Baking Ingredient Guides
Everything you need to know about every baking ingredient — what it does, how to measure it, common mistakes, and when to substitute.
All-Purpose Flour
The workhorse of the baking world
Bread Flour
High protein for chewy, sturdy bakes
Cake Flour
Ultra-fine for tender, pillowy cakes
Whole Wheat Flour
Nutty, hearty, and nutritious
Almond Flour
Gluten-free, moist, and naturally sweet
Coconut Flour
Extremely absorbent gluten-free flour
White Sugar
Sweet, crisp, and essential for structure
Brown Sugar
Moist, chewy, and deeply caramel-flavored
Powdered Sugar
Silky-smooth for frostings and dustings
Cocoa Powder
Deep chocolate flavor for brownie-lovers
Butter
Rich flavor, flaky layers, and golden color
Coconut Oil
Dairy-free fat with a tropical twist
Honey
Natural sweetener that keeps bakes moist
Maple Syrup
Earthy, complex sweetener from the forest
Milk
Adds moisture, richness, and structure
Baking Powder
Double-acting leavener for reliable rise
Baking Soda
Fast-acting leavener that needs an acid
Salt
Flavor enhancer every baker needs
Cornstarch
Thickens, tenderizes, and creates crunch
Oats
Hearty texture for cookies and bars
Cream Cheese
Tangy, rich base for frostings and cheesecakes
Peanut Butter
Bold flavor and natural fat for dense, fudgy bakes
Greek Yogurt
Tangy moisture-booster and butter substitute