Baking is a science that requires precise measurements for the best results. One mistake many people make is in how they measure their dry ingredients, especially flour. Did you know that using your measuring cup to scoop flour out can cause the flour to compact in the cup and result in you using up to 20% more flour than your recipe intended?
Aside from using a scale to weigh your flour, the most accurate way to measure out flour is to follow these steps:
- Use a spoon to fluff up the flour in its container.
- Use a spoon to gently scoop the fluffed flour into the measuring cup until it is mounding over the rim of the cup.
- Use the back of a knife, scrapping along the rim of the measuring cup, to remove the excess flour and level the flour in the cup.
By using this method you will have much better results and help prevent your baked goods from becoming dry and heavy. The only time you want to compact your dry goods in your scoop is when it is specifically called for, such as with “packed brown sugar.”
Here’s to sweet dreams and sugar highs,
