When you bake at home, the quality of the results you achieve starts with the accuracy of your measurements. How you add ingredients to a recipe will make or break the outcome. Liquids and dry items require different approaches.
If you are ready to show off your skills in the kitchen, then these steps can help you to ensure that all of your measurements are accurate.
How to Measure Flour Correctly
The best way to add flour to a recipe is to spoon it out of the container before leveling it in your measuring cup. If you scoop it out, then you can end up with twice as much product as you need for your baking. Don’t pack it down or tap the measuring cup because that will cause the ingredient to settle. Use a knife to level off the top.
How to Measure Baking Powder and Baking Soda
Before you take the dry ingredient out of its container, it helps to shake it up a little bit. That action will break up any compact spots that could adversely impact the accuracy of your measurement. Then use the appropriate spoon to scoop out the correct amount. Use a knife to level it off.
How to Measure Granulated (White) Sugar
You should scoop out sugar from the bag to ensure that you get the correct amount of this ingredient. Get enough so that the measuring cup overflows inside of the bag, and then level it off with a knife.
How to Measure Brown Sugar Correctly
You can measure brown sugar the same way that you get granulated sugar ready for a recipe. The one exception to that rule is if the recipe instructs you to use a packed measuring cup for this ingredient. Then you would press the sugar into the measurement container until it becomes flush with its surface.
How to Measure Powdered Sugar
Confectioners’ sugar tends to be the ingredient that most home bakers get wrong. Some recipes require you to sift the product, while others want you to add it in a lump. It also matters when the sifting action occurs. You may need to do it after the initial measurement. If the recipe calls for 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar, then you must do the sifting before measuring. If it says you need 2 cups of powdered sugar, sifted, then you would sift after the measurement.
How to Measure Dry Yeast Correctly
The average yeast packet contains 0.25 ounces of this ingredient. That’s equal to about 2.25 teaspoons. If your recipe calls for an amount other than these figures, then you’ll need to measure it out by scooping and leveling it. When the instructions call for you to proof the yeast, then that means placing two tablespoons of it (or the amount required) in warm water for about five minutes. If it creates foam, then it is active.
Knowing how to measure your ingredients correctly can help your baking exponentially. Remember these steps for your next recipe to see if you can get better results.
