The Difference

Also called sodium bicarbonate baking soda creates a chewy texture. Baking powder, on the other hand, consists of baking soda alongside cornstarch and cream of tartar. This creates a lighter, more puffy texture.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Masmarket (@masmarket_ve)

When To Use

Because of its tougher, chewier texture, baking soda is used for baking cookies and other baked goods that require that chewy base. Baking powder, on the other hand, is ideal for cakes and other airy desserts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Georganne Bell (@lilaloa_cookies)

Can They Be Used As Substitutes?

While baking soda is contained in baking powder, they don’t make for perfect substitutes. Even though both ingredients make the food rise, their difference in texture will result in a different taste experience, so best head out to the store the next time you notice yourself running out of these ingredients.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kookie’s Bakery (@kookies.bakery)

The post Baking Powder Vs Baking Soda: What’s the Difference? appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

First Off… It’s Convenient

Let’s start by acknowledging the sheer convenience of an electric mixer. With its powerful motor and various attachments, it effortlessly combines ingredients, saves time, and ensures a consistent texture in your batters and doughs.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Divertimenti (@divertimenti)

You Definitely Don’t Need It

However, baking can still be a joyous experience with the use of manual tools like a whisk, wooden spoon, or good ol’ hands. In fact, some bakers argue that mixing by hand allows for a more intimate connection with the ingredients and a better understanding of the dough’s consistency. In other words, even if you have an electric mixer you may not want to use it!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amy (@amybakesbread)

What Kind Of Baker Are You?

Ultimately, the need for an electric mixer depends on your baking preferences, recipes, and personal circumstances. If you often find yourself tackling large batches of dough or making desserts, investing in an electric mixer might be a wise choice. But if you enjoy the basic style and the simplicity of traditional methods, you can create beautiful bakes without one.

The post Baking Tips: Do You Really Need An Electric Mixer? appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Substitutions

If you’re not following the recipe closely, but improvising by substituting certain ingredients, don’t be surprised if the recipe fails. If you want to experiment, only substitute one ingredient at a time so you know precisely which ones work and which don’t.

Measurements

If a recipe calls for cups of flour instead of precise weight, it can be challenging to get the amount right. Make sure your recipe states precise measurements and follow them using a kitchen scale.

Expired Baking Powder

If you use old baking powder or baking soda, they may be less effective than when they were fresh. They’re typically good for around six months, so keep that in mind when shopping for cake ingredients.

The post The Biggest Cake Mistakes You Should Avoid appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Don’t Overmix

Always follow the instructions of the recipe and remember not to overmix. If you overmix the batter your cupcakes will be tougher. If you undermix, on the other hand, your cupcakes will crumble and won’t grow as much as they should.

Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients are key for perfect cupcakes. Right before you start baking, check the dates on the packages. The chances are, you’ve had some things stored for a while and their expiration date is long gone. Replace these ingredients with new ones and you’re ready to go.

Always Measure the Ingredients

Recipes exist for a reason, which means you should always follow the measurements given. If you want the perfect cupcakes, this means you also need the perfect proportions. The same thing applies when you measure the portions at the end before baking the cupcakes.

Follow the Temperature

There are ingredients that should be used at room temperature, so don’t forget to do exactly that. Even if your butter was in the fridge, wait for it to reach room temperature, then start baking.

The post These Tips Will Help You Bake The Perfect Cupcakes appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Baking cookies in an air fryer is convenient when you don’t want to make a large batch. You can easily make a few cookies and enjoy them while they’re hot without having to turn on the oven and waste all that space in your baking pan.

You can bake cookies in an air fryer in around five minutes, which is around half the time needed for them to bake in the oven. Your cookies will come out crisp on the outside and soft on the outside, which is pretty much the perfect result.

The baking process couldn’t be easier. You should make the cookies from dough just like you always do and bake them at 350°F for five minutes. If you reduce the heat to 325°F and bake them for five minutes, they will come out moist, in case you prefer that. And that’s it!

The post Here’s How to Bake Cookies in an Air Fryer appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Here are some of my top tips for making a good batch of banana bread.

