Essential baking tools include measuring cups, mixing bowls, a whisk, an electric mixer, a rolling pin, baking trays, and an oven thermometer. These tools help ensure precision and improve your baking results.
To achieve a moist and fluffy cake, use room-temperature ingredients, measure flour correctly, avoid overmixing the batter, and bake at the right temperature. Adding sour cream or yogurt can also help retain moisture.
Common egg substitutes include mashed bananas, applesauce, flaxseed or chia seed gel, and yogurt. The best substitute depends on the type of baked good you are making.
To prevent cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough before baking, use parchment paper instead of greased trays, and ensure you measure ingredients accurately, especially flour and butter.
Baking soda requires an acidic ingredient to activate, while baking powder already contains acid and can work on its own. Both are used as leavening agents, but they are not always interchangeable.
Store baked goods in airtight containers at room temperature for short-term freshness. For longer storage, wrap items tightly and freeze them. Cakes and pastries with dairy fillings should be refrigerated.