How do you determine the scaling factor when you want to adjust a recipe for a different number of servings (for example, going from a recipe that serves 4 people to one that serves 10), and how is this factor applied to each ingredient?

Question

Need to adjust a recipe's serving size? Learn how to determine the correct scaling factor and how to apply it to each ingredient for perfect results.

Answer 1

To determine the scaling factor, divide the desired number of servings by the original number of servings. Multiply each ingredient quantity in the original recipe by this scaling factor to adjust the recipe.

Detailed Explanation:

Scaling a recipe involves adjusting the quantities of ingredients to yield a different number of servings than the original recipe intends. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Determine the Desired and Original Servings: Identify how many servings the original recipe makes and how many servings you want the adjusted recipe to make. For example, the original recipe serves 4, and you want it to serve 10.

2. Calculate the Scaling Factor: Divide the desired number of servings by the original number of servings. In our example, the scaling factor is 10 / 4 = 2.5.

3. Apply the Scaling Factor to Each Ingredient: Multiply the quantity of each ingredient in the original recipe by the scaling factor. For instance, if the original recipe calls for 1 cup of flour, you would multiply 1 cup by 2.5, resulting in 2.5 cups of flour for the scaled recipe.

4. Adjust Units as Needed: If the scaled quantity results in awkward measurements (e.g., 1.75 eggs), consider rounding to the nearest whole number or adjusting other ingredients slightly to compensate. For spices, it's often best to start with a smaller adjustment and taste as you go.

Pro Tip:

When scaling recipes, especially for baking, be cautious with ingredients like baking powder and baking soda. These leavening agents may not scale linearly, and using too much can negatively affect the texture and taste of the final product. It's often best to adjust these ingredients conservatively and test the recipe before making large batches.