Cake Doesn't Rise in New Oven?My cake doesn't rise properly. It comes out flat with little bubbles throughout the top. Could it be aluminum pans (tried disposable foil and regular aluminum pan)? Does it make a difference gas vs. electric?
Baking in a Can?Any one know about baking cakes in a coffee or other can?
Preventing Soggy Pie Crust?I just took a homemade baked apple pie from the freezer. After cutting it I see that the bottom crust is soggy, as if not baked enough. It was thoroughly baked. How can I keep this from happening again?
Entering Cookies in a Baking Contest?I am busy perfecting a few cookie recipes, and I hope to enter them in the local county fair. However, I have never entered baked goods (or anything for that matter) in the fair. Any advice? Thank you.
Bean Cake Recipe?Does anyone have a recipe for bean cakes?
Cake Ideas for a Newly Ordained Pastor?I'm looking for a unique saying for the top of a cake for a newly ordained lady pastor in our church. Thanks for your help.
Making a Cake Without Eggs or Oil?The other night I had a boxed spice cake mix but no oil or eggs. My cupboards were pretty bare. The box called for 1/3 cup oil and 3 eggs. I had some mayonnaise and used 1 cup of it, 1/2 tsp of baking powder and about a Tbsp of sugar.
Uses for Self-Rising Flour?Can you use Presto self rising flour to cook chicken wings ?
Pie Baking Tips?I can't get logged on, and am wondering how long to cook a homemade 8 cup crumbled crust apple pie and at what temperature? Does it need to be thawed first?
Marie Callender's Frozen Pie Crusts Instructions?Could someone give me the directions for baking a Marie Callender's frozen pie crust?
Using Candy Melts on a Cake?I would like to use the candy melts to cover a cake. What can I add to the melts to keep them from hardening so much? I need them to dry so they won't stick to your hands while eating the cake.
What Type of Flour for Baking Cakes?What type of flour are you suppose to use when baking? Is it all purpose, self rising, or regular flour? I am using all purpose flour, but my cakes still don't come out right. Anyone who knows what kind I should use, please let me know. Thanks.
Making Muffin Tops Crunchy?I would like to know what Dunkin' Donuts or supermarkets use to make the top of their muffins so crunchy and yummy? It could be something as simple as sugar. I've tried without any success in getting that nice crunch.
Brownie Pan Recommendations?What is the best pan to cook brownies in? I use a small nonstick square 8x8 baking pan by Bakers ($6.99). I buy the small brownie or muffin mix in the pack by Pillsbury. The nonstick surface seem to chip after using them a few times and I have to keep replacing the pan. I don't know if its the pan or the kids not using it properly. Please advise.
Aebleskiver Pan Keeps Sticking?I recently received an Aebleskiver pan and for the life of me I can't get them to come out. I've followed all the directions to the letter but no luck. I can't manage to turn them over with the sticks provided. And even though I've sprayed the pan as directed, they always stick.
Baking In A Canning Jar?Does anyone know how to bake bread or cake in a canning jar? When do you put the lid on, before or after baking?
Do You Preheat a Baking Stone?Do you need to heat the baking stone before baking cookies on it, or just use it like you would a normal pan?
Pool Theme Birthday Cake?I am making a birthday cake with a pool theme. On the top will be a pool (of course) with a beach ball and sour ring candy for a floaty and maybe a pool noodle. However, around the pool is giving me a bit of trouble.
Why aren't my cakes flat?Does anyone know why cakes are not flat when baked?
Decorating Ideas For A "Pizza" Cookie?I would like to make one of those large cookies that resemble a pizza. Any ideas on how to decorate it to look like a pizza? Not a decorator but I was thinking there must be some easy way to take pre-made candies and make them pizzish looking. I read I could take fruit roll ups and cut out little triangles for green peppers and thats as creative as I got.
Making Ladybug Antenna for a Cake?Any suggestions for making ladybug antenna using candy melts, for a cake? Thanks!
What Kind Of Cake Icing Is Best In Warm Weather?What is the best icing for an outside wedding in warm weather?
Cakes are Not Rising in the Center?I have been baking for a home industries shop for 3 years now and lately my cakes are not rising properly in the center. They seem to rise nicely, then after 3/4 time has elapsed, they sink in the middle. I have changed my flour and baking powder, and reduced my oven temperature. I am now at a loss as to what to try next. Please can someone throw some light on this problem.
