Baking FAQ: Answers to Common Baking Questions
Raise your hand if you’ve ever had flat cookies, were out of cake flour and didn’t want to go to the store, or experienced a sunken-in cake? I know I’m waving both of my hands frantically.
I think it’s pretty safe to say that we’ve all had our share of baking issues and run into unfamiliar ingredients or problems that have left us scratching our heads. I hope that this post serves as a remedy of sorts to some of the most common baking questions and problems that most people run across. Throughout the course of reading comments on recipes, and responding to emails and Facebook/Twitter questions about specific recipes and baking techniques, I have found that there are some common baking questions and problems that tend to pop up quite frequently. I have collected them all here, along with answers and tips to help you have the most successful baking experience possible! Read on for the questions and answers…
Q: All of your recipes call for unsalted butter. Can I use regular salted butter instead?
A: I definitely recommend using unsalted butter in baked goods, because you can control the total amount of salt in the recipe. However, if you do not have unsalted butter and don’t want to make a trip to the store, simply use your salted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
Q: If a recipe calls for espresso powder or freshly brewed coffee and I don’t like coffee, can I leave it out?
A: Yes, you can omit espresso powder. Coffee typically enhances the flavor of chocolate, which is why you see it included in some brownie and chocolate cake recipes. It usually is not prominent, but if you don’t want to use it, you can omit it. Substituting for freshly brewed coffee depends on the amount called for. If it’s a tablespoon or two, you can omit or substitute vanilla extract. If it’s any more than that, I would recommend substituting hot water so that the final texture isn’t affected.
Q: How do I know if my baking powder and baking soda are still fresh?
A: To test if baking powder is still good, combine 1 teaspoon baking powder with 1/3 cup hot water. If it bubbles, it’s still good! To test baking soda, put 2 tablespoons of white vinegar into a small bowl and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. If it fizzes immediately, it’s still good!
Q: How do I need to alter a recipe if I am using a convection oven?
A: The general rule of thumb for converting a recipe from a conventional oven to a convection oven is to either use the same temperature and bake for 75% of the stated time (i.e. if a recipe says to bake for 20 minutes, bake for only 15 if using a convection oven), or you can reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees F and bake for the same time or use a combination of reduced time and temperature. You can check out this Convection Oven Temperature Conversion Calculator as a starting point. Also, open the oven door as little as possible during baking.
Q: Could you explain the difference between different types of flours – all-purpose, bread, cake, etc. – and how to substitute them?
A: The short answer is that they differ primarily based on protein content, which affects the final texture of the baked good you are making. All-purpose flour has 10-12% protein. Cake flour has 6-8% protein. If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute ¾ cup sifted all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Bread flour has 12-14% protein; the high protein content causes the bread to rise and gives it shape and structure. Some recipes on this site (bagels, for example) call for high-gluten flour, which has an even higher protein content than bread flour and gives baked goods like bagels its characteristic chewy texture.
Q: Can I substitute oil for butter in a recipe? How much should I use?
A: I would always recommend using whatever type of fat is called for in a given recipe because they each have different properties, and butter especially lends a great flavor. Using a liquid oil in place of butter will also affect the final texture of the baked good.
Q: Why does my cake cave in the middle after it’s baked?
A: This could be caused by a couple of different factors. The first thing to check is your oven temperature. I am a big advocate of using an oven thermometer to make sure that your oven is at the correct temperature. The wrong temperature can cause the cake to rise too far and collapse on itself. The second thing is to ensure that the cake is cooked through by using a skewer or thin knife inserted in the center and seeing that it comes out clean. If the cake is undercooked in the middle, it will cave in.
Q: Can I use a Pyrex bowl as a double boiler? Or can I use the microwave when a recipe calls for melting ingredients in a double boiler?
A: I have a set of nested glass bowls and have used them as a double boiler top with no problem, however, I did shatter a glass bowl of my mom’s using it as a double boiler. Since then, I don’t use my glass bowls. If you don’t have any stainless steel bowls, I would do your melting in the microwave. If you are melting chocolate, microwave on 50% power for 1 minute and then stir. Repeat in 30 second increments until the chocolate is completely melted.
Q: Why do my cookies always turn out flat?
A: There are a few things that can cause cookies to turn out flat. A few of the most common reasons are: The butter is too warm when you add it to the batter; try refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking. The baking powder or baking soda is old. The oven temperature may be off (again, I recommend an oven thermometer). Too much extra butter or shortening from greasing a baking sheet; instead of greasing, use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Q: Most of your recipes call for lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Can I just grease the sheet instead?
