Knowing when your cake is done without a toothpick is actually easier than it sounds. The best way? Just press the surface gently—if it springs back and the little dent disappears, you’re good to go. This simple test can help you avoid soggy middles or dry, overbaked disasters, even if you can’t find a toothpick…
Baking bread at 200°C is all about getting that golden crust and a soft, cooked center. Most loaves need somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes at this temperature, but the exact time depends on the bread’s size and type. You can check if it’s done by tapping the bottom—if it sounds hollow, you’re good. This…
When you hit the bake setting on your oven, you’re cooking food by surrounding it with dry, even heat. Baking works by heating the air around your dish, usually at temps up to 375°F (190°C). This method is great for cakes, breads, casseroles—basically anything that needs gentle, steady heat. Unlike broiling, which blasts food with…
So, you want to bake cupcakes in an air fryer? Timing really matters if you want them light and fluffy. Usually, you’ll want to set your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, give or take depending on cupcake size. Smaller cupcakes might be ready in 8 to 10…
Baking uses dry heat, usually in an oven or another enclosed space. It cooks food by surrounding it with hot air—no direct flame, no boiling water, just steady, even heat. That’s why baking stands apart from frying or boiling. It’s perfect for bread, cakes, cookies, and honestly, a lot more than you might think. When…
When a recipe tells you to set your oven to 180 degrees Celsius, you might pause and wonder—does that mean the oven is actually hot, or just sort of warm? 180 degrees Celsius is what most folks call a moderate temperature. It’s not blazing, but it’s definitely warm enough for everyday baking like cakes, cookies,…
When you’re baking, you might pause and wonder—does milk really need to be at room temperature? It’s not a strict rule, but using milk that’s not ice-cold usually helps everything mix up smoother and can give your baked goods a better texture. Cold milk tends to make batters clump or not blend well. That can…
When you want to use your oven’s bake function, look for a symbol that shows a single horizontal line at the bottom of a square or box. This symbol means the oven will heat from the bottom only, which is what baking usually requires. It’s the most common icon for the bake setting on many…
If you live in the UK or you’re using a UK oven, you’ve probably wondered: does this thing use Celsius or Fahrenheit? Most ovens in the UK show temperatures in degrees Celsius (°C), not Fahrenheit. That’s been the norm for decades now, so you’ll usually spot your oven dial or digital display marked in Celsius…
Ever peeked into your oven while baking and wondered if both the top and bottom heating elements are working at the same time? It’s a fair question, especially if you’re aiming for perfect cookies or a golden loaf. Knowing how these elements work together (or don’t) could help you get better results—and maybe spot a…