Cooking and baking are fun activities which also happen to be a great way for families or couples to grow together by learning and spending quality time.
But the best part about baking is that you get to enjoy the outcome – deliciously sweet baked goodies.
We love to bake and perfect our recipes and on the way, we’ve learned a thing or two on how to bake the most delicious desserts. ❤
To help you jump into the world of baking, here are nine techniques and tips for baking like an absolute pro.
1. Take Cooking Classes
This might sound like an obvious tip, but so many people seem to ignore it. The truth is that it’s hard to become good at just about anything unless you’ve had a few lessons.
Taking classes at your local community college, rec center, or Cozymeal can be a great way to learn some basic skills.
2. Invest In The Right Tools
If you’re using old tins, pans and equipment, you’re making your job as a baker unnecessarily difficult.
You don’t have to invest in thousands of dollars worth of top notch culinary equipment, but you definitely want to work with newer pans and molds.
A good mixer can also be the difference between smooth batter that bakes beautifully and lumpy batter than baked unevenly.
3. Learn How To Be Patient
One of the biggest mistakes that new chefs make is not being patient when it comes to mastering a new creation or recipe.
Even some of the world’s most experienced bakers will occasionally have their first attempt at a new recipe come out strangely.
Patience is essential when you’re trying to master the art of baking.
4. Master The Crumb Coat
When you’re frosting one of your creations, it’s a good idea to use a crumb coat.
A crumb coat is an initial layer of frosting that’s allowed to chill for 20 or so minutes before a second layer is applied. It’s called a “crumb coat” because it’s the frosting layer that absorbs all of the crumbs.
That way, your final layer is smooth and crumb-free. Plus, the additional layer of frosting will make your creations extra delicious.
5. Always Grease or Paper Your Pan
If your creation won’t come out of the tin, it won’t matter how delicious it is.
This is why it’s essential that you always grease your pan or apply a layer of parchment paper between the tin and your dough.
Even if a pan says that it’s made of non-stick material, it’s a good idea to prep it anyways.
6. Always Use Unsalted Butter
Most baking recipes call for a pinch of salt, as it offsets the sugar and flour and gives your creations a lovely, balanced flavor.
However, when a recipe calls for salt, it’s assuming that there’s no other salt in your batter. When you use salted butter, you’re risking batter that has a bit too much of a salty flavor.
This is why you should always use unsalted butter when baking sweet dishes.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
If you want to become a great baker, it’s important that you practice as much as possible.
Taking a few classes won’t be enough to turn you into a truly great competent baker.
Be the one who volunteers to make the cake for that office party or the muffins for that school bake sale.
8. Learn About Food
You have to be knowledgeable about food if you want to be good at preparing it.
Take the time to read recipe books and learn about the ingredients you’re using.
This means learning the differences between different types of sugars and milks.
If you already have an interest in baking, you’ll be fascinated to learn more about the ingredients you’re using.
9. Don’t Be Afraid To Experiment
When you’re first starting out as a baker, it’s a good idea to stick to the recipe.
As you practice and learn more about baking, however, you can start to experiment a bit.
Don’t be afraid to add a dash of almond extract to that apple pie or to experiment with your own design when you’re frosting those cupcakes.
Even if you occasionally mess a recipe up, you’ll gain great experience by playing around a bit. Remember, baking is supposed to be fun.
Baking classes can be an amazing way for a group to improve their teamwork, learn a new skill and grow together as a cohesive group.
Even those who don’t have an outright interest in baking or cooking will love to learn little tips and tricks that can help them with the food they prepare at home.
Baking can be challenging, but if you have the right instructors, recipes and teammates, it can be an exciting and wonderful skill to learn and master.
Once a person understands the basics, they can branch out and experiment with their own recipes and frosting designs.