A: Well, you could, but here’s the thing. Depending on how heavy you are with the greasing (using either butter or shortening), it could affect the final product. Especially when baking cookies, once that butter or shortening starts to melt in the oven, it gets into the dough, and if too much is there, it can cause cookies to turn out flat. If you do a lot of baking, I would recommend investing in one or two silicone baking mats, or you could purchase pre-cut parchment sheets from a baking supply store or even on Amazon.
Q: What is different about Dutch-process cocoa than regular cocoa powder, and where can I find it?
A: Dutch-processed cocoa powder is treated with an alkali to neutralize its acids. Baked goods made with Dutch-processed cocoa tend to have a richer, deeper chocolate flavor. I have yet to find Dutch-processed cocoa at a regular grocery store, but have found it at Penzeys, King Arthur Flour and on Amazon (see below for links).
Q: A recipe calls for buttermilk but I don’t want to go to the store just for that. Can I make my own?
A: Yes! To make buttermilk, place 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup. Add enough milk to bring the liquid up to the 1-cup line. Let stand for 5 minutes, and then use as much as the recipe calls for.
Recommended products mentioned in this post:
Oven Thermometer
Silicone Baking Mat
Pre-Cut Parchment Sheets
Dutch-process Cocoa – Found at Penzeys, King Arthur Flour & Amazon (Callebaut)
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This collection of questions is surely just the tip of the iceberg, as we all encounter vexing baking problems from time to time, and they often leave us stumped. I will be turning this post into a reference page that will have a permanent place in the navigation bar, so that it can be easily accessed by readers. I will be adding more questions and answers to it as I come across them, so if you have one that wasn’t asked here, feel free to ask it in the comments section or shoot me an email requesting that it be included in the permanent page!
I hope that this was helpful for many of you, and look forward to your feedback!
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I was trying to find where I could post a question but will try here. I mixed up a sugar cookie dough on the day before valentines day so that I could make cookies on valentines day. As life would have it the dough is still in my frig but I noticed that it has darkened and almost looks greyish. Is it still good? It’s been in the frig the whole time.
Hi,
I love making muffins, my problem is that they always come out sticky..
They taste great and are cooked through, I can’t imagine what the problem is. Other baked goods that are baked in my fairly new oven are never sticky?
Any ideas would be appreciated
Thank you
Hi Dottie, I would make sure that the cupcakes are completely and totally cool before you store them. Sometimes there is some ambient moisture that gets trapped if they are placed in an airtight container when still slightly warm.
Hi,
i am using a ZANUSSI Fan assisted Oven (electric).
I don’t bake Cakes or Cupcakes regularly and there’s a reason behind it. My Cupcakes/Cakes over-brown from the top and they remain uncooked/rubbery in texture from the middle. I follow exactly the same recipes always but still i always fail. I really don’t know where i fail or go wrong.
Also, I place the cupcake tin/ cake tin 9” on the 2nd last shelf (2nd shelf from the bottom). i tried to keep it on 2nd shelf from top (which is 3rd from bottom) but still no use. There are four shelves in my oven. And the fan is at the left corner of the oven. I am using a PYREX cupcake tin.
Baking at 180C (18-20mins) over brown alot from the top and rubbery/uncooked from the middle of the cupcake.
Baking at 160C (20-25mins) dark brown from the top and uncooked from the middle of cupcakes.
Pls HELP me, i am really very disappointed.
I have a problem with a Chocolate Chip Cookie. I have made the recipe several times and have not changed a thing. It was certainly said to me that the cookie has no flavor!! What gives? Any suggestions? Was told neither buttery or sugary…??? I’m at a loss!
I have a question. Can you add fresh apples to a box cake? I’m trying to come up with quick recipes for single moms who are always on the go and short on time. I tried but they didnt have a strong apple taste that i was wanting. My caramel icing turned out great…but not the cupcakes. They also didn’t raise as much as they should…could you explain that. Thanks in advance for any and all advise.
Hi Missy, I haven’t really done any experimenting with doctoring up cake mixes, but perhaps someone else will have some ideas for you!
Hi. My cake calls for 2 large eggs but all I have is Jumbo eggs. If I beat the jumbo eggs before adding to the batter, about how much should I remove to get the equivalent of 2 larges eggs.
