Benefits of Baking from Scratch, should you bake from scratch?

What are the benefits of baking from scratch?

Baking is a wonderful hobby that can bring joy, satisfaction, and delicious treats to your life. But did you know that baking from scratch also has many benefits for your health, well-being, and creativity? In this blog post, we will explore some of the benefits of baking from scratch and debunk some common myths and misconceptions about baking. We will also answer some questions people ask about Baking from Scratch and share some tips and recipes to help you improve your baking skills and enjoy the process.

Benefits of Baking from Scratch

Baking from scratch means using basic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, etc. to make your own baked goods, rather than relying on pre-made mixes or ready-to-bake products. Some of the benefits of baking from scratch are:

• You have more control over the quality, freshness, and flavor of your ingredients. You can choose to use healthier ingredients such as whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and unsaturated fats. You can also omit unhealthy ingredients such as refined sugar and trans fats. You can also reduce the amount of fat used in the recipe by substituting some of the butter with pureed pumpkin or applesauce.
• You can customize your recipes to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or allergies. You can experiment with different flavors, spices, nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture. You can also adapt your recipes to be gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb if you wish.
• You can save money by buying ingredients in bulk or using what you have on hand. Baking from scratch is often cheaper than buying pre-made mixes or products, especially if you use seasonal or local ingredients. You can also make use of leftover ingredients or overripe fruits by baking them into breads, muffins, or cakes.
• You can enjoy the satisfaction and pride of creating something delicious with your own hands. Baking from scratch is a rewarding and fulfilling activity that can boost your self-esteem and confidence. You can also share your baked goods with your family, friends, or neighbors and express your love, care, and gratitude.
• You can improve your creativity, decision-making, and expression skills. Baking from scratch is a form of art that allows you to express yourself through your creations. You can make all of the creative decisions when it comes to baking, such as the design, shape, color, and decoration of your cakes, cookies, or pies. You can also learn the science behind baking and experiment with different techniques and methods.

Baking Myths and Misconceptions

Baking from scratch may seem intimidating or complicated to some people who are used to buying pre-made mixes or products. However, many of the timeless “rules” we all know (and abide by) may be somewhat rooted in circumstantial fact or science, but largely are myths that are holding us—and our sweet treats—back. Here are some common baking myths and misconceptions that you should stop believing:

• Sugar is only for sweetness. Sugar is an integral ingredient in a lot of baking. It does more than contribute flavor. It also enhances the flavor of other ingredients such as butter, chocolate, and vanilla. It also creates new flavors through the Maillard reaction and caramelization when cooked. It also helps baked goods retain moisture and prevent them from drying out. It also affects the texture and color of baked goods, making them more brown and alkaline.
• You can reduce or replace sugar without affecting the outcome. Reducing or replacing sugar in a recipe can pose a variety of problems, as sugar does so much more than contribute flavor. Reducing or replacing sugar can affect the texture, consistency, moistness, and shelf life of your baked goods. It can also alter the chemical reactions that occur during baking, such as leavening, browning, and caramelizing. If you want to reduce or replace sugar in your baking, you need to adjust the recipe accordingly and use appropriate substitutes that have similar properties to sugar.
• Salt does not matter in baking. Salt is another important ingredient in baking that does more than add flavor. Salt also enhances the flavor of other ingredients and balances the sweetness of sugar. Salt also affects the structure and texture of baked goods by strengthening the gluten network and preventing it from overstretching. Salt also controls the fermentation of yeast and helps baked goods rise properly. If you omit or reduce salt in your baking, you may end up with bland, tough, or dense baked goods.
• Alcohol bakes off completely in the oven. Alcohol has a lower boiling point than water, so it evaporates faster when heated. However, this does not mean that all the alcohol bakes off completely in the oven. Some amount of alcohol remains in the final product, depending on the type, amount, and cooking time of the alcohol. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only 5% of alcohol remains after baking for 2.5 hours, while 40% remains after baking for 15 minutes. If you want to avoid alcohol in your baking, you can use non-alcoholic substitutes such as juice, broth, or water.
• You can open the oven door to check on your baking. Opening the oven door too often can cause the oven temperature to drop and affect the baking process. It can also cause cakes to collapse or cookies to spread too much. Opening the oven door can also introduce air or vibration that can interfere with the rising or setting of your baked goods. To avoid this, resist the temptation to peek at your baked goods and only open the oven door when necessary (such as to rotate pans, check for doneness, etc.). Use the oven light or window if possible to monitor your baked goods.

