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    Home > Baking Basics, Tips, & Information > Techniques

    How to be a Better Baker

    Modified: Jul 25, 2025 · Published: Jun 7, 2019 by Helen S Fletcher · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

    How to be a Better BakerBecoming a better baker depends upon understanding the ingredients that go into baking.  On my blog, I have a Baking Information tab on the navigation bar that has loads of information to help you become that better baker.

    Each of these posts goes into in-depth discussions of its particular topic to help you understand their importance.

    There are many more topics in the  Baking Information section and I will be featuring some of them in later blogs.  In the meantime, I hope some of these will interest you and help you become that better baker.

    • All Salt is Not Created Equal When Baking– some salts are saltier than others, where to use which and why.
    • Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda, Where and When to Use Which– these two can be confusing.  This post tells you the difference between them.
    • Cocoa Fundamentals Natural vs. Dutched– learn the difference between natural, Dutch and black cocoa powders.
    • Flavorings as Used in Baking and Pastry– there are a surprising number of ways to flavor baked goods besides extracts.  This article discusses them.
    • Flour As Used in Baking– using the correct flour makes all the difference to your baked goods.
    • Thickeners As Used in Baking and Pastry– there are a number of thickeners available. Some are stronger, some are clear.
    • Understanding Gelatin– A discussion of powdered and leaf or sheet gelatin
    • Vanilla– why I use pure vanilla for only a few things and what I use instead when I use vanilla extract.
    • The Frustrating Facts about Measuring Flour– Correctly measuring flour is crucial to the outcome of a recipe
    • The World of Cinnamon– Learn about the different types and strengths of cinnamon.
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    More Techniques

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      Pastry Cream Filling (Crème Pâtissière)
    • Crumb topping on a multi-colored plate.
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    • 4 pieces of celery with celery leaves on a plate.
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    • Sealing the Crust to the side of the pan
      Spooning the Crust

    Comments

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    1. Dauhn says

      June 07, 2019 at 2:39 pm

      I just absolutely LOVE this article on "How to be a Better Baker." It is my dream to be the best baker possible ( even though my granddaughter will tell you that I am :) ! ) I love using the best ingredients possible and having what I made just make those I have baked for HAPPY.

      Reply
      • hfletcher says

        June 07, 2019 at 4:24 pm

        Hi Dauhn, so happy you are enjoying it. I love baking because there is always something new to learn. I agree that sharing makes people happy.

        Reply
    2. Janet C B Woodward says

      June 07, 2019 at 11:55 am

      Always good to read Helens wisdom. Waves to you all from Bridlington in Yorkshire, England.

      Reply
      • hfletcher says

        June 07, 2019 at 12:58 pm

        And back to you Janet, my friend. Hope all is great in Yorkshire!

        Reply
    3. Marilyn says

      June 07, 2019 at 9:03 am

      Helen,
      The information on you site is so valuable. You answer all my baking questions and I learn so much every time I open the email. The recipes are always amazing. Thank you so much, you are a great teacher!
      Marilyn

      Reply
      • hfletcher says

        June 07, 2019 at 10:16 am

        Thank you, Marilyn, for your kind comments. So glad I can help - it's what I most like doing.

        Reply
    4. sallybr says

      June 07, 2019 at 6:31 am

      this is pure gold! thank you!

      Reply
      • hfletcher says

        June 07, 2019 at 10:17 am

        Hi Sally - you're very welcome. Glad to help.

        Reply

    Hi, I'm Helen! Being a self-taught baker and owning a bakery for over 25 years, I found many ways to make baking more successful and less intimidating. Even busy people can bake as in many cases, recipes can be done over days. The goal is to make your baking life easier, more enjoyable, with great outcomes on a consistent basis.

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