10 More Amazing Baking Hacks That Really Work

Baking has always been a stress reliever for me. There’s something about creating a treat that I can share with friends, family, and co-workers that perks up my spirits. Sometimes, when I’m sharing my treats, people tell me they’re not much of a cook or baker, but they want to learn. Over the years, I’ve learned lots of cool tips and tricks that save me time. Today, I’m sharing some of them in these 10 More Amazing Baking Hacks That Really Work.

10 More Amazing Baking Hacks

Last week I shared 10 Amazing Baking Hacks that are perfect for beginning cooks. This week I’m sharing more tips designed to help you make the perfect dessert.

Common Baking Substitutions

How to Make Your Own Cake Flour- Some recipes call for cake flour. Rather than having a box that you rarely use sitting in the pantry, make your own with this easy recipe. Take one cup of all-purpose flour. Remove 2 tablespoons. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the cup of all-purpose flour. Stir together until blended.

2. . How to Make Your Own Oat Flour– This is so simple and so much less expensive than purchasing it ready made. Measure one cup of regular oats into a blender or food processor. Pulse until the oats are powdered, around 5 to 10 seconds. *If you are making gluten-free oat flour, check to see if the oats are gluten-free. Many brands are not.

3. How to Make a Corn Syrup Substitute- Another easy fix! Just blend 1 1/4 cup light brown sugar with 1/3 cup water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. This is easier if you place the sugar and water in a saucepan over high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often, and remove from heat.

Quick Baking Tips

4. Keep Ingredients From Sinking To The bottom of Muffins and Cakes by coating them with all-purpose flour before adding them to the batter. Pour a small amount of flour into a bowl. Add the ingredients and stir until covered with flour. This works well with chips, nuts, and dried fruit.

5. How To Make Evenly Sized Muffins- Almost everyone knows having the same amount of batter in each cup is the secret to even baking, but how can you do it? Simple! Use an ice cream scoop. One with the lever for releasing the ice cream works best but any scoop will do.

6. Keep Dough From Sticking– Tired of sticky dough? Place it on a piece of waxed paper coated with nonstick cooking spray. Cover it with a piece of waxed paper coated with nonstick cooking spray and roll as usual.

7. Make Whipped Cream Easily- by placing the bowl and the beaters in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Remove from the fridge, add the whipping cream, and prepare as usual. The chilled bowl and beaters will shave several minutes from the preparation time.

8. Make Quick Whipped Frosting– In a hurry and don’t have time to prepare frosting from scratch? Place a container of purchased frosting into a mixing bowl. Beat for 2 minutes. For added flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla.

Tips for Fruit

9. Keep Apples from Turning Brown– No one wants unappetizing brown apples in their batter. Keep them from turning brown by dipping them in apple juice. This doesn’t change the taste and the acid in the juice keeps them from changing color.

10. Get More Juice From Lemons or Limes- Sometimes we need freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice in recipes. The easiest way to make the lemon plump and juicy is to microwave it for 10 seconds. Finish by rolling it on the counter for 5 seconds.

I hope these 10 baking hacks will help save you time and money in the kitchen. What is your favorite baking hack?

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If you enjoyed these tips, you might enjoy our new Facebook group, Simply Southern Recipes & Tips. You can share recipes, tips, and ask questions in a supportive environment.