Start preparing cakes (5)
I believe the answer is:
tarts
'cakes' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'start preparing' is the wordplay.
'preparing' indicates anagramming the letters (the same letters prepared differently).
'start' is an anagram of 'TARTS'.
(Other definitions for tarts that I've seen before include "Small open pies" , "Broads" , "cooked food" , "cakes" , "women (that may be offensive)" .)