Tips Techniques

Tips Techniques tips, guides, substitutions and techniques.

More Tips Techniques Articles

Cake with household items for decorating.
07/14/2025
TIPS & TECHNIQUES

No Piping Bags? 7 Household Items That Work Just as Well for Cake Decorating

So, we're in the middle of baking, right? And then it hits us – no piping bags! It's a classic moment of panic for any home baker. But don't you worry, we've all been there. Turns out, our kitchens are full of clever little things that can step in as a perfect piping bag substitute. We’re going to show you some awesome hacks using everyday household items. These tricks will not only save you a trip to the store but also help you get that cake looking amazing, even without fancy gear. Key Takea

7 min read

Baked goods and white powder in bowls.
07/08/2025
EGGS & BINDERS

Xanthan Gum vs. Psyllium Husk: Which Binder is Better for Gluten-Free Baking?

So, you're trying to bake gluten-free, right? It can be a bit tricky because gluten usually gives baked goods their structure. Without it, things can fall apart pretty easily. That's where binders like xanthan gum and psyllium husk come in. They help hold everything together. We're going to talk about xanthan gum vs psyllium husk gluten-free, and figure out which one is best for your recipes. Let's get into it! Key Takeaways * Binders are super important in gluten-free baking because they ma

8 min read

Sunken gluten-free cake on cooling rack.
07/08/2025
TIPS & TECHNIQUES

Why Your Gluten-Free Cake Sinks (And How to Save It)

Ever baked a gluten-free cake, pulled it out of the oven looking perfect, only to watch it deflate right before your eyes? Yeah, we’ve all been there. It's super frustrating when your gluten-free cake keeps sinking. But don't worry, you're not alone, and there are good reasons why this happens. We're going to walk through the common problems and give you some simple tips to make sure your next gluten-free cake stays fluffy and delicious. Key Takeaways * Gluten-free baking is different from r

10 min read

Hands kneading gluten-free dough on a floured surface.
07/08/2025
GLUTEN-FREE

Sticky Gluten-Free Dough? Here's Exactly How to Fix It

We've all been there: trying to bake something yummy, only to end up with a gluten-free dough that's more like a sticky mess than anything usable. It can be super frustrating, right? But don't worry, we're here to help you figure out why your dough is acting up and, more importantly, how to make gluten-free dough less sticky. We'll walk you through some simple fixes and tips to get your dough just right, so you can bake with confidence and avoid those sticky situations. Key Takeaways * Too m

11 min read

Perfectly textured gluten-free brownies on a cooling rack.
07/08/2025
GLUTEN-FREE

No More Gummy Brownies: Fixing Gluten-Free Texture Once and for All

So, you've tried making gluten-free brownies, and they came out, well, a little too chewy? Or maybe they just fell apart? We've all been there. It's super frustrating when your baked goods don't turn out right, especially when you're trying to avoid gluten. But don't worry! We're here to help you figure out how to fix gummy gluten-free brownies and get that perfect, fudgy texture every single time. It's all about understanding a few key things, and once you do, you'll be baking like a pro. Key

9 min read

Gluten-free cupcakes, one with a cracked top.
07/08/2025
GLUTEN-FREE

10 Gluten-Free Baking Mistakes (And the Fixes That Actually Work)

So, we've all been there, right? You get excited to bake up some gluten-free goodies, follow a recipe to the letter, and then boom—total flop. It's super frustrating when your cookies spread into a giant pancake or your bread turns out like a brick. Turns out, gluten-free baking has its own set of rules, and if you don't play by them, you're pretty much guaranteed to hit some bumps. We've made our fair share of gluten-free baking mistakes, so we put together this list of the top 10 things that

11 min read

Measuring cups, spoons, ingredients on kitchen counter.
06/03/2025
TIPS & TECHNIQUES

The Beginner's Guide to Measuring Baking Ingredients

Nothing's more frustrating than pulling a batch of cookies out of the oven only to find them flat as pancakes, or cutting into what should be a fluffy cake and discovering it's dense as a brick. Nine times out of ten, the culprit isn't your oven or bad luck—it's how you measured your ingredients. I learned this the hard way after years of "eyeballing" measurements and wondering why my grandmother's chocolate chip cookie recipe never tasted quite right when I made it. Turns out, there's actually

