Do you love to bake? No, really? Does it make your heart sing when you see a fresh batch of cookies or pie dough in the kitchen?
Baking may seem simple, but there are many things to consider before you start. From ensuring your ingredients are at the right temperature to knowing how long to bake your cake or bread, these clever baking tips and hacks will change the way you bake forever!
Whether you’re a novice baker or an expert chef — this guide has something for everyone.
LET ALL THE INGREDIENTS COME TO ROOM TEMPERATURE
Before you start baking, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature. Cold ingredients will spread more easily into the dough, resulting in a denser, less airy final product. You can also place your ingredients on the counter for an hour or two before mixing them. This will help them to reach room temperature and make it easier to mix them smoothly.
DROP YOUR CAKE BATTER ON THE COUNTER TO REMOVE AIR BUBBLES
Before you bake your cake, drop it on the counter to get air bubbles out. If you let the batter sit for a while, it will absorb some of the excess moisture and leave you with a more consistent product. This process will prevent those pesky bubbles from ruining your perfectly soft and delicious cake.
HEAT YOUR KNIFE FOR A PERFECT CAKE CUT!
If you’ve ever struggled to cut a cake, this little trick will make things incredibly simple and easy. Simply heat up your knife in warm water for a few seconds before slicing and presto! Your cake will be perfectly cut.
PRE-HEAT THE OVEN
Many people doubt the necessity of preheating the oven before placing food inside. Without preheating, your cake will bake at a lower temperature while your oven is preheating. This will affect the final appearance of your cake. Preheating will also ensure that your food reaches an appropriate internal temperature before baking.
FILL CAKE PANS ONLY 2/3 FULL
This is an important baking tip that you must follow. Baking pans come in various sizes, but you should fill the pan only 2/3 full, so it doesn’t overflow when you bake it. You can also use this trick for other items, such as small loaves of bread or cookies.
MORE BONUS BAKING HACKS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER
- Use parchment paper! Not only does it keep everything from sticking, but it also helps your baked goods cook evenly.
- Always let your baked goods cool completely before storing them.
- Dont skip steps in the recipe.
- No powdered sugar on hand? Grind sugar in a blender for DIY powdered sugar!
- Gather your ingredients and prep your kitchen
Hopefully, these everyday tips will help you be more resourceful in the kitchen and give you an extra nudge to try out new recipes. And for even more baking hacks, don’t forget to check out our other posts below!
