Home baking has been a popular way to indulge sweet cravings for centuries. But baking the perfect dessert can be a tricky endeavor! To help you perfect your sweet treats, we’ve compiled a list of simple baking techniques for the aspiring chef.

Using the Right Tools

Having the right tools is essential to successful baking. With the right set of pans, mixers, cutters and spatulas, you’ll be able to create beautiful desserts with ease. Investing in a quality set of pans and utensils ensures that your desserts will come out perfect every time.

Measuring Accurately

Accurate measurements are a key component to perfect desserts. If you have an inaccurate measurement, your final product may end up with an off-flavor or texture. Invest in accurate measuring tools and double-check your measurements to ensure all the ingredients create the perfect balance.

Beat or Stir?

It’s important to know when to manually beat or stir ingredients and when to use a mixer. Over-mixing can cause ingredients to break down, resulting in a dry end product. For delicate ingredients like whipped cream, use a whisk and beat until just combined. For big batches of cookie dough, use an electric mixer to make quick work of mixing all the ingredients together.

Knowing When to Stop Mixing

Knowing when to stop mixing is a key baking technique. Over-mixing batters can cause your desserts to taste scrambled and not hold their shape. Know when to stop mixing and you’ll yield soft, fluffy cakes and cookies.