How to Unleash the Baker Within You *

*Collaborative post.

Baking is an art form that has been around for centuries, and it’s a craft that can bring immense joy to both the baker and those who get to savour the final product. From cookies to cakes, pieces of bread, pies, pastries, and more, baking is a creative endeavour with limitless possibilities – but sometimes, it can feel intimidating! That’s why we’ve put together this guide on unleashing your inner baker so you can confidently create delicious treats.

Via Pexels

Use room temperature ingredients:

One of the most important things to keep in mind when baking is that you should always use ingredients at room temperature. This includes butter, eggs, and any liquids like milk or cream. Room-temperature ingredients allow for better mixing and create a more consistent texture in your finished product. For example, when creaming butter and sugar together, it’s much easier to do if the butter is soft and malleable.

Pay close attention to your recipe:

When you’re just starting out in the kitchen, it can be tempting to read through a recipe quickly and move on to the next step without really understanding how it all works together. But when baking, details matter! For example, if you follow this white chocolate chip cookie recipe, you should pay close attention to the measurements and temperatures. If you’re measuring ingredients like flour or sugar, use a kitchen scale for precision. And if your recipe calls for a certain oven temperature, make sure that setting is correct before beginning any other steps.

Know your oven:

Every oven is different, so it’s important to get to know your particular model before you start baking. This way, you can adjust temperatures or cooking times as needed. For instance, if a recipe calls for 350°F and your oven runs hotter than that, then you may want to lower the temperature – otherwise, your food might burn! And if it runs cooler than that, then increase the temperature slightly, so the baking process is not stalled. 

Do not overmix:

Overmixing is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when baking. If a recipe calls for mixing until just combined, then don’t mix it any more than that. Overmixing causes tough, dense results because you’re incorporating too much air into the batter. On the other hand, not mixing enough can cause your food to have an uneven texture or not be cooked through! So find that happy medium and don’t overdo it. 

Invest in baking tools:

Having the right tools for the job can make all the difference in creating beautiful baked goods. From electric hand mixers and stand mixers to measuring cups, spoons, spatulas, cookie cutters, rolling pins, and more – invest in quality pieces that will last you a long time. And don’t forget about parchment paper, silicone baking mats, cake pans, muffin tins, and other items that are essential for any baker’s kitchen. 

This guide has hopefully given you some insight into how to unlock the baker within you.