Why baking is a science - Claire Elizabeth Creates (2024)

Introducing my brand new series.. cake chemistry! Let’s begin by looking at what the definition of Science actually is..

SCIENCE

1. (knowledge from) the careful study of the structure and behaviour of the physical world, especially by watching, measuring, and doing experiments, and the development of theories to describe the results of these activities.

-Collins dictionary

The process of baking also involves studying the structure and behaviour of the physical… in the form of ingredients, by watching (or choosing), measuring, doing experiments with these ingredients, and then developing theories, aka methods and recipes. This is how every baked good originates! Although similar to cooking, baking requires a much higher degree of accuracy when measuring ingredients and it is a careful balance of these ingredients which produce a high-quality baked good. Many cakes and also other baked goods contain very similar ingredients – flour, sugar, fat, eggs, and water for example but yet the finished goods can vary immensely in size, shape, texture, and taste simply due to the proportion and assembly method of these ingredients.

For example, if we add too many eggs to a biscuit recipe it would probably end up more like a cake, and if we didn’t add any eggs to a cake recipe it would probably end up more like a biscuit! This is why it is so important to carefully measure ingredients properly. A chef preparing a pasta dish can make adjustments along the way if something isn’t quite right – for example adding more salt – but a baker preparing a cake cannot add extra sugar to the recipe once their cake is in the oven!

Baking requires patience, skill, accuracy, and of course creativity.. bakers are essentially chemists in the kitchen.

In this new series, I’m going to be talking all things baking science. Explaining various ingredients and how they function, different baking methods and the results they produce, and answering all your baking FAQs. I’m also going to do more research into vegan and gluten free baking, so that I can share my results with you and find out the secrets of what makes a perfect cake!

Thank you to everyone who was stuck with me on this baking/cake chemistry/creative journey… I have been unsure as to what content to create being a multi passionate individual but I do feel that it’s slowly coming together! Please do share your thoughts, questions, and ideas with me, and join the community – I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time,

Claire x

Why baking is a science - Claire Elizabeth Creates (2024)

FAQs

Why baking is a science - Claire Elizabeth Creates? ›

For example, if we add too many eggs to a biscuit recipe it would probably end up more like a cake, and if we didn't add any eggs to a cake recipe it would probably end up more like a biscuit! This is why it is so important to carefully measure ingredients properly.

Why is baking considered a science? ›

Baking is more than just mixing ingredients together. It's about understanding how those ingredients interact with each other to create a delectable final product. From flour to sugar, baking powder to eggs, every ingredient has a specific purpose and role in the chemistry of baking.

Is baking a science or an art? ›

You can't even begin to experiment with the art of baking until you know the fantastic scientific properties of the ingredients and how they interact with each other under heat. Baking is both an art and science!

What is an example of science in baking? ›

Sugar Reacts With Heat and Proteins to Create the Perfect Crust. You know your cake is done baking when you pull it out of the oven and see that perfect golden brown crust on top. That sweet, toasted crust is the result of a chemical reaction between sugars and proteins called the Maillard reaction.

What is the scientific process of baking? ›

Baking – High temperature leads yeast to release carbon dioxide bubbles more rapidly, causing oven spring before the yeast dies off; water moves from gluten to starch, leading to browning.

What is the basic science of baking? ›

Gas. Leavening, or making the dough rise, is an essential aspect of the science of baking. When liquid ingredients are heated in the oven, they emit some steam that helps lift the dough. Typically, though, a specific leavening ingredient such as yeast or baking soda will be added to baked goods.

Why Bakery is considered art and science? ›

As an artist, the baker uses scientific knowledge of the chemistry of baking to create unique yet familiar dishes. Their experience and personal philosophies play a large role in the way they work. Bakers use flavor, texture, and visual appeal to produce an edible art piece.

Is baking a science activity? ›

Baking is a tasty and fun hobby. Most people probably would not equate it with science, but the truth is, it can be used as a tool to teach certain concepts. Here are a few ways to teach science through baking activities to children of all ages.

Is Bakery a science? ›

Bakery Science is more complex than its name may suggest. If you major in it, you'll learn all about the intricate chemical processes involved in baking just about everything. You'll learn about production processes, the functions of various ingredients, and nutrition.

What is the science of cooking? ›

The science of cooking is also sometimes called molecular gastronomy. This includes all the details about how heat, cold, acids, or other ingredients affect food.

How is baking bread a science? ›

The yeast cells grow, the gluten protein pieces stick together to form networks, and alcohol and carbon dioxide are formed from the breakdown of carbohydrates (starch, sugars) that are found naturally in the flour. Yeast uses sugars by breaking them down into carbon dioxide and water.

Is making a cake science? ›

As the batter temperature rises, the gases in the air cells make bigger the stretchy gluten from the flour, then the chemical leavening sellers launch carbon dioxide. If you ever go to a culinary school, one of the basic lessons youwould learn is that baking is a science.

What is the definition of baking in food science? ›

baking, process of cooking by dry heat, especially in some kind of oven. It is probably the oldest cooking method. Bakery products, which include bread, rolls, cookies, pies, pastries, and muffins, are usually prepared from flour or meal derived from some form of grain.

Is baking a science cooking is an art? ›

Cooking is thus considered art because the process and results can vary, but we know what is good cooking and what is not. Baking, on the other hand, involves greater precision, which is why it is considered a science.

Why is baking also referred as science? ›

The process of baking also involves studying the structure and behaviour of the physical… in the form of ingredients, by watching (or choosing), measuring, doing experiments with these ingredients, and then developing theories, aka methods and recipes. This is how every baked good originates!

What are the scientific principles of baking? ›

Batters and dough pass through 10 stages during the baking process:
  1. Fats melt.
  2. Gasses form.
  3. Gasses are trapped.
  4. Microorganisms are killed.
  5. Starches gelatinize.
  6. Proteins coagulate.
  7. Water evaporates.
  8. Sugars caramelize.

Why is cooking considered science? ›

- Cooking involves a series of chemical reactions, such as the Maillard reaction, caramelization, and denaturation of proteins. These reactions contribute to the flavor, color, and texture of the food.

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