Today, I want to share my favorite measuring tools for baking. Ever had a cake turn out too heavy? Cookies that didn’t spread evenly? It might just be because of how you measure your ingredients.
With years of experience as a baker and pastry chef, I know the best tools for the job. Trust me, accurate measuring tools are crucial.
Plus, the best tools make baking so much easier and fun! So read on to learn my expert baking measurement tips, and you’ll never have to worry about doughy bread or dense cupcakes again!
Why Accurate Measuring Tools Are Important
Baking can be a bit of a science—precise measurements are key to getting the outcome you’re looking for.
Each ingredient has a job. Flour and sugar work together with a leaven (like baking powder) to give your bakes their irresistible texture. Use too much flour, and your cake turns out dense and dry. Not enough leaven, and your bread doesn’t rise.
Even tiny mistakes in measuring can totally change how your treats turn out. Just a little extra flour or baking powder can mean the difference between a fluffy pastry and a baking disaster!
And it’s not just the texture of your baked goods. Proper measurements are also key for flavor. Spices, extracts, and other flavors need to be measured carefully so they don’t overpower the other ingredients.
For more info on the science of how these ingredients interact, see our Chemistry of Baking post.
Kitchen Measuring Tools Every Baker Needs
Precision begins with the best baking measuring tools!
So let’s look at some of the most indispensable baking tools of the trade, in order of importance:
1. Kitchen Scale
A good kitchen scale should be your go-to for measuring. While measuring cups and spoons are useful, kitchen scales are great for precision, especially with dry ingredients like flour and sugar.
Measuring with cups and spoons can be tricky. Things like humidity and how you pack the ingredients can mess up your measurements. Not to mention, the different densities of baking ingredients.
But with a kitchen scale, you get accurate weights every time. Choose one with a wide base and digital readout, like this one.
2. Liquid Measuring Cup
A liquid measuring cup is very helpful for liquids like water, milk, and oil. These cups have a spout for easy pouring and clear markings on the side for accurate measurement.
When using a liquid measuring cup, place it on a flat surface and check the measurement at eye level. This way, you’ll get an accurate reading.
Holding the cup up to eye level can cause mistakes.
My favorite are Pyrex glass measuring cups. They are clear and easy to read, plus they can handle high heat, like boiling water, microwave, and dishwasher.
3. Measuring Spoons
Measuring spoons are essential for accurately portioning small amounts of ingredients like spices, extracts, and baking powder. Look for spoons with long handles and narrow heads. This helps you reach into narrow containers and measure accurately.
The weight might not matter much for small amounts, but the difference between a tablespoon (tbsp) and a teaspoon (tsp) is important. Using the wrong one can ruin your recipe, especially with ingredients like salt.
Expert Tip: A home-baking recipe never requires a tablespoon of salt. It’s always a teaspoon or less.
4. Measuring Cups
Measuring cups are probably the most iconic tool in any baker’s kitchen, but they can also be the most inaccurate. They come in various sizes and let you measure both dry and liquid ingredients.
To use measuring cups correctly, fill them to the brim and level off any excess with a straight edge. This ensures precise measurements every time.
Metal measuring cups with a firm base are best, since they can stand on their own while you gather ingredients.
How to Measure Ingredients Accurately
Let’s explore some tips for measuring both dry and liquid ingredients.
Below is a list of common ingredients with best practices for measuring them.
Dry Ingredients
Flour and Sugar
Scale (preferred method)
- Use a scale to measure the weight in grams.
- Place a mixing bowl on your scale and zero it out to ignore the bowl’s weight.
- Use a measuring cup or spoon to add flour or sugar to the bowl until you reach the desired weight.
Measuring Cups
- Begin by fluffing the flour or sugar in its container using a spoon or scoop.
- Use a dry measuring cup to scoop the flour or sugar, then level it off with a straight edge.
- To prevent dense, dry baked goods, avoid compacting flour into the measuring cup.
- Brown sugar, however, should be packed firmly into the measuring cup.
Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Salt, and Spices
- Accuracy is very important for these ingredients. They affect rise, texture, and taste – so be sure to use the right baking measuring tool for the job.
- If the recipe provides a weight measurement, use a scale as you would with flour or sugar.
- If using a measuring spoon, use a dry measuring spoon and level it off with a straight edge.
- Too much or too little baking powder or baking soda can affect leavening and result in uneven or dense baked goods.
- Too much or too little salt can affect the final product’s rise and taste.
Cocoa Powder
- Like flour, fluff cocoa powder in its container before measuring.
- Use a dry measuring cup to scoop the cocoa powder, then level it off with a straight edge.
Liquid Ingredients
Liquids such as water, milk, and oil play a vital role in the moisture and texture of baked goods. While measuring liquids may seem straightforward, there are a few key techniques to ensure accuracy:
Water and Milk
- Use a kitchen scale to measure the correct weight for best results.
- If using a measuring cup, use one with clear markings on the side.
- Pour the liquid into the cup, filling it to the desired mark.
- View the measurement at eye level to ensure accuracy.
Oil
- Use a kitchen scale to measure the correct weight for best results.
- Use a liquid measuring cup for accurate measurement of oil.
- Pour the oil into the cup, allowing it to settle.
- Check the measurement at eye level.
Extracts
- Use a kitchen scale to measure the correct weight for best results.
- If using a measuring spoon, pour the extract into the spoon, allowing it to settle for an accurate measurement.
Common Baking Measurement Mistakes
Measuring Over the Mixing Bowl
Avoid measuring ingredients directly over your main mixing bowl. If you spill, you can’t fix it.
Measure ingredients over a separate bowl or container, preferably on a scale, then transfer them to the mixing bowl.
Using the Wrong Baking Measuring Tool
Use the right measuring tool for each ingredient – a scale is usually the best option.
If you do use measuring cups, spoon flour into a dry measuring cup and level it off. Don’t scoop directly from the bag, as it can compact the flour.
Ignoring Ingredient Temperature
Pay attention to ingredient temperature, especially when baking. Cold ingredients can affect the texture of your baked goodies – especially cold butter or eggs.
Let them come to room temperature before measuring and using them.
Becoming a Baking Pro
When baking, precision is key. Getting good at using your baking measuring tools will lead to consistent results.
This takes a little practice, so keep baking and honing your skills. Remember to have fun with it!
If you make a mistake, just make some tweaks and try again. Even pastry chefs mess up and start over! This is part of the learning process.
With a careful touch and a little patience, you’ll become a baking pro. Your baked goods will not only look amazing but taste incredible too.