Some Q & A about Baking from Scratch

How does baking from scratch improve the flavor of your baked goods through the Maillard reaction and caramelization?

The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction that occurs when proteins and sugars are heated together, resulting in the formation of browned compounds that give baked goods their characteristic flavor, aroma, and color. Caramelization is a similar process that involves the breakdown of sugars when heated, producing caramel-like flavors and colors. Both processes enhance the flavor of baked goods by creating complex and diverse flavor compounds that appeal to our senses.

How does baking from scratch enhance the flavor of other ingredients such as butter, chocolate, and vanilla?

Baking from scratch allows you to use high-quality ingredients that have more flavor and freshness than processed or artificial ones. For example, using real butter instead of margarine or shortening will give your baked goods a richer and creamier flavor. Using good-quality chocolate instead of chocolate chips or cocoa powder will give your baked goods a deeper and smoother chocolate flavor. Using pure vanilla extract instead of imitation vanilla will give your baked goods a more natural and aromatic vanilla flavor.

How do I make a perfect pie crust?

Making a perfect pie crust requires some practice and patience, but it is not impossible. The key to a perfect pie crust is to use cold ingredients, such as butter and water, and to handle the dough as little as possible. Cold ingredients help create flaky layers in the crust by preventing the butter from melting too quickly.
– Minimal handling helps prevent the development of gluten in the dough, which can make the crust tough or shrink.
– To make a perfect pie crust, cut cold butter into small pieces and mix it with flour and salt until it resembles coarse crumbs.
– Add ice water gradually until the dough comes together in a ball.
– Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour.
– Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle that is slightly larger than your pie pan.
– Transfer the dough to the pan and press it gently into the bottom and sides.
– Trim and crimp the edges as desired.
– Refrigerate the crust again for at least 15 minutes before filling or baking.

How Does Baking From Scratch Counteract The Bitterness Of Cocoa And Whole-Wheat Flour?

Cocoa and whole-wheat flour contain bitter compounds that can affect the taste of your baked goods. Baking from scratch allows you to balance the bitterness with other ingredients that can add sweetness, acidity, or saltiness. For example, you can add sugar, honey, or maple syrup to sweeten your baked goods. You can add lemon juice, vinegar, or sour cream to add acidity and brightness to your baked goods. You can add salt or baking soda to neutralize the bitterness and enhance the flavor of your baked goods.

How Does Baking From Scratch Free You From The Limitations Of Traditional Rules And Myths?

Baking from scratch gives you more freedom and flexibility to experiment with different ingredients, techniques, and methods. You can customize your recipes to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or allergies. You can also challenge some of the common myths and misconceptions about baking, such as sugar is only for sweetness, alcohol bakes off completely in the oven, or salt does not matter in baking. By understanding the science behind baking and how different factors affect the outcome, you can improve your baking skills and creativity.

How Does Baking From Scratch Help You Learn The Science Behind Baking And Experiment With Different Techniques?

Baking from scratch is a form of art that also involves science. By baking from scratch, you can learn how different ingredients interact with each other and how different conditions affect the baking process. You can also experiment with different techniques such as creaming, folding, kneading, or rolling to achieve different textures and shapes. By learning the science behind baking and experimenting with different techniques, you can create more diverse and delicious baked goods.

How Does Baking From Scratch Debunk The Myth That Alcohol Bakes Off Completely In The Oven?