5 min read

Assorted diabetic-friendly baked goods on a wooden table.
05/26/2025
SWEETENERS

Baking for Diabetics: Sugar Alternatives That Don't Sacrifice Taste or Texture

Baking for diabetics doesn’t mean you have to give up on delicious treats. With the right substitutes, you can create mouthwatering desserts that are friendly to blood sugar levels. This guide will explore diabetic baking substitutes that keep the taste and texture you love, all while being mindful of health. Let's dive into the world of sweet alternatives! Key Takeaways * Diabetic-friendly desserts can still be tasty and satisfying with the right ingredients. * Natural sweeteners like stev

8 min read

Oat milk pouring into a bowl with baking ingredients.
04/28/2025
DAIRY

Is Oat Milk Bad for You? What Bakers Should Know Before Using It

Understanding Oat Milk's Nutritional Profile Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what's actually in oat milk. We need to know what we're working with before we start swapping it into our favorite recipes. It's not just about taste; it's about how it affects the final product and, of course, our health. Calories and Macronutrients So, what's the deal with calories and macros in oat milk? Generally, a cup of oat milk clocks in around 120 calories. It's got a decent carb count, usually aro

4 min read

Baking on a Budget: 12 Affordable Substitutes for Expensive Baking Ingredients
04/28/2025
SUBSTITUTION GUIDE

Baking on a Budget: 12 Affordable Substitutes for Expensive Baking Ingredients

I nearly abandoned my weekend baking plans last month when I realized butter had somehow climbed to $7 a pound. Standing in the grocery aisle, staring at the price tag, I had a moment of clarity: either I needed to find more affordable alternatives or give up my baking hobby altogether. Spoiler alert: I didn't give up baking. Instead, I dove into experimenting with substitutions that wouldn't break the bank. Some failed spectacularly (let's never speak of the black bean brownies incident), but

4 min read

 spices and pumpkin in a cozy kitchen setting.
04/21/2025
TIPS & TECHNIQUES

Out of Pumpkin Spice? 8 DIY Substitutes Using Pantry Staples

If you find yourself out of pumpkin spice, don’t worry! You can easily whip up a pumpkin spice substitute using common pantry ingredients. Whether you're baking a pie, making lattes, or just want that warm autumn flavor, these alternatives will do the trick. Let’s explore some simple substitutes that can bring that cozy fall vibe back to your kitchen. Key Takeaways * You can make a pumpkin spice substitute with common spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. * Ginger and allspice are stronger optio

5 min read

Baked goods with flaxseed for egg substitution in baking.
04/11/2025
EGGS & BINDERS

How to Substitute Flaxseed for Eggs in Your Favorite Recipes

Understanding Flaxseed As An Egg Substitute Nutritional Benefits of Flaxseed Flaxseed is often called a superfood, and for good reason! It's packed with nutrients that are great for your health. We're talking about omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart, and lots of fiber, which helps with digestion. Plus, flaxseed is a good source of lignans, which have antioxidant properties. Adding flaxseed to your baked goods not only helps replace eggs but also gives you a nutritional boost.

9 min read

Creamy baked good with half and half toppings.
04/11/2025
DAIRY

Easy Half and Half Substitutes for Richer Baked Goods

If you find yourself without half and half, don’t worry! There are plenty of easy substitutes that can give your baked goods that rich, creamy texture. Whether you're making a cake, muffins, or a creamy sauce, these alternatives can save the day. Let's explore some simple options that you can use instead of half and half milk substitute, so you can keep baking without a hitch! Key Takeaways * Half and half is a mix of milk and cream; you can easily recreate it with other dairy or non-dairy o

8 min read

Fluffy baked goods with buttermilk substitutes on a table.
03/31/2025
DAIRY

5 Foolproof Buttermilk Substitutes for Fluffier Baked Goods

Running out of buttermilk mid-recipe doesn't have to derail your baking plans. These five substitutes can help you achieve the same tender, fluffy results without a trip to the store. Key Takeaways * Sour cream can mimic the tang and thickness of buttermilk. * Greek yogurt is a great swap, just thin it out with a bit of water or milk. * Heavy cream adds richness and can be used in equal amounts as a buttermilk substitute. * Half & half works well if you want something creamier than milk.

4 min read

Baking Substitutions: Ingredient Alternatives That Actually Work (And Why)
03/27/2025
TIPS & TECHNIQUES

Baking Substitutions: Ingredient Alternatives That Actually Work (And Why)

We've all been there - elbow-deep in flour when you realize you're completely out of eggs, or butter, or whatever crucial ingredient your recipe calls for. Don't panic and please don't abandon that cake-in-progress! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best substitutions for common baking ingredients, with all the details you need to make smart swaps. What makes our guide different? We don't just tell you what to substitute - we explain how it will affect your bake, when to use e

6 min read