Common baking mistakes and how to fix them

Kenyans are experimenting with new hobbies and baking is one of them. Some are perfecting their craft while others give up due to repeated mistakes.

What they do not realise is that baking is not just an art, it is a science, and even the best home bakers sometimes face mishaps in the kitchen.

From dense mandazis to sunken cakes, small errors can lead to frustrating results. However, most baking mistakes are fixable or preventable with the right techniques.

Here are common baking mistakes and how to correct them:

1. Using the wrong flour or measuring ingredients incorrectly

Mistake: Many beginners use all-purpose flour for everything, which does not always yield the best results, especially if you use different brands every time. Additionally, inaccurate measurements of ingredients of ingredients can ruin everything.

Fix: Understand the role of different flours, while cake flour is best for soft cakes, all-purpose flour is ideal for chapati and bread. Always measure ingredients correctly using measuring cups, spoons, or a kitchen scale for precision. Or sieve your flour before starting.

2. Dense or hard mandazis

Mistake: Mandazis come out too hard instead of light and fluffy when you over-knead the dough or use cold liquids.

Fix: Always use warm milk or water and knead the dough just until smooth. Then, let it rest properly before rolling it out to allow the gluten to relax, leading to softer mandazis.

3. Sunken cakes

Mistake: If your cake rises beautifully in the oven but sinks in the middle once it cools can be due to opening the oven too early, under-baking, or using too much baking powder.

Fix: Try and avoid opening the oven in the first 25 minutes of baking.

Then check doneness using a skewer or toothpick, if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Ensure you measure your baking powder accurately to prevent over-rising and collapsing.

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4. Dry and crumbly cakes

Mistake: If your cake comes out dry, it makes it hard to enjoy with a cup of tea.

Fix: Just ensure you use the right amount of fat and liquid in the recipe. Also, avoid overbaking, try and remove the cake when it is just set. Sprinkle some sugar syrup after baking, to restore moisture.

5. Cookies and biscuits spreading too much or not spreading at all

Mistake: When they either spread too much and remain stiff and dry.

Fix: If they spread too much, your butter might be too soft or the dough needed to wait for a bit before being put in the oven.

If they are too hard you may have used too much flour. Ensure you measure correctly and do not overmix the dough.

6. Yeast dough not rising properly

Mistake: If your bread, mahamri, or pizza dough did not rise.

Fix: Always check if your yeast is fresh because old yeast does not activate. Always use warm (not hot) water to activate it, and allow enough proofing time in a warm place, covering the dough with a damp cloth.

7. Black crusty top on baked goods

Mistake: If your cakes or bread develop a black, crusty top instead of an even golden-brown finish.

Fix: This usually happens due to too much sugar, high oven temperatures, or baking on the top rack.

Reduce sugar slightly, bake at the correct temperature, and position the pan in the middle of the oven for even heat distribution.

However, some bakers prefer the black crusty top for texture and flavour, especially in traditional breads or cakes that require a caramelised, crispy layer for added depth.

Baking comes with its unique challenges, however, with a little patience and the right techniques, you can avoid common baking mishaps and achieve perfect results every time.