addition of hydrocolloids. Addition of hydrocolloids to wheat flour as well as in the presence of GMS and SSL increased the eggless cake batter viscosity, specific gravity, and XN showed the highest value. Among different hydrocolloids tried, only HPMC improved the eggless cake making characteristics of wheat flour. Use of HPMC increased the overall quality score of eggless cake with GMS to the maximum extent followed in decreasing order by CG and XN. Addition of all the hydrocolloids increased the overall quality of eggless cake with SSL and highest improvement was brought about by HPMC. Microstructure studies of eggless cake crumb with hydrocolloids showed that the starch granules appeared wrapped by XN and HPMC. In eggless cake with combination of HPMC and SSL the protein matrix appeared more uniform.