Alcohol has a lower boiling point than water, so it evaporates faster when heated. However, this does not mean that all the alcohol bakes off completely in the oven. Some amount of alcohol remains in the final product, depending on the type, amount, and cooking time of the alcohol. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only 5% of alcohol remains after baking for 2.5 hours, while 40% remains after baking for 15 minutes. If you want to avoid alcohol in your baking, you can use non-alcoholic substitutes such as juice, broth, or water.

How Does Baking From Scratch Debunk The Myth That Salt Does Not Matter In Baking?

Salt is another important ingredient in baking that does more than add flavor. Salt also enhances the flavor of other ingredients and balances the sweetness of sugar. Salt also affects the structure and texture of baked goods by strengthening the gluten network and preventing it from overstretching. Salt also controls the fermentation of yeast and helps baked goods rise properly. If you omit or reduce salt in your baking, you may end up with bland, tough, or dense baked goods.

How Do I Measure Flour Correctly?

Measuring flour correctly is important for achieving the right consistency and texture of your baked goods. The best way to measure flour is by weight rather than by volume. Use a digital kitchen scale and a measuring cup or bowl to weigh your flour in grams or ounces. If you don’t have a scale, you can use a spoon to lightly scoop the flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Do not pack or tap the flour in the cup, as this will result in too much flour and dry or dense baked goods.

How Do I Make My Cookies Chewy Or Crispy?

The texture of your cookies depends on several factors, such as the type and amount of sugar, fat, flour, and leavening agent used in the recipe, as well as the baking time and temperature. In general, chewy cookies have more brown sugar, butter, eggs, and less flour than crispy cookies. Chewy cookies are also baked at a lower temperature for a longer time than crispy cookies. Crispy cookies have more white sugar, shortening, baking soda, and more flour than chewy cookies. Crispy cookies are also baked at a higher temperature for a shorter time than chewy cookies.

How Do I Prevent My Cakes From Sinking Or Cracking?

Cakes can sink or crack for various reasons, such as overmixing, underbaking, overbaking, using too much leavening agent, opening the oven door too often, or cooling the cake too quickly. To prevent your cakes from sinking or cracking, follow these tips:
– Mix your batter just until combined and no dry flour remains.
– Do not overmix or beat your batter too vigorously, as this can incorporate too much air into the batter and cause it to collapse during baking.
– Bake your cake at the right temperature and time according to the recipe instructions.
– Use an oven thermometer to check the accuracy of your oven temperature.
– Test your cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center and checking if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
– Do not underbake or overbake your cake, as this can cause it to sink or crack.
– Use the right amount of leavening agent (baking powder or baking soda) according to the recipe instructions.
– Too much leavening agent can cause your cake to rise too quickly and then fall during baking.
– Too little leavening agent can cause your cake to be dense and heavy.
– Keep the oven door closed as much as possible during baking. Opening the oven door too often can cause the oven temperature to drop and affect the baking process. It can also cause cakes to collapse or crack due to the influx of air or vibration.
– Cool your cake gradually on a wire rack before removing it from the pan. Do not cool your cake too quickly or in a drafty place, as this can cause it to shrink or crack.

How Do I Make Whipped Cream From Scratch?

Whipped cream is a simple and delicious topping for cakes, pies, fruits, and other desserts. To make whipped cream from scratch, you need heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. You also need a large bowl, a whisk or an electric mixer, and a refrigerator. To make whipped cream from scratch, follow these steps:
– Chill your bowl and whisk or beaters in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This will help the cream whip faster and hold its shape better.
Pour cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl and add sugar and vanilla extract to taste.
– Start whisking or beating the cream on low speed and gradually increase the speed as the cream thickens.
– Stop whisking or beating when the cream forms soft peaks that hold their shape when you lift the whisk or beaters.
– Do not overwhip or underwhip the cream, as this can make it grainy or runny.
– Use your whipped cream immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

How Do I Make Sourdough Bread From Scratch Without Using Commercial Yeast?

