Baking can seem intimidating, but with a few simple and effective tips, anyone can create masterpiece-worthy treats. Here are 10 essential tips to ensure your homemade cakes, pies, cookies, and other treats never fail again!
Read the entire recipe before starting
It may seem obvious, but many failures are due to poor planning. Reading the recipe allows you to anticipate each step and prepare all the ingredients in advance.
Use room temperature ingredients
Butter, eggs, and milk should generally be at room temperature to blend well. Remove them from the refrigerator 1 hour before serving.
Weigh your ingredients accurately
When baking, precision is key. Use a kitchen scale rather than approximate measurements in spoons or cups.
Sift the dry ingredients
Flour, cocoa, yeast and icing sugar must be sieved to avoid lumps and obtain a smooth dough.
Additional tips
Respect rest times
Some doughs require chilling for a better texture. Don't skip this step: it can make all the difference.
Do not overmix the dough
Overmixing can make your cakes or muffins tough. Mix only enough to incorporate the ingredients.
Use a well preheated oven
The oven must be at the right temperature as soon as you put it in. A cold or overly hot oven can ruin your baking.
Do not open the oven door too early
Wait at least two-thirds of the baking time before checking: a cold draft can cause your cakes to collapse.
Test for doneness with a toothpick
Prick the center of your cake: if it comes out dry (or with a few crumbs), it's cooked. If there's batter, continue baking a little longer.
Let it cool properly
Unmolding too quickly can break your pastries. Let them cool for 10 to 15 minutes before unmolding, then cool completely on a wire rack.
With these 10 tips, your homemade pastries will be a hit! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, these best practices will help you progress and impress your loved ones.
🍰 Want more tips? Check out our recipes and tips on Menastyl !
