Basics of baking: raw material replacement and ingredient functions
Baking is an art that requires patience and precision. However, sometimes you are missing certain ingredients or want to use a healthier alternative. In this post, you will learn some important tips and tricks to find substitutes for commonly used baking ingredients and how to understand their functions to build your own baking system.
Raw material replacement formula
If you ever find yourself without a particular ingredient or are looking for a healthier option, here are some substitute formulas that can help:
- Milk substitute: 100 ml milk ≈ 90 ml water + 10 g milk powder
- Condensed milk substitute: 1L whole milk + 100g white sugar, simmer for 2 hours at low heat. Add 30g butter and stir evenly.
- Butter substitute: Greek yogurt (replace 1:1/1:2) or coconut oil (1:1), olive oil (1:3/1:4)
- Flour substitute for high gluten content: dumpling flour or steamed bun flour
- Flour substitute for medium gluten content: 50% high gluten flour + 50% low gluten flour
- Cake flour substitute: 50% high gluten flour + 50% corn starch or 80% medium gluten flour + 20% corn starch
Functions of baking ingredients
It is important to understand why certain ingredients are used in baking. Here are some examples:
- High-gluten flour: Often used in bread and toast because it gives the right structure.
- Glaze: Ideal for whipping meringues or sprinkling on desserts. Contains cornstarch, which increases stability.
- Sugar substitute: Can be used in desserts that do not require fermentation or whipping.
- Whipping cream: Animal cream should be chilled to maintain a stable consistency.
- Cocoa powder and matcha powder: add color and flavor.
- Corn oil: Odorless and ideal for baking.
- Butter: Adds flavor and texture to bread, toast, cookies and other baked goods.
- Milk/milk powder: Enhances the milk flavor and gives a creamy consistency.
With these basics in mind, you can be more flexible in your baking and use alternative ingredients without compromising the quality of your dishes. Happy baking!
Keywords: Baking, raw material substitute, flour, butter, milk, sugar substitute, cream, non-stick coating, basics