Sourdough bread is a type of bread that is made with natural yeast that is cultivated from flour and water. This natural yeast is called a sourdough starter, and it gives sourdough bread its distinctive tangy flavor and chewy texture. To make sourdough bread from scratch without using commercial yeast, you need to make your own sourdough starter and feed it regularly until it is active and bubbly.
This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the temperature, humidity, and type of flour you use. To make your own sourdough starter, follow these steps:
– In a large glass jar or bowl, mix one cup of all-purpose flour and one cup of water until well combined. Cover loosely with a lid or a cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
– The next day, discard half of the mixture and add another half cup of flour and half cup of water.
– Stir well and cover loosely again.
– Repeat this process every day until you see bubbles forming on the surface of the mixture and smell a sour or fruity aroma. This means your starter is ready to use or store in the refrigerator until needed.
To make sourdough bread from scratch, follow these steps:
– In a large bowl, mix one cup of active sourdough starter with one and a half cups of warm water.
– Add four cups of bread flour, two teaspoons of salt, and any other ingredients you like, such as seeds, nuts, dried fruits, herbs, etc. Mix well with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
– Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 15 minutes, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
– Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Let it rise at room temperature for about 4 hours, or until doubled in size.
– Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf.
– Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a lightly greased cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 2 hours, or until puffy.
– Preheat your oven to 450°F and place an empty metal pan on the bottom rack. Slash the top of your loaf with a sharp knife or razor blade to create steam vents.
– Carefully transfer your loaf to the oven and pour one cup of hot water into the metal pan to create steam.
– Bake your loaf for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying.

How Do I Make Vegan Baked Goods Without Eggs Or Dairy?

Vegan baked goods are baked goods that do not contain any animal products such as eggs, dairy, honey, gelatin, etc. To make vegan baked goods without eggs or dairy, you need to use plant-based substitutes that can mimic their functions in baking.
Some common plant-based substitutes are:
Flax seeds or chia seeds: These seeds can be ground and mixed with water to form a gel-like substance that can act as a binder and provide moisture in baked goods. Use one tablespoon of ground flax seeds or chia seeds mixed with three tablespoons of water to replace one egg in most recipes.
Banana or applesauce: These fruits can be mashed and used to replace eggs and add moisture and sweetness in baked goods. Use one-fourth cup of mashed banana or applesauce to replace one egg in most recipes.
Soy milk or almond milk: These plant-based milks can be used to replace cow’s milk in baked goods. They can also be curdled with vinegar or lemon juice to make vegan buttermilk. Use one cup of soy milk or almond milk to replace one cup of cow’s milk in most recipes. To make vegan buttermilk, add one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of soy milk or almond milk and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Coconut oil or vegan butter: These plant-based fats can be used to replace butter in baked goods. They can also be used to make vegan frosting by beating them with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Use the same amount of coconut oil or vegan butter as butter in most recipes.
Agave nectar or maple syrup: These plant-based sweeteners can be used to replace honey in baked goods. They can also be used to make vegan caramel by boiling them with coconut cream and salt. Use the same amount of agave nectar or maple syrup as honey in most recipes.

Baking Tips

Now that you know some of the benefits of baking from scratch and some of the myths and misconceptions about baking, you may be eager to try some recipes and improve your baking skills. Here are some tips and recipes to help you get started:

Follow the recipe carefully and measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science and has necessary steps and proportions that must be followed to achieve the desired results. Follow the recipe instructions closely and measure your ingredients by weight rather than by volume for more accuracy and consistency.

Use fresh ingredients and check their expiration dates. Fresh ingredients will give you better flavor, quality, and performance in your baking. Check the expiration dates of your ingredients, especially chemical leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda, as they lose their effectiveness over time. Also check the freshness of your spices, nuts, dried fruits, etc., as they can lose their potency or go rancid.

Preheat your oven and prepare your pans before you start mixing your batter or dough. Preheating your oven ensures that it reaches the right temperature before you put your baked goods in it. Preparing your pans means greasing or lining them according to the recipe instructions to prevent your baked goods from sticking or burning.