Use Overripe Bananas

This is one thing that is absolutely crucial for banana bread: do not use green or even yellow bananas! In order to produce the sweetness and smooth consistency that banana bread is known for, you have to use overripe bananas.

Go With Brown Sugar

Instead of white sugar, why not try brown sugar the next time you make banana bread? It yields a richer and more caramelized flavor that imparts a beautiful brown tone on the bread that looks downright tasty.

Put Some Milk in the Batter

You can ensure that your banana bread won’t be dry if you add a little bit of whole milk or buttermilk into the batter. The result will be a moist and decadent banana bread.

Walnuts are a Perfect Addition

Plain banana bread is good, but adding chopped walnuts into the batter and turning it into banana nut bread makes a special treat that you’re guaranteed to fall in love with.

The post Tips for Making Perfect Banana Bread appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Lemon

When it comes to lemon extract, things can get tricky. While the extract will give you the flavor of the lemon, it lacks the acidity that really punches up any baked good, and that is a crucial part of using lemon. Unless you really need a massive lemon flavor, stick with the zest and juice for your cakes and bakes.

Orange

Using orange extract can be helpful when it comes to orange-flavored bakes for a few reasons. Orange is a flavor that can sometimes have trouble coming through on it’s own just by using juice, and even if you opt to use the zest, the fact is that too much zest will make your bake potentially bitter. So, while you should add a little of the fresh juice and zest, there’s no shame in adding a bit of extract as well!

The post A Guide to Real Fruit Juice versus Extracts in Baking appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

However, there is one thing that really sets vegan baking apart from regular baking and that is the omission of butter. Though there are vegan options, none are quite like it, because of the consistency you get with butter that really cannot be duplicated. But there is one ingredient that comes really close, and surprisingly, it’s vegan!

Shortening is usually a product made from animal lard, but there is also another kind of shortening called vegetable shortening!

Vegetable shortening has no animal products in it whatsoever, and though it’s definitely not healthy, it is vegan! What shortening can do that other vegan butter substitutes cannot is it acts just like butter, and has almost the same temperature properties, which makes it much easier to handle.

People get a little freaked out by shortening because of the ingredients, but when you look at it compared to vegan butter, it’s almost identical.

Also, vegetable shortening ends up being cheaper than vegan butter, so if you want better bakes that cost you less money but are still vegan, vegetable shortening is the way to go.

The post You Would Never Guess This Baking Ingredient is Vegan! appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Dry Ingredients

When it comes the sugar and almond flour, even though they might seem fine, they’re probably not fine enough to make the best macaron possible.

Instead of adding the ingredients right from the package into your mixing bowl, pulse them together in a food process to get out any lumps, and if you want to go the extra mile, sift everything a few times as well.

Mixing

Over-mixing and under-mixing are definitely not your friends when it comes to macarons. There are people who say there is a certain amount of times you should mix the dry and wet ingredients together, but really the best thing to do is just to make a figure out with your spoon, and once the batter makes one that doesn’t break, that’s when you know it’s done.

Air Bubbles

To get you get all the air bubbles out of your macarons, once you’ve piped the macarons, drop your baking tray a few times onto your counter. Although it seems dangerous and the macarons are so delicate, this is a crucial step so they rise evenly!

The post Don’t Make These Rookie Macaron Mistakes! appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Always Measure the Ingredients

Measuring is not a joke. Some people decide to skip the measuring, which means you’re getting things wrong right from the start. If you are a passionate baker, you definitely need a digital scale. Recipes are available for a reason, so make sure to follow the exact measurements.

Don’t Skip Steps

This one is probably a given, but people still decide to skip it. Each step is important and has a role in the success of the final pastry. Before you start, read the whole recipe very carefully. Proceed to follow every single step up to the latest detail.

Room Temperature is Important

If the recipe says room temperature, it really means room temperature. This is one of those baking tips you have to follow blindly. Ingredients should not be cold from the fridge if it says room temperature.

Don’t Open the Oven Door

Opening the oven door can alternate the temperature inside, which means it can affect the quality of the goods. Stick to this one, because it’s one of the major baking tips.

