This week we have turned our attention to baking on Cookpad. Often thought to be simple, there’s actually a lot more to baking than meets the eye! Cakes...cookies...tray bakes...muffins…cheesecake, baking is perfect for making delicious comforting treats during the winter months. Also baking is the perfect bonding kitchen activity, a great way to spend time whilst we are all home together ❤️
There are so many different tricks to get that perfect sponge cake. Some people say adding mayonnaise to the batter will create the most moist, well risen cake, whereas others are certain that the more traditional technique of equal parts butter, flour and sugar is the way to go 🍰
Baking is also an amazing way to use up any fruits and veggies to reduce food waste. At Cookpad we are determined to battle food waste in our #CookEveryPart campaign! Bendy carrots which are sitting in the fridge? Grate them and put them into a carrot cake 🥕 Avocados are the secret ingredient to make the gooiest chocolate brownies, the softer the better, a great way to use up an ingredient which is famous for going off too quick 🥑
Tips and tricks
- Read the recipe all the way through and get all the ingredients out and ready beforehand so you don’t have any surprises during the essential moments!
- Don’t deviate from the recipe straight away and make sure you weigh your ingredients correctly. We are all for creativity in the kitchen, however baking relies on a lot of science and chemical reactions to work. Changing the recipe when you aren’t used to it or just guessing the quantities can lead to disappointment!
-  Don’t be afraid of salt! It seems strange adding salt into sweet dishes, but even adding a little can transform the sweetest cakes.
- Use room temperature ingredients in your baking, this is particularly important for butter and eggs. Take them out the fridge an hour or so beforehand to make sure they warm up to the right temperature.
- Baking cakes at a lower temperature makes them more moist, baking at a lower temperature also makes sure your baked goods don’t end up overcooked on the outside and undercooked in the middle.
- Take cookies out of the oven when the edges have started to harden, this might seem counterintuitive but will make the softest cookies ever.
Want to satisfy your sweet tooth? Take a look at these gorgeous recipes for inspiration (if you bake any, make sure to send a Cooksnap)!
Fiona's Gooey Raspberry Brownies
Yodega's Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍪
Ferenc's Avocado Brownies 🥑
