What is 170 Degrees in Baking? Understanding Temperature and Recipe Impact
When you spot 170 degrees in a baking recipe, it almost always means 170 degrees Celsius. That’s a moderate temp—about 338 degrees Fahrenheit—perfect for gently baking cakes, cookies, and a bunch of other treats.
Getting this right helps you set your oven so you don’t end up with dry or burnt bakes.
If you’re using gas marks, 170°C is roughly gas mark 3 or 4. Most recipes call this a moderate heat.
Use the right setting and you’ll get even cooking. No one wants a burnt top and raw middle.
Understanding 170 Degrees in Baking
When you see 170 degrees in a recipe, check if it’s Celsius or Fahrenheit. That can make or break your cake.
If you know how to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit, you’ll bake with way more confidence. Some recipes just work best at this temp, giving you the right texture and finish.
Is 170 Degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit?
In baking, 170 degrees almost always means Celsius. You’ll see this in plenty of European and Australian recipes.
If you’re working with Fahrenheit, 170°C is about 338°F. That’s still moderate—not too hot, not too cool.
If your recipe just says “170 degrees” with no scale, check where it came from or what kind of oven it mentions. European or British recipes for cakes and breads usually mean Celsius.
Temperature Conversions for Baking
Here’s how to convert:
F = (C × 9/5) + 32.
So for 170°C:
F = (170 × 9/5) + 32 = 338°F.
If your oven only lets you pick in 5-degree jumps, just use 335°F or 340°F—it won’t ruin your bake.
Got a fan or convection oven? Drop the temp by about 20 degrees Celsius. For 170°C, set your oven to around 150°C (300°F).
| Celsius | Fahrenheit | Oven Type | Suggested Fan Oven Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 170°C | 338°F | Conventional oven | 150°C (300°F) |
Common Recipes Using 170 Degrees
Lots of cake recipes—think sponge or chiffon—call for 170°C. It’s gentle enough to keep the crust from burning while the center cooks through.
You’ll see 170°C for bread too, especially if you want it soft and fluffy rather than crusty.
Cookies and muffins turn out well at this temp. You get a nice golden outside but a soft, moist inside.
This is one of those “middle of the road” temperatures. It’s steady, not too harsh, and lets you bake without stress.
If you want more on oven temps, check this oven temperature guide.
Practical Implications of Baking at 170 Degrees
Baking at 170°C works best for foods that need a softer touch. It’s all about knowing which recipes shine at this temp and how to tweak your baking time.
Ideal Foods for Baking at 170 Degrees
You’ll want to bake delicate things like sponge cakes, custards, and some pastries at 170°C. The lower heat keeps them from burning or getting too dark.
You can slow-roast meats like chicken or pork at 170°C. The inside cooks through but stays juicy—not dry.
Skip this temp for quick breads or anything that needs a crisp, crunchy crust. It’s just not hot enough for that.
If your recipe calls for a longer bake with steady heat, 170°C is your friend. It helps keep things moist and tender.
Adjusting Baking Times and Results
At 170°C, you’ll wait a bit longer for things to finish. For example, a cake that’s done in 30 minutes at 180°C might take 35–45 minutes here.
Keep an eye on your bake. Poke it with a toothpick, set a timer, but trust your nose and the color too.
Lower heat means more even baking and less risk of burnt edges. But if you’re after deep browning, this temp might not get you there.
Tips for Accurate Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can get weirdly off from what the dial says. Grab an oven thermometer and see if your oven actually hits 170 degrees.
Stick the thermometer on the middle rack. That’s where you’ll get the truest reading. Try not to open the oven door too much, or you’ll lose heat and mess up the results.
If you notice your oven runs hotter or colder than it should, tweak the settings. Say it’s always 10 degrees too high—set it to 160, and you’ll probably land right at 170.
Want to dig deeper into oven quirks? Check out this baking temperature comparison.
