The present invention is a method of preparing an individually portioned, shelf-stable, very moist, soft cake by a three-stage process. Such a prepared cake can be readily stored and/or transported within the jar/container for consumption at a later time and/or remote location.

Embodiments herein include surface sterilization systems and methods for sterilizing packaged food items. In an embodiment, a surface sterilization system is included. The system can have a conveying mechanism configured to move discrete food packages, the food packages having opposed top and bottom surfaces, opposed right and left surfaces, and opposed front and back surfaces. The system can further include a plurality of dielectric discharge electrodes configured to come into sliding contact with the discrete food packages as they are moved by the conveying mechanism. The system can further include an electrical current source in electrical communication with the plurality of dielectric discharge electrodes, the electrical current source delivering a current to the plurality of electrodes sufficient to generate a plasma inside of the discrete food packages. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Embodiments herein include surface sterilization systems and methods for sterilizing packaged food items. In an embodiment, a surface sterilization system is included. The system can have a conveying mechanism configured to move discrete food packages, the food packages having opposed top and bottom surfaces, opposed right and left surfaces, and opposed front and back surfaces. The system can further include a plurality of dielectric discharge electrodes configured to come into sliding contact with the discrete food packages as they are moved by the conveying mechanism. The system can further include an electrical current source in electrical communication with the plurality of dielectric discharge electrodes, the electrical current source delivering a current to the plurality of electrodes sufficient to generate a plasma inside of the discrete food packages. Other embodiments are also included herein.

A high volume branding system for branding baked goods with a desired indicia. The system includes a branding conveyor for receiving and conveying the baked goods. The system also includes a branding station that includes branding. The branding presses are configured to travel along the branding conveyor in two directions and are configured to align a branding press head with the baked goods on the branding conveyor while they are moving downstream along the branding conveyor. The branding press head includes a branding plate that is heated and lowered onto the baked goods while the branding press is moving downstream along with the baked goods to brand indicia onto the baked goods. After the indicia is branded onto the baked goods, the branding press head and branding plate are raised and the branding press is moved to align the branding press head with additional baked goods on the branding conveyor.

A high volume branding system for branding baked goods with a desired indicia. The system includes a branding conveyor for receiving and conveying the baked goods. The system also includes a branding station that includes branding. The branding presses are configured to travel along the branding conveyor in two directions and are configured to align a branding press head with the baked goods on the branding conveyor while they are moving downstream along the branding conveyor. The branding press head includes a branding plate that is heated and lowered onto the baked goods while the branding press is moving downstream along with the baked goods to brand indicia onto the baked goods. After the indicia is branded onto the baked goods, the branding press head and branding plate are raised and the branding press is moved to align the branding press head with additional baked goods on the branding conveyor.