Question 1

Why do cakes rise in the oven?

Accepted Answer

Cakes rise because baking powder or baking soda creates bubbles in the batter. When the cake gets hot, these bubbles get bigger, making the cake fluffy and tall.

Question 2

What does baking powder do?

Accepted Answer

Baking powder helps make cakes and cookies rise. It's like a tiny balloon maker, creating air bubbles that make baked goods light and soft.

Question 3

Why do we use eggs in baking?

Accepted Answer

Eggs help stick all the ingredients together and add extra fluffiness. They also make the cake rich and tasty.

Question 4

What happens if we forget sugar in a recipe?

Accepted Answer

If you forget sugar, your cake or cookies won't taste sweet. Sugar also helps the baked goods turn golden brown and stay moist.

Question 5

Why do cookies spread out when they bake?

Accepted Answer

Cookies spread because the butter and sugar melt and make the dough flatter. A hot oven makes this spread happen quicker.

Question 6

Why is flour important in baking?

Accepted Answer

Flour is like the building blocks of baked goods. It helps give them shape and makes them chewy or soft, depending on how much you use.

Question 7

What does yeast do in bread?

Accepted Answer

Yeast makes bread rise by creating tiny bubbles inside the dough. These bubbles make the bread fluffy and soft.

Question 8

Why do we add salt to baking recipes?

Accepted Answer

Salt adds flavor and helps make the sweet taste pop! It also helps control how dough rises.

Question 9

What is gluten?

Accepted Answer

Gluten is a stretchy substance in flour that helps make bread and cookies chewy. It's what makes dough feel sticky and stretchy!

Question 10

Why does chocolate melt in baking?

Accepted Answer

Chocolate melts because it has fats that become liquid when they get hot. This helps spread chocolatey goodness throughout cookies or cake!

Question 11

What does vanilla extract do?

Accepted Answer

Vanilla extract adds a yummy flavor to cakes and cookies. Even a little bit can make baked goods smell and taste great!

Question 12

Why do we need oil or butter in baking?

Accepted Answer

Oil and butter make baked goods moist and tender. They also add flavor and help keep things from sticking to the pan.

Question 13

What happens if you over-mix cake batter?

Accepted Answer

Over-mixing can make the cake tough because it creates too much gluten. It's better to mix until just combined for a soft cake.

Question 14

Why is it important to preheat the oven?

Accepted Answer

Preheating makes sure the oven is hot enough to bake evenly. If you don't preheat, cakes might not rise, or cookies could spread too much.

Question 15

What does whisking do?

Accepted Answer

Whisking mixes air into liquids or batter, making them light and fluffy. It's like creating tiny air bubbles that help things rise!

Question 16

Why do some recipes call for sifting flour?

Accepted Answer

Sifting breaks up any clumps and adds air to the flour. This helps make the cake or cookie nice and light!

Question 17

What makes pie crust flaky?

Accepted Answer

Pie crust is flaky when chunks of cold butter melt and create little air pockets. These air pockets make the crust crispy and delicious.

Question 18

Why do some breads have holes inside?

Accepted Answer

Those holes are made by bubbles that form when yeast works with the dough. These bubbles make the bread light and fluffy!

Question 19

What makes muffins rise into a dome shape?

Accepted Answer

Muffins rise because baking powder and soda make air bubbles that expand as they heat. The dome shape is because they bake quickly on the outside, trapping air inside.

Question 20

Why does icing harden when it cools?

Accepted Answer

Icing hardens because sugar crystals stick together when they cool down. This makes the icing firm and not sticky anymore.

The Chemistry of Baking: Understanding Reactions in the Kitchen - 20 FAQs Explained Simply