5 tips to master the art of baking

All your ingredients should be at room temperature

Allowing ingredients like eggs, butter, and dairy to come to room temperature before baking can make a significant difference in your results. Ingredients at room temperature bond more easily, creating a smoother batter or dough. Cold ingredients may not blend as smoothly, leading to uneven textures in your baked goods.

Measure your ingredients precisely

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newcomer to the world of flour, sugar and butter, a few essential tips can help you achieve baking perfection. (Source: Freepik)

One of the cardinal rules in baking is to measure ingredients accurately. Invest in a good set of measuring cups and spoons and follow the recipe closely. Baking is a science, and even a small variation in ingredient quantities can affect the texture and taste of your final product. Use a flat edge to level off dry ingredients for precision.

Always preheat the oven

Preheating the oven is a crucial step in the baking process. It ensures that the oven reaches the desired temperature before you put your batter or dough inside, allowing you to accurately gauge the baking time specified in your recipe. Without preheating, your baked items may not rise correctly, resulting in a dense or uneven texture.

Prepare your pan correctly and well in advance

Properly preparing your baking pan helps prevent your baked goods from sticking to the pan. A well-prepared pan ensures consistent baking, helping your treats cook evenly and preventing uneven textures or undercooked areas. Different recipes may require specific pan preparations, such as greasing, flouring, or lining with parchment paper.

Avoid over-mixing

Overmixing your batter or dough is a common mistake that can result in tough and densely baked goods. Once your wet and dry ingredients are combined, stop mixing. Overmixing activates the gluten in flour, leading to a less desirable texture. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to maintain the delicate structure of your treats.

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A post shared by MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria (@masterchefpankajbhadouria)