The post Best Baking Tips That Will Turn You Into a Pro appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

The Difference

Also called sodium bicarbonate baking soda creates a chewy texture. Baking powder, on the other hand, consists of baking soda alongside cornstarch and cream of tartar. This creates a lighter, more puffy texture.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Masmarket (@masmarket_ve)

When To Use

Because of its tougher, chewier texture, baking soda is used for baking cookies and other baked goods that require that chewy base. Baking powder, on the other hand, is ideal for cakes and other airy desserts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Georganne Bell (@lilaloa_cookies)

Can They Be Used As Substitutes?

While baking soda is contained in baking powder, they don’t make for perfect substitutes. Even though both ingredients make the food rise, their difference in texture will result in a different taste experience, so best head out to the store the next time you notice yourself running out of these ingredients.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kookie’s Bakery (@kookies.bakery)

The post Baking Powder Vs Baking Soda: What’s the Difference? appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

First Off… It’s Convenient

Let’s start by acknowledging the sheer convenience of an electric mixer. With its powerful motor and various attachments, it effortlessly combines ingredients, saves time, and ensures a consistent texture in your batters and doughs.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Divertimenti (@divertimenti)

You Definitely Don’t Need It

However, baking can still be a joyous experience with the use of manual tools like a whisk, wooden spoon, or good ol’ hands. In fact, some bakers argue that mixing by hand allows for a more intimate connection with the ingredients and a better understanding of the dough’s consistency. In other words, even if you have an electric mixer you may not want to use it!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amy (@amybakesbread)

What Kind Of Baker Are You?

Ultimately, the need for an electric mixer depends on your baking preferences, recipes, and personal circumstances. If you often find yourself tackling large batches of dough or making desserts, investing in an electric mixer might be a wise choice. But if you enjoy the basic style and the simplicity of traditional methods, you can create beautiful bakes without one.

The post Baking Tips: Do You Really Need An Electric Mixer? appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Substitutions

If you’re not following the recipe closely, but improvising by substituting certain ingredients, don’t be surprised if the recipe fails. If you want to experiment, only substitute one ingredient at a time so you know precisely which ones work and which don’t.

Measurements

If a recipe calls for cups of flour instead of precise weight, it can be challenging to get the amount right. Make sure your recipe states precise measurements and follow them using a kitchen scale.

Expired Baking Powder

If you use old baking powder or baking soda, they may be less effective than when they were fresh. They’re typically good for around six months, so keep that in mind when shopping for cake ingredients.

The post The Biggest Cake Mistakes You Should Avoid appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Don’t Overmix

Always follow the instructions of the recipe and remember not to overmix. If you overmix the batter your cupcakes will be tougher. If you undermix, on the other hand, your cupcakes will crumble and won’t grow as much as they should.

Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients are key for perfect cupcakes. Right before you start baking, check the dates on the packages. The chances are, you’ve had some things stored for a while and their expiration date is long gone. Replace these ingredients with new ones and you’re ready to go.

Always Measure the Ingredients

Recipes exist for a reason, which means you should always follow the measurements given. If you want the perfect cupcakes, this means you also need the perfect proportions. The same thing applies when you measure the portions at the end before baking the cupcakes.

Follow the Temperature

There are ingredients that should be used at room temperature, so don’t forget to do exactly that. Even if your butter was in the fridge, wait for it to reach room temperature, then start baking.

The post These Tips Will Help You Bake The Perfect Cupcakes appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Baking cookies in an air fryer is convenient when you don’t want to make a large batch. You can easily make a few cookies and enjoy them while they’re hot without having to turn on the oven and waste all that space in your baking pan.

You can bake cookies in an air fryer in around five minutes, which is around half the time needed for them to bake in the oven. Your cookies will come out crisp on the outside and soft on the outside, which is pretty much the perfect result.

The baking process couldn’t be easier. You should make the cookies from dough just like you always do and bake them at 350°F for five minutes. If you reduce the heat to 325°F and bake them for five minutes, they will come out moist, in case you prefer that. And that’s it!

The post Here’s How to Bake Cookies in an Air Fryer appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Here are some of my top tips for making a good batch of banana bread.