Cake is Moist in the Middle and Dry Around the Edges?Why is my cake moist in the middle but dry around the edges?
How Long Do I Cook a Cake in a Different Pan Than Instructed?I want to make a cake that calls for using 3 - 9 inch round pans. Baking is at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. I want to bake it in a 13x9x2 inch baking dish. How long does it need to bake?
Making Banana Bread Moist?How do I get my banana bread to be moist?
Why Are My Cookies Running Together?What did I do wrong? What makes cookies run together when they are baking?
Cookies are Very Thin and Hard?When I bake cookies they turn out paper thin. The directions says drop by tablespoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Mine stuck on the ungreased sheet. Then I greased the cookie sheet and they still turn out paper thin and hard as a rock.
Do You Use Baking Powder With All Purpose Flour?When a recipe calls for flour, but does not say all-purpose or self-rising, do you have to add baking powder to the recipe when you're just using all-purpose flour?
Butter Cookies Not Spreading Out?I've made butter cookies for years but in the last few years sometimes they don't bake right. I use an oven thermometer and test my baking powder/soda. They seem to retract instead of spread out. On the same cookie sheet I'll have some that are fine. Any suggestions? I thought maybe the flour is old?
Can You Put a Metal Coffee Can In The Oven?Can you put a metal coffee can in the oven? I want to bake a circular gingerbread form around the coffee can, would this work?
Icing a Cake to Look Like a Book?I want to ice a cake in fondant so it looks like a book and want to turn the icing back in the corner so it looks like the page of a book is turned back.
Advice for Decorating Cookies?I tried searching for my answer on Thrifty Fun and was unsuccessful. I have a question for our cookie decorators. I'm using royal icing to outline my cookies.
Keeping Brownies from Getting Hard on the EdgesWhy are my brownies always hard around the edges? The center is fine. I use a glass baking dish and have tried a metal pan but same results. Several people I know have this same problem. Can you help me? Thanks in advance.
Graduation Cake Ideas?I need a unique idea for a college graduation cake. One idea I am considering is a graduation hat cake. My daughters graduation isn't till May of 08, but since I am planning on making and decorating the cake myself, I am planning to make some practice runs at it. Her degree is in higher math, so theres not a lot there that I can use for inspiration. Any ideas?
Substituting Wax Paper For Parchment Paper?I went to Jo-Ann Fabrics, ETC and looked at what they charged for a roll of parchment paper. OUCH!
Basketball Themed Birthday Cake?I am throwing my 11 year old son a birthday party and he wants a basketball theme cake. does anyone have any ideas what to make the basketball hoop out of? I am making the cake myself to save money. Thanks
Baking Without Eggs?Hi, I am a vegetarian! I don't want to use eggs in baking and other cooking because the chickens are treated horribly. I would like recipes for cakes, cookies, other desserts, scones, breads, and main courses that can be made successfully without eggs.
michelle.bello@rcn.comthr805154
Making a Sombrero Cake?My 12 year old wants me to make him a cake that looks like a sombrero for his birthday. Any suggestions on how to do this? Thanks
Ratio Of Flour To Sugar In Cakes?Does anyone know what the minimal ratio of flour to sugar is in a cake or banana bread? I don't like these to be too sweet, but I know that sugar serves a function so I can't reduce it too much.
Pirate Theme Birthday Cake?I want to know how to make a cake that is easy for a pirate theme birthday party. It would be great if you could send a picture with it also.
What is a Bundt Pan?Please, can anyone tell me EXACTLY what a bundt pan is? I find many recipes using this item but I don't know what it is. Thanks.
Delicate Textured Cookie?What is the secret to getting a delicate textured cookie?
Baked Breads Still Having a Gooey Center?What causes some breads to bake completely and some to have a gooey middle even after extra time baking? I'm talking about breads like banana bread, breads made with a starter, etc.
My Cinnamon Rolls Are Too Dry?My Cinnamon Rolls Are Too Dry. What does it mean when my cinnamon rolls turn out dry?
Baking With Jelly Beans?Can I bake with jelly beans or how can I use them in cooking?
Making Pumpkin Rolls?Does the cake have to be a certain width to make the pumpkin roll. I had trouble rolling the cake and it keeps breaking in half using the cookie sheet.
Pumpkin Pies Splitting?l recently made pumpkin pie using a mix. l read the instructions, threw the pies in the oven and took them out when they were cooked all the way through. When l woke up the next morning they had splits in the middle. What did l do wrong?