Thanks
hi, i just discovered your site and wow i cant believe how many people have used it, i am a seasoned baker and it is my passion but just now i baked a rich chocolate cake that i have made before but this time i used dutched cocoa instead. i was very careful to make sure no bi-carb was used and the ingredient list was well balanced, ie wet to dry. but when i cut it for the first time i now have a crumbley cake, it is still light fluffy and relatively moist but a large amount of crumble can you help me?
i am new to baking and have just made some scones, they turned out looking ok but where a little heavy to eat, i used 450g of s/r flour , 80g butter 250ml milk & 1spoonful sugar & cooked them for 12mins on 250c , could you suggest how to make them lighter textured.
Hi Thomas, Some scone recipes are heavier than others, depending on the ingredients and mixing technique. Here is an archive of my scone recipes – you can click through them and compare, and try some out if you’d like! https://www.browneyedbaker.com/category/scone-recipes
I’m having cookie problems! Last week I made a favorite of mine, my Grandma’s chocolate cookies. I had a problem with it getting “chunky” after adding sour milk (1 cup Milk + 1 tsp. vinegar). Tonight my husband is making Whoopie pies and had the same problem. I threw it out the first two times and the third time didn’t have the problem – the cookies were fine! I am wondering if it can have something to do with the milk, or maybe with how long the shortening and sugar are creamed at the beginning. Do you think the cookies are spoiled if this happens?
It was the same first few ingredients and steps in both recipes:
Cream shortening (Crisco) and sugar.
Beat in eggs.
Add sour milk and vanilla.
Any suggestions of what might be making our dough chunky, or what to do to fix it?
Hi Anne, I don’t think that the dough was ruined, necessarily. There are many times that I’ve made recipes and once I add the milk, buttermilk, sour cream, etc the mixture looks almost curdled. However, once you continue mixing and add the flour it smooths out.
I’ve tried several different recipes for simple chocolate brownies but they’ve all failed. One turned out like sheet cake, another was rubbery, etc. I never get a good dense, fudgy interior with a crackly top crust. I follow the recipe to the dot, so I don’t know where I’m going wrong. My oven has a lower and upper burner, and I switch to the lower burner after preheating for baked goods. When I use only the lower burner – the brownies get perforations all over the top instead of a nice shiney/crackly crust and they turn out like cake. When I use the top burner, the crust just gets burnt and the inside of the brownie remains uncooked.
Help! :(
Hi Amanda, Ideally, you’d like to bake most things in the middle of the oven. I’m not sure the size of your oven and how close to the top/bottom your racks are, but this could definitely be playing havoc for you. I would also recommend an oven thermometer to ensure that the oven temperature is correct. Also be sure not to overmix brownie batter, as this could cause the texture to be off.
I need to adjust baking time for cookie cutter cake. 350 13×9 to a mold pan with 1 inch cakes.Is there a formula for this or just trial by error. TY
Hi Colleen, I am not familiar with cookie cutter cakes or the mold pan you are talking about. If the recipe or pan you are using doesn’t provide specific instructions, I think you’ll just need to go by trial and error.
i’m trying to figure something out everytime i bake cookies they stick together to the other cookie. I take them out of the oven let sit for a couple mins than put them onto cooling racks when cooled i put them into containers but everytime i do they stick to the other cookie. Am i missing something?
I usually always separate layers of cookies with a piece of wax paper, that should keep them from sticking together.
Can I substitute butter for oil in a brownie mix at equal amounts?
I have never done it, but I personally would not. They have very different properties, both in flavor and how they affect the final texture/structure of a baked good.
I made cookies and after cooling they turned into hockey pucks, I know (think) its because there is too much flour but I made a master mix enough to make about 100 cookies. What if anything can I add to the mix to off set flour? Or do I have to throw away and start over
Oooh unfortunately I don’t know if I can help with this. Not knowing what recipe you are using would make it hard to gauge if you can add anything. Many times multiplying a recipe can cause funky things to happen, this might be one of those recipes :(
My recipe calls for heavy cream, I don’t have any can I use heavy whipping cream?
Yes, they are interchangeable for most recipes.
Michelle, thanks for your info. I’m so glad I found your site. Have a great Christmas and a happy New Year. Thanks again, Lynda
Hi Michelle— I am baking cookies for Christmas and was wondering if I should freeze them for 5 days until Christmas so they will be fresh? Or not. Thanks
Hi Lynda, I think you are fine with them staying fresh! I started baking yesterday :) Just be sure to store them in an airtight container.
Hi I need to know if I can use Swanson cake flour instead of Presto flour for chocolate chip cookies
Hi Lynn, I am unaware of Presto flour – is that a brand name? Is it all-purpose flour?
