Baking 101: Essential Tips for Beginners

Measuring Ingredients Accurately

Baking is all about precision. Unlike cooking, where you can adjust as you go along, baking requires precise measurements to get the texture and taste you want.

Flour – Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping from the bag, as this will result in dry, dense bakes.
Sugar – Brown sugar must be packed into the measuring cup, and granulated sugar must be measured loosely.
Liquids – A liquid measuring cup must be used and read at eye level for precision.

Pro Tip: Baking with kids? Let them help measure ingredients—a good way to fit in some math and science with something delicious!

Accuracy of Oven Temperature

The majority of ovens are not accurately calibrated. Some ovens are hotter or
colder than the temperature set.

Preheat your oven for at least 15 minutes.
Verify the true temperature using an oven thermometer.
Rotate your pans halfway through baking for even cooking.

Pro Tip: Baking with children? Keep an eye on baking times since every
oven is slightly different.

Mixing Methods: Folding vs. Whisking

Folding – Gentle incorporation of ingredients using a spatula
(ideal for mousses and airy cakes).
Whisking – Incorporating air into the batter (ideal for pancakes,
muffins, and light cakes).

Pro Tip: Overmixing leads to dense cakes and tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon
as ingredients are barely combined!

Easy Troubleshooting for Common Mistakes

Flat cookies? our butter was likely too warm. Chill the dough before baking.
Cake sank in the middle? It was either underbaked, overmixed, or the oven
door was opened too soon.

Muffins too dense? Your baking powder or baking soda is likely expired!