Soaking A Romertopf Clay Covered Casserole?My mother used to make the most delicious meals with a large Romertopf clay covered casserole. I've had it in a cabinet taking up a lot of space for years and not used it, because this method requires soaking for at least an hour and feel that the kitchen sink is not sanitary enough.
Removing a Frozen Pie Crust From Its Pan?How do I remove a purchased, frozen pie crust, from the pan, without the crust breaking? I have tried letting it thaw. I have tried running warm water on the backside of the pan, neither of these tricks, work too well!
Cookie Sheet Instead of Jelly Roll Pan?Can you use a cookie sheet with a rim instead of a jelly roll pan? I have always wanted to try making a pumpkin roll and see it says I need a jelly roll pan. My husband does not like pumpkin so this might be a one shot trial deal, so I don't want the expenditure.
Making Low-fat Christmas Cookies?Making Low-fat Christmas Cookies Request. Last year I made all my Christmas cookies trying to make low fat and sugar free. I didn't use any oil. . .
Pyrex Bakeware in Different Shapes?Does anyone know whether or not you can buy Pyrex or other glass bakewear in shapes like hearts? My favorite recipe is best baked in glassware rather than metal, but I need a shape other than square or rectangle.
Keeping a Pie Crust from Shrinking?I read somewhere that I could fill a pie shell with beans using parchment paper to stop it from shrinking. I do not have any parchment paper. Is there any other method I can use? Pricking the shell and using cold pastry still allows the shell to shrink.
My Cakes Aren't Rising?I've been making Miracle Whip cake for over 40 years now, and it has always risen to at least the top of the pan, but the last couple of times I made it, it only raised about half way up the pan. Does anyone know what the problem could be?
Making a Slanted Cake?Do you have instructions on how to make a slanted cake? I have done a few regular looking cakes but would like to try the slanted kind.
Baking Cupcakes on More Than One Rack?In a conventional home oven, how do I bake 8 cakes at a time (4 on top, 4 on bottom). Do I swap racks in the middle of the bake or do I just add more time?
Mini-Muffin Paper Cups?I am looking for Mini-Muffin paper cups that fit the mini muffin tins for minature cheesecakes. The only ones I can find are the regular or minature (very small) paper cups. Any help would be appreciated.
Cake With Too Much Brown Sugar?I made a mistake and added 2 cups of brown sugar to a loaf cake recipe. it should have been only 1 cup. The cake was a Poor Man's Cake, made with raisins, shortening, flour and spices, etc. I gave it as a gift (not realizing the mistake until later). Will extra brown sugar change the consistency or change the cake in any way, other than just making it sweeter?
Doubling a Baking Recipe?I have a recipe for a loaf cake, using raisins, brown sugar, etc. It gives the ingredients for 1 loaf, I want to make 2 loaves but I am not sure if it would come out right if I doubled everything in the recipe.
The Best Apples for Baking?What are the best kind of apples for baked goods? Not sure if I should just ask Canadians this (lol) as the USA might have different kinds of apples there. There are just so many different kinds in the grocery stores now a days. Would love everyone's input on this.
Cakes Sticking to an Angel Food Cake Pan?Today I tried to make five flavor cake in an angel food pan and it stuck. The recipe did not call for the pan to be treated. Last summer I made a Jewish apple cake and that also stuck in the pan. Both these recipes called for this type pan - but they both stuck - any ideas why?
Baking Troubleshooting?Can you tell me what am I doing wrong? When I cook biscuits, muffins, cookies etc. they are either perfect on top and bottom but uncooked im the middle, or too brown on the bottom and uncooked in the middle and slightly uncooked on the top? I've adjusted racks, etc but still get same results.
Do I have to flour a cake pan?When a recipe says to grease and flour a cake pan, when the cake is done, and I take it out of the oven, there is always some of the flour from the greasing and flouring left on the finished cake. I don't want to frost the cake. Do I have to flour the cake pan, or is greasing it enough to prevent this problem from happening?
Baking With Baby Formula?I have one can of baby formula. At $30 a can I would hate to throw it out. Any one have any good recipes for cookies or cake to make using formula?
Greasing Silcone Pans?Do silicone pans need to be greased? I'm using my little ones for the first time to make molten lava cakes and I want to make sure they come out properly.
