​​Understanding Baking Ingredients

​​Understanding Baking Ingredients

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Do you ever wonder what all of those ingredients in your baking recipes are for? Wonder no more! In this blog post, we will be exploring the most common baking ingredients and their purposes. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, read on to learn more about the staples of this culinary art!

Main Dry Ingredients

Flour

Flour is the primary ingredient in most baked goods, and it’s important to choose the right type for your recipe. All-purpose flour is the most versatile and can be used for everything from cakes to cookies. If you’re looking for lighter flour, try cake flour or pastry flour. And for gluten-free baking, there are a variety of flours made from alternative grains like rice or sorghum.

Baking powder and baking soda

Baking powder and baking soda are both leavening agents, which means they help baked goods rise. Baking powder is a combination of baking soda and an acid, while baking soda is just sodium bicarbonate. When choosing between the two, make sure you pick the right one for your recipe – baking powder for recipes that call for it, and baking soda for those that don’t.

Salt

Salt may not seem like an important ingredient in baking, but it actually plays several key roles. It enhances flavor, balances sweetness, and helps with leavening. For most recipes, you can use either table salt or kosher salt.

Sugar

Sugar is another essential ingredient in baking, and there are several different types to choose from. Granulated sugar is the most common type, and it’s perfect for cookies, cakes, and other sweet treats. Brown sugar is simply granulated sugar with molasses added back in, and it lends a rich flavor to baked goods. Confectioners’ sugar, or powdered sugar, is finely ground sugar that’s often used as a topping or decoration. And finally, there’s honey, which can be used as a natural sweetener in many recipes.

Other Ingredients Needed for Baking

Butter

Butter is a key ingredient in many baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, and pies. It adds flavor and richness and helps to create a tender texture. When choosing butter for baking, always use unsalted butter.

Eggs

Eggs are one of the most important ingredients in baking. They act as a leavening agent, help to bind the ingredients together and give structure and moisture to baked goods. When choosing eggs for baking, always use fresh, refrigerated eggs.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is a flavoring agent that is used to add vanilla flavor to baked goods. It is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol.

Cream

Cream is a thick, fatty liquid that is used in baking to add richness and flavor. It is available in both heavy cream and light cream varieties.

Milk

Milk is often used in baking as a liquid ingredient. It adds moisture and richness to baked goods. When choosing milk for baking, always use whole milk for the best results.

Now that you understand the role of each baking ingredient, it’s time to put them all together and start baking! We’ve included a few Lotta recipes below to get you started. Be sure to experiment with your own combinations, and let us know what creations you come up with. Happy baking!

Lotta Products Recipes

  • Crockpot Cherry Cobbler
  • Brookie Bars
  • Cornbread Casserole
  • Texas Sheet Cake Cookies
  • Vanilla Frosting

View recipes here

Sources: https://www.myrecipes.com/ingredients/baking-pantry-staples 

More To Explore

Low-Sugar Sunshine Citrus Cake
Recipes

Low-Sugar Sunshine Citrus Cake

  • 1 Notta Lotta Sugar Yellow Cake Mix
  • 3 large eggs

  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil

  • 1 cup water

  • Zest of 1 orange

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract