When a recipe calls for a “heaping” or “scant” cup of an ingredient, what do those terms mean in practice, and how should you measure it if you encounter those instructions in a recipe?

Question

What do 'heaping' and 'scant' mean in a recipe? Learn how to interpret these old-fashioned measuring terms for more accurate cooking and baking.

Answer 1

A 'heaping' cup means slightly more than a level cup, mounded on top, while a 'scant' cup means slightly less than a level cup, not quite filled to the brim. Use your best judgment to add or subtract roughly 10-15% of the ingredient from a standard measuring cup.

Detailed Explanation:

The terms 'heaping' and 'scant' are imprecise measurements often used in older recipes or when a recipe author wants to convey a general idea rather than a precise amount. They are subjective and rely on the cook's interpretation.

Here's a breakdown:

1. Heaping: This indicates that you should fill the measuring cup beyond the level mark, creating a small mound on top. The amount of the mound can vary, but generally, it's about 10-15% more than a level cup. For dry ingredients like flour or sugar, gently spoon the ingredient into the cup until it forms a small peak above the rim.
2. Scant: This means you should fill the measuring cup slightly less than the level mark. It's not completely full, leaving a small gap between the top of the ingredient and the rim of the cup. Again, this is roughly 10-15% less than a level cup. For liquids, pour until the liquid level is noticeably below the fill line.

When encountering these terms, consider the nature of the ingredient and the recipe. If the ingredient is crucial for the recipe's success (e.g., baking powder in a cake), err on the side of caution and use a level measurement. If it's a less critical ingredient (e.g., spices in a stew), a slightly heaping or scant amount won't significantly impact the outcome.

Pro Tip:

When in doubt, especially for baking, it's always better to use a level measurement. You can always add a little more of an ingredient later if needed, but it's difficult to remove excess. For more consistent results, consider using a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially when baking.