What is the reason that recipes for baked goods sometimes provide ingredient measurements in both volume and weight (e.g. “2 cups (260g) of flour”), and how should you decide which measurement to follow for best results if you have the means to do either?

Question

See both cups and grams in a recipe? Find out the reason for this and how to decide which measurement to follow for the most reliable results.

Answer 1

Recipes provide both volume and weight measurements for baked goods because weight is more accurate and consistent than volume, especially for dry ingredients like flour. For best results, always use weight measurements when available.

Detailed Explanation:

The primary reason for providing both volume and weight measurements in baking recipes is to improve accuracy and consistency. Volume measurements, such as cups or tablespoons, are subject to variation based on how the ingredient is packed or scooped. For example, a cup of flour can weigh significantly different amounts depending on whether it's spooned lightly into the cup or scooped directly from the bag and leveled off. This variation can lead to inconsistent results in the final baked product.

Weight measurements, on the other hand, are much more precise. Using a kitchen scale to measure ingredients by weight eliminates the guesswork and ensures that you're using the exact amount specified in the recipe. This is particularly important for dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and cocoa powder, where even small variations in quantity can affect the texture, rise, and overall outcome of the baked goods.

When a recipe provides both volume and weight measurements, and you have the means to measure by weight (i.e., a kitchen scale), you should always opt for the weight measurement. This will give you the most consistent and reliable results. If you only have volume measurements available, try to be as consistent as possible in your measuring technique. For flour, it's generally recommended to spoon the flour lightly into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag.

Pro Tip:

Invest in an inexpensive digital kitchen scale. It's one of the best investments you can make for improving your baking accuracy and consistency. Look for one that measures in both grams and ounces for maximum versatility.