Preventing Crust From Browning on a White Cake?Maybe some of you bakers can answer my question. I have baked wedding cakes for many years, but I have always wondered if there's a way to keep outside crust from browning on a white cake. If you lined the pan with waxed paper, would this prevent it? Store bought cakes have no brown crust so there must be a secret to this.
Pastry Making Tips?Tips for making great pastries. Post your ideas.
Recipes Using Instant Oatmeal?My family strongly dislikes the packets of instant oatmeal I thought they would enjoy. I have more than half of a box left (and six others I purchased at 50 cents each left over). Any ideas on what I can do with the oatmeal? Can I make cookies out of instant oatmeal?
Dry Bulk Yeast vs. Yeast Packets?Hi,
Does anyone know how much yeast is in a packet? I have bulk yeast but forget how many teaspoons or tablespoons are in a packet. So many recipes call for packets.
Thanks,
Susan
Using Chocolate Pudding Mix For Cookies?With double coupons a couple years ago, I bought for next to nothing, about 12 chocolate pudding mixes, the cooked kind, not the instant. Does anyone have a recipe for using a cooked pudding mix in a cookie dough? Nothing comes up under google. I would like to use these up but do not want to make that much pudding.
Replacement Airbake Tops?Does anyone know where I can buy replacements for my broken airbake tops?
Brown for MultiGrain Bread?How can I make brown for my multi grain bread besides using molasses for a sweetening. I don't know what else "natural" that I can use. Coffee, Cocoa - will the flavor be too overpowering?
Oven Rack Height When Baking?After all these years I wondered if I am bakig my cookies on the right oven height. I have been using the 2nd notch from the bottom and today tried the 1st notch on the bottom. I know some recipes call for using the middle rack. I never have known if the top notch was for broiling or if the 2nd from the top was for broiling. Anyone know?
Kittie1
Baking Pan Conversion?A cake recipe I am interested in making requires two 9-inch baking pans. I would like to convert that to a 13x9 inch baking pan or a 10-inch tube pan. Does anyone know if the temperature changes or how long the bake time would be? Thanks for your help.
"Mike"
Cooking Cake for Two?I'm have a quandry about baking a cake for two. My thoughts are to down size the 8 in pan as to cut the cake in half. Is there anywhere i can find a 4 in pan for round cakes? giggle--I keep thinking of my old easy bake oven and wish i had those pans now! My children are all grown up and I only want a round cake miniaturized for two! If anyone knows a place where I can purchase mini cooking pans, i would surely appreciate it. Kate
Making Pie Crusts For The Freezer?I love to make pies, but I lose recipes a lot so i have to find a recipe again every time I absolutely hate the taste of refrigerated pie crust, (store bought), I was wondering if anyone had a recipe for making a lot of pie dough that would stay good frozen or in the fridge.
Juniorbaker
Using Red Velvet Cake Mix?There is a new red velvet cake mix on sale now that tastes exactly like a "scratch" cake, if you add the vinegar and cocoa from the original recipe to the cake mix. My son never noticed a difference.
Baking Cookies in High Humidity?Every Christmas I like to bake an assortment of cookies for friends, but it is such a struggle. I live in Hawaii and am convinced the humidity is ruining my cookie baking but I don't know how to counteract the effects. Cookies are either burned, not baked enough, soft, too hard .... something! Can anyone give me a general idea of what I am up against? I see corrections in recipes for high altitudes but nothing for high humidity.
Mahalo,
Elaine
Problem with Cakes?I want to know the tips about cakes. My problem is the volume of the cake is decreasing after the cake is removed from the oven and when it is cooled. Also the middle of the upper portion is not getting baked. Please reply or give suggestion.
Editor's Note: This was sent in from a reader in India
Converting Muffin Recipes?When I tried to bake a batch of mini chocolate chip muffins this past weekend, they came out overdone. Does anybody know how long I should bake the mini muffins and at what temp?
Wilton's Candy Melts - What to do with them?I had the opportunity to purchase several package of Wilton's Candy Melts from the craft store in milk chocolate, white, lemon flavors at a reduced price. Now I'm not sure how to bake with them. Can they be used like choc. chips etc. or are they more firm and less likely to melt. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you
Evie
How to Make Self Rising Flour?How can you make your own self rising flour; what are the amounts?
Recipes for Bread Tubes?I got 3 bread tubes from Pampered chef for Christmas, but all the recipes call for bought dough. Please send home made recipes.