How to Bake
Baking uses enclosed oven heat to cook food via dry, indirect heat. Unlike roasting, baking usually refers to doughs, batters, and pastries — though the two terms sometimes overlap for proteins and vegetables.
Step-by-step
- 1
Read the entire recipe before beginning. Baking requires more precision than other techniques.
- 2
Measure all ingredients accurately. Use a scale for best results.
- 3
Preheat the oven completely before baking — at least 15-20 minutes.
- 4
Prepare pans: grease, flour, or line with parchment as the recipe specifies.
- 5
Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining to prevent overmixing.
- 6
Combine wet and dry gently — mix just until no dry flour remains.
- 7
Bake in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.
- 8
Test for doneness with a toothpick or thermometer. Cool before cutting.
Tips
- •
Room temperature butter and eggs incorporate more easily into batters.
- •
Do not open the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking a cake.
- •
An oven thermometer reveals whether your oven actually reaches the set temperature — most do not.
- •
Overmixing develops gluten and makes baked goods tough. Mix gently and briefly.