Use Overripe Bananas

This is one thing that is absolutely crucial for banana bread: do not use green or even yellow bananas! In order to produce the sweetness and smooth consistency that banana bread is known for, you have to use overripe bananas.

Go With Brown Sugar

Instead of white sugar, why not try brown sugar the next time you make banana bread? It yields a richer and more caramelized flavor that imparts a beautiful brown tone on the bread that looks downright tasty.

Put Some Milk in the Batter

You can ensure that your banana bread won’t be dry if you add a little bit of whole milk or buttermilk into the batter. The result will be a moist and decadent banana bread.

Walnuts are a Perfect Addition

Plain banana bread is good, but adding chopped walnuts into the batter and turning it into banana nut bread makes a special treat that you’re guaranteed to fall in love with.

The post Tips for Making Perfect Banana Bread appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Lemon

When it comes to lemon extract, things can get tricky. While the extract will give you the flavor of the lemon, it lacks the acidity that really punches up any baked good, and that is a crucial part of using lemon. Unless you really need a massive lemon flavor, stick with the zest and juice for your cakes and bakes.

Orange

Using orange extract can be helpful when it comes to orange-flavored bakes for a few reasons. Orange is a flavor that can sometimes have trouble coming through on it’s own just by using juice, and even if you opt to use the zest, the fact is that too much zest will make your bake potentially bitter. So, while you should add a little of the fresh juice and zest, there’s no shame in adding a bit of extract as well!

The post A Guide to Real Fruit Juice versus Extracts in Baking appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

However, there is one thing that really sets vegan baking apart from regular baking and that is the omission of butter. Though there are vegan options, none are quite like it, because of the consistency you get with butter that really cannot be duplicated. But there is one ingredient that comes really close, and surprisingly, it’s vegan!

Shortening is usually a product made from animal lard, but there is also another kind of shortening called vegetable shortening!

Vegetable shortening has no animal products in it whatsoever, and though it’s definitely not healthy, it is vegan! What shortening can do that other vegan butter substitutes cannot is it acts just like butter, and has almost the same temperature properties, which makes it much easier to handle.

People get a little freaked out by shortening because of the ingredients, but when you look at it compared to vegan butter, it’s almost identical.

Also, vegetable shortening ends up being cheaper than vegan butter, so if you want better bakes that cost you less money but are still vegan, vegetable shortening is the way to go.

The post You Would Never Guess This Baking Ingredient is Vegan! appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Dry Ingredients

When it comes the sugar and almond flour, even though they might seem fine, they’re probably not fine enough to make the best macaron possible.

Instead of adding the ingredients right from the package into your mixing bowl, pulse them together in a food process to get out any lumps, and if you want to go the extra mile, sift everything a few times as well.

Mixing

Over-mixing and under-mixing are definitely not your friends when it comes to macarons. There are people who say there is a certain amount of times you should mix the dry and wet ingredients together, but really the best thing to do is just to make a figure out with your spoon, and once the batter makes one that doesn’t break, that’s when you know it’s done.

Air Bubbles

To get you get all the air bubbles out of your macarons, once you’ve piped the macarons, drop your baking tray a few times onto your counter. Although it seems dangerous and the macarons are so delicate, this is a crucial step so they rise evenly!

The post Don’t Make These Rookie Macaron Mistakes! appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Always Measure the Ingredients

Measuring is not a joke. Some people decide to skip the measuring, which means you’re getting things wrong right from the start. If you are a passionate baker, you definitely need a digital scale. Recipes are available for a reason, so make sure to follow the exact measurements.

Don’t Skip Steps

This one is probably a given, but people still decide to skip it. Each step is important and has a role in the success of the final pastry. Before you start, read the whole recipe very carefully. Proceed to follow every single step up to the latest detail.

Room Temperature is Important

If the recipe says room temperature, it really means room temperature. This is one of those baking tips you have to follow blindly. Ingredients should not be cold from the fridge if it says room temperature.

Don’t Open the Oven Door

Opening the oven door can alternate the temperature inside, which means it can affect the quality of the goods. Stick to this one, because it’s one of the major baking tips.

The post Best Baking Tips That Will Turn You Into a Pro appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.