Why are my rolls burning on the outside and still uncooked on the inside?
It sounds like it could be a case of an oven temperature being too high. I’d make sure you double-check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
Can a graham cracker pie crust always be substitute for a regular pie crust?
Hi Barbara, For a single crust pie (one without a top crust), then if you prefer the flavor, I don’t see why not. I love the buttery flaky traditional crust though :)
I have learned from my baking experiences that sometimes cookies are flat because the recipe gives a wrong amount of flour. I have realized that if a cookie spreads try adding abut 1/4 to 1/2 cup more.And bake one and adjust accordingly.
I am baking a pound cake and all I have is medium eggs. The recipe calls for six eggs and I wanted to know if I should use seven of the medium eggs. The recipe does not indicate what size to use.
Thanks
Hi Valerie, I always use large eggs to bake, but I’m not sure about substitutions due to egg size. I did find this conversion chart that might help you though: http://whatscookingamerica.net/Eggs/EggEquivalent.htm
Hi Michelle: what’s confusing about the eggs when baking. All of the egg companies have re-graded their eggs. The medium is now small, the large is now medium and the ex-large is now the large. You have to buy “jumbo” in order to get large for pound cakes! I don’t know why they’ve changed their grading system! Just like the cake mix companies. All the old recipes (I’m 82) call for an 18.25-oz. box of cake mix and now all the companies except Ingles Laura Lynn brand are 16.2-oz.! It’s ok if you’re just making a cake from the cake mix box but with so many of the older recipes use the cake mix as a base to add other ingredients! Wish they’d just leave things alone, ha…..Dianne
My mom, at 70, has baked her fair share of cookies. Lately she’s complaining that the cookies are good for the first couple days and after that they become hard(er), regardless of how she stores them or type of cookie she bakes. Is there something she can add to the recipe when baking or is this just how it is.
Hi Kara, Cookies are definitely freshest in the first day or two, but after that you could always try the slice of bread trick – place a really soft, fresh piece of bread in the container with the cookies – the cookies will soak up the moisture from the bread and stay soft.
can you tell me the brand of espresso powder you use and where I can buy some. My grocery store here does not have it and didn’t know what it was. I saw that William Sonoma carries some, but that’s an hour (one way) drive from me. I’m new to baking and I’m sure this is easier than I’m making it out to be. Thanks for any help you can give me! I LOVE your site =)
Hi Casie, The brand of espresso powder I use is Medaglia D’ Oro – I buy it at a local Italian grocery store. If you can’t find anything near you, you could always order from Amazon or King Arthur Flour.
What two elements does a proofing cabinet control?
Describe what leavening agents do for baked products?
To make buttermilk can I use skim milk?
Yes, you can, it will just be thinner than if you used whole milk, but shouldn’t affect the final product much.
Great post, thanks. Learned why my cookies fall flat! I did have another question though. I have a recipe for a yellow cake I’ve been wanting to try (can’t seem to find one that doesn’t taste like a pound cake, if you have any suggestions :) ), but for one ingredient all it says is 1/2 cup Crisco. I have no idea what Crisco to use. Oil? Shortening? Any help would be great, thanks!
Hi Emily, Anytime I see just “Crisco” or “oleo” in an old recipe I use vegetable shortening. Hope that helps!
Very very good advise. Baking makes me happy. It’s a hobby of mine. Having no official training either, sources like this blog, explaining the mechanics of baking, are essential. Thank you very much.
I have a really great granola recipe that I love…How do I turn them into granola bars
Hi Patricia, How well bars stayed together would really depend on the ingredients in the recipe. You could always try pressing the granola mixture into a square pan and baking to see how it turns out. Here is a granola bar recipe with a formula that you can use to customize: https://www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/03/01/fig-date-almond-granola-bars/
Hi Michelle,
I always have a problem when baking either carrot or zucchini cakes. The cake appears done – it pulls away from sides of the pan, browns lightly at the top and even a cake tester inserted comes out clean. I cool it in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, the middle of the cake appears raw and gummy.
I follow recipes to the dot, check the oven temperature with a thermometer and I’ve even tried other recipes. This never happens with chocolate cakes, etc. Only if it’s carrot or zucchini cake.
Please tell me what’s wrong?
Hi Amanda, I’m not entirely sure about the carrot, but I’m wondering if perhaps with the zucchini cake not enough moisture is removed from the zucchini before being baked, and therefore it causes the inside of the cake to be over-moist making it raw and gummy.
I had the same problem with gorilla cake. Raw inside.