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Whether you’re baking cookies for your kids, whipping up banana bread for a neighbor, or finally trying that Pinterest cake recipe, having a good grasp on basic baking techniques and measurements can make all the difference.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How many cups are in a stick of butter?” or “What’s the difference between baking powder and baking soda?” — you’re in the right place.

Why Baking Basics Matter

Baking is more than just following a recipe — it’s chemistry. Small changes (like scooping flour incorrectly or misreading a temperature) can drastically affect the results. Knowing the fundamentals gives you the confidence to try new recipes and even tweak them to your taste.

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Baking Essentials to Keep on Hand

If you’re just starting out, stock your kitchen with these basics:

Flour (all-purpose and/or whole wheat)

Baking powder & baking soda

Salt

Sugar (granulated, brown, and powdered)

Vanilla extract

Butter and/or oil

Eggs

Milk or a dairy-free alternative

Optional but helpful: chocolate chips, cinnamon, oats, and lemons.

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Basic Baking Conversions

Sometimes recipes come from different countries or use unfamiliar measurements. Here’s a cheat sheet for easy kitchen conversions:

Liquid Measurements:

1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 3 teaspoons (tsp)

1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = 240 milliliters

1 quart = 4 cups = 2 pints

Dry Ingredient Conversions:

1 cup all-purpose flour ≈ 120 grams

1 cup sugar ≈ 200 grams

1 stick of butter = ½ cup = 113 grams

Oven Temperatures:

350°F = 180°C

375°F = 190°C

400°F = 200°C

 Simple Baking Tips for Beginners

Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping straight from the bag — it helps prevent too much flour, which leads to dry baked goods.

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.

Don’t overmix your batter — mix just until combined.

Always preheat your oven before putting in your baked goods.

Test doneness with a toothpick: it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, not wet.

 Free Printable: Recipe Card

If you’re anything like me you have Pinterest boards dedicated to recipes and screen shots on your phone. I have created a printable recipe card to keep your favorite recipes handy and to make your notes. Enjoy!

Final Thought

Baking is a wonderful way to create something comforting, delicious, and shareable. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect — the beauty is in the process. Start simple, be patient, and enjoy the sweet results.