Do you want to start baking but don’t know if you have what it takes? You’re not alone.
Baking seems like a complicated hobby for many. Yet, you can create delicious desserts with the most basic knowledge.
Today, I’ll share some pointers to help you build the courage to become a master baker!
Overcoming Baking Anxieties
Before you begin, you should know that failure is inevitable when it comes to baking. Still, what’s great about this hobby is there’s always room for error.
I often tell my friends they shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s just pastry; you can eat your flops to hide the evidence!
Even master bakers make blunders, and that’s okay. What matters is you learn from the error and have fun.
As long as you love what you’re doing, you’ll become a master baker in no time!
7 Tips for Becoming a Master Baker
Here’s a quick guide on how to overcome the hurdles and become a master baker!
1 – Learn the Basics
Whenever you start a new hobby, you begin with the most basic steps. This way, you can build a solid foundation that sets you up for success.
The most basic knowledge in baking is learning how to measure ingredients. You can start by watching videos on using measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients.
Research baking temperatures and study how long you should mix certain batters. Next, start small and work your way up.
Cookies and bars are some of the easiest desserts for beginners. Learning how to make these treats opens your doors to harder recipes in the future.
2 – Take That Class
Don’t be afraid to take a baking class. Even a one-day workshop from a nearby school is a great way to advance in baking.
By taking a class, you can get tips you didn’t know you needed. Plus, you can make friends along the way.
I recommend taking baking classes because it exposes you to an experienced baker’s tools and techniques.
3 – Practice
Practicing your craft is a surefire way to become a master.
You can get more practice by volunteering to donate baked goods to charity events. Joining a bake sale is another way to practice baking and costing.
With trial and error, you’ll start to see how easy baking is. It can help you gain the confidence you need to go further!
4 – Get Feedback
The best part about baking is sharing your creations. I love bringing desserts to family events or to co-workers to get their feedback.
You can join a local community that focuses on exchanging baked goods.
Getting feedback allows you to discover the necessary adjustments to improve your baking. Your family may even start ordering sweets, giving you extra income!
5 – Expand Your Skills
Baking is an interesting activity because there are so many techniques to explore.
For instance, you may learn how to use sourdough starter cultures in European bread. Meanwhile, breadmaking in Asian cultures involves dry yeast and the Tangzhong method for a fluffier product.
Breads can come out so different because of the techniques and ingredients. It’s also the same for other recipes.
Because of this, it’s vital you explore and find interest in other cuisines. Experiment with all types of ingredients to become a baking master!
6 – Invest in Ingredients and Tools
Sometimes, the only difference between good and exceptional baking is the ingredients and tools. For this reason, you can start investing in better equipment once you get the basics down.
Don’t worry. This doesn’t mean you should spend a lot to become a master. Simply upgrading to a decent oven and hand mixer widens your baking capabilities.
I do, however, recommend using high-quality ingredients whenever you bake. Even the butter and vanilla you buy have a huge impact on the final flavor of the dish.
As a master baker, you should invest what you can afford to get better results.
7 – Do What Interests You
Finally, my last tip is to do what makes you happy! You don’t have to learn all the complicated techniques in baking pastries.
All you have to do is to gain expertise in one product to become a master.
If you love making and designing sugar cookies, then by all means, focus on that. It’s okay to hone your skills based on whatever interests you.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a master baker isn’t that difficult. You can be an expert when you learn the basics, practice, and expand your knowledge.
Don’t forget to get feedback, share your creations, and do what you love. Through time, you’ll eventually build courage and have fewer baking mistakes!
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.