Baking isnt always as easy as it seems, so how can you up your game in the kitchen?

Baking has to be precise.

Your measurements have to be just right so that the correct chemical reactions happen at the right temperatures.

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Weve got eight great baking secrets the professionals dont want you to know.

Keep reading and you never know you might want to turn pro by the end of this article!

Related:23+ Brilliant Baking Charts That Will Make You A Pastry Chef

In this article

1.

Get Better with Butter

Butter is a superstar in the kitchen and your best friend while baking.

There are tons of recipes that call for it but are you using it the right way?

First, see to it you always go for high quality butter.

The added flavor makes up for the extra cost.

Next, check to see if your recipe calls for salted or unsalted butter.

Not all butter works in every dish and youll be able to taste the difference.

Last, butter temperature affects the outcome.

Pie crusts made with cold butter versus melted butter produce different results.

Stay Cool

Ever wonder how professional bakers cut cakes into so many cute shapes?

Their frosting always looks flawless while other attempts are always full of crumbs and patchy.

The secret is to cool it with your cakes.

Your icing wont have as many crumbs and will go on easier.

This is one of the best baking tricks to cut cakes into different shapes.

Perfect Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is the multitasker your kitchen needs.

Save yourself the trouble of cleaning up baked on, greasy messes.

Ensure your brownies, cakes, and cookies lift out of every pan by lining them with parchment.

Bonus kitchen tip: place a fewparchment sheetson top of your highest kitchen cabinets.

That way you only have to replace the sheets every once in a while instead of worrying about dusting.

Invest in pieces that youll use over and over again.

As far as gadgets go, think about the ones youre more likely to use over and over again.

See also:39 Baking Hacks Youll Wish You Knew Before Now

5.

Making Substitutions

There arent a lot of shortcuts that work out well in the long run.

That being said, there are a few substitutions that might work in certain circumstances.

Try them out once you get comfortable with your recipes.

For example, you could sometimessubstituteoils, butter, or eggs in cake recipes with applesauce or ice water.

When working with sugar substitutes, verify your measurements are accurate and the equivalent to regular sugar.

Of course youre excited to see your finished creation.

However, theyll be done when theyre done and not a minute sooner.

Resist the temptation to peek inside the oven to see how your baked goods are coming along.

Opening the door adds a waft of cold air that affects how your cakes and cookies turn out.

Learn from the pros and always have safety equipment nearby.

Try them out to see which ones work best for you.

Looking for more ways to improve your skills?

Check out our other baking articles to learn more hacks, tips, and tricks!