Mix your batter or dough gently and avoid overmixing. Overmixing can develop gluten in your batter or dough and make your baked goods tough or rubbery. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and no dry flour remains. Use a gentle folding motion rather than a vigorous stirring or beating motion. For cakes and cookies, use room temperature butter and cream it with sugar until light and fluffy. For breads and pastries, use cold butter and knead or fold the dough until smooth and elastic.

Test your baked goods for doneness using different methods. Depending on the type of baked goods, you can use different methods to test for doneness, such as inserting a toothpick, skewer, or knife into the center and checking if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs; pressing lightly on the surface and checking if it springs back or leaves an indentation; tapping on the bottom and listening for a hollow sound; or checking the color and aroma of your baked goods. You can also use an oven thermometer to check the internal temperature of your baked goods, such as 190°F for breads, 210°F for cakes, and 165°F for custards.

Let your baked goods cool completely before cutting or frosting them. Cutting or frosting your baked goods while they are still hot can cause them to crumble, fall apart, or melt the frosting. Let your baked goods cool completely on a wire rack before cutting or frosting them. This will also allow the flavors and textures to develop and set properly.

What are some easy and delicious baking recipes for beginners?

Some Easy Recipes you can try baking from scratch

Some easy and delicious baking recipes for beginners are banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, blueberry muffins, apple pie, and chocolate cake. These recipes are simple to follow, use basic ingredients, and yield satisfying results. You can find these recipes and more on our website bakeablerecipes.com.

Banana Bread: A classic quick bread that is moist, tender, and full of banana flavor. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture. This recipe uses whole wheat flour, honey, and yogurt for a healthier twist.

Chocolate Chip Cookies: A favorite cookie that is crisp on the edges and chewy in the center. You can customize them with different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or candies. This recipe uses brown butter, cornstarch, and sea salt for a rich and complex flavor.

Blueberry Muffins: A simple muffin that is bursting with juicy blueberries. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries for this recipe. This recipe uses sour cream, lemon zest, and streusel topping for a moist, tangy, and crunchy muffin.

Apple Pie: A classic pie that is filled with spiced apple slices and covered with a flaky crust. You can use store-bought or homemade pie crust for this recipe. This recipe uses a lattice top crust for a beautiful presentation.

Chocolate Cake: A decadent cake that is moist, fluffy, and rich in chocolate flavor. You can frost it with your favorite frosting, such as buttercream, ganache, or whipped cream. This recipe uses buttermilk, coffee, and cocoa powder for a moist and deep chocolate cake.

Conclusion

Baking from scratch is not only a fun and rewarding hobby, but also a beneficial one for your health, well-being, and creativity. By baking from scratch, you can control the quality, freshness, and flavor of your ingredients, customize your recipes to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or allergies, save money by buying ingredients in bulk or using what you have on hand, enjoy the satisfaction and pride of creating something delicious with your own hands, improve your creativity, decision-making, and expression skills, learn the science behind baking and experiment with different techniques and methods, and debunk some of the common myths and misconceptions about baking. Baking from scratch can also help you improve your sensory skills, express your emotions, and share your love with others.

We hope this blog post has inspired you to try some of the recipes and tips we have shared with you and discover the benefits of baking from scratch for yourself. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below or contact us through our website bakeablerecipes.com. We would love to hear from you and see your creations. Happy baking!

Source and references:

: 7 Benefits to Making Baked Goods from Scratch … – Allwomenstalk. (n.d.). Retrieved 31-07-2023, from https://food.allwomenstalk.com/benefits-to-making-baked-goods-from-scratch/

: Top 5 Life Skills & Benefits of Baking – AnyBody Can Bake. (n.d.). Retrieved 31-07-2023, from https://anybodycanbake.com/benefits-of-baking/

: 10 Baking Tips: Improve Your Baking Skills – The Spruce Eats. (n.d.). Retrieved 31-07-2023, from https://www.thespruceeats.com/baking-tips-and-tricks-4165823

: Maillard Reaction Explained: What Is the Maillard Reaction? (n.d.). Retrieved 31-07-2023, from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/maillard-reaction-explained