Baking Tips For Beginners - Bake Like A Pro
23 October 2023
In recent years, the popularity of baked treats has surged dramatically, owing much to the interest stirred by The Great British Bake Off and the surge of homemade sourdough and banana bread during lockdowns.
As a result, the hunger for fresh and innovative baking methods and recipes has reached new heights. With an increasing number of enthusiasts seeking to master the art of baking, this article offers invaluable baking tips for cakes and essential baking hacks for beginners, providing an ideal starting point for anyone interested in embarking on baking as a hobby.
So let’s dive into our top tips to help you bake like a professional!
Invest in the Right Baking Tools
You can’t cut corners when it comes to great baking. You’ll need the right baking pans and trays. If you’re following a particular recipe, look closely to see if any specific tools are recommended before you start.
Opt for specialist items instead of simply “making do”. For example, a whisk is many times better than a wooden spoon for breaking down lumps and aerating batter in cake recipes. An electric whisk will produce the best results when making your own whipped cream.
B&M Top Tip: Make sure you have the right-sized trays, dishes or pans to hold the quantity of mix you have made. This is vital to ensure even heating throughout.
Always Have Ingredients Prepped
Many recipes require fairly lengthy prep. For example, bread yeast needs some time to activate - then, when it’s mixed into dough, it needs to prove for several hours.
Make sure you plan ahead for your bakes, or they’re unlikely to work the way you want them to.
Measure Measure Measure
Stick to the precise measurements given in a recipe, as they are designed to work together chemically to create the perfect finish.
For example, adding more white or brown sugar won’t just make something sweeter - it may cause the baking times to increase, leaving you with an under-cooked cake.
B&M Top Tip: Avoid substituting. If a recipe calls for baking soda, use it - don’t swap in baking powder or self raising flour, as all of the other calculations you see before you will have been made based on this particular raising agent.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Room temperature (around 21 degrees Celsius) is your best friend. A cake should be left to cool to room temperature before being iced. Yolks in room temperature eggs break more easily for an even mix.
Unless a recipe suggests otherwise, all ingredients should be combined at room temperature for best results.
These basic tips should provide a great starting point for anyone who wants to reach a professional standard of baking.
If you want to build up a little confidence first, there are plenty of great pre-made batters and mixes to choose from!
Check out B&M’s superb range of Baking Ingredients to stock up for less before your next baking session.
Baking for Beginners FAQs
- What are some common baking mistakes that beginners should avoid?
Some common mistakes include not measuring ingredients accurately, not preheating the oven, overmixing the batter, and opening the oven door too often while baking.
- How can I ensure my cakes and cookies turn out moist and flavourful?
Using precise measurements, not overbaking, and incorporating ingredients like buttermilk, sour cream, or applesauce can help keep your baked goods moist and flavourful.
- What are some simple yet impressive recipes I can try as a beginner?
Starting with recipes like classic chocolate chip cookies, vanilla cupcakes, or a basic banana bread can be both simple and rewarding for beginners.
- How can I make sure my cakes rise properly and have a good texture?
Sifting dry ingredients, not overmixing the batter, using room temperature ingredients, and ensuring the oven is at the right temperature can help your cakes rise evenly and have a desirable texture.
- What are some simple yet impressive recipes I can try as a beginner?
Starting with recipes like classic chocolate chip cookies, vanilla cupcakes, or a basic banana bread can be both simple and rewarding for beginners.
- Can I make substitutions for certain ingredients in baking recipes?
Yes, you can substitute ingredients like buttermilk for milk with vinegar, butter for oil, and vice versa in some recipes. However, it's important to understand the impact these substitutions might have on the final product.
- How do I know when my baked goods are ready to be taken out of the oven?
You can use methods like the toothpick test (inserting a toothpick into the centre of the baked item to see if it comes out clean) or gently pressing the top to check for springiness to determine if your baked goods are done.
- What are some easy decorating techniques for beginners to make their baked goods look more appealing?
Starting with simple techniques like powdered sugar dusting, basic frosting piping, or adding colourful sprinkles can instantly elevate the appearance of your baked creations.
- How can I store my baked goods to maintain their freshness and taste for as long as possible?
To preserve the freshness of your baked goods, store them in airtight containers at room temperature for short-term storage. For longer-term storage, consider freezing them in airtight bags or containers. Proper storage can help maintain the taste and texture of your baked creations for an extended period.
Have you just produced a pro-standard bake or a breathtakingly beautiful cake? Share pictures and tips with the B&M Community via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!
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