Do you know how to measure flour correctly? If you’re even the slightest bit unsure, this tutorial is for you! Clearly, the best way to measure flour is with a. ScaleBut not all Americans have a scale.
The second is the best way. “Spoons and equals.” All of the techniques on this blog use this method, so I wanted to share what that means today.
If your baked goods don’t always turn out as pictured, your measurements may be off. Let’s fix it. With this method, you Cookies, Muffinsand Pizza Dough From batch to batch it will consistently come out.
Why is your measurement method important?
Fact: When you weigh your dough a Scaleyou will always end up with exactly the same amount. Baking is a science, so this level of consistency is ideal.
When you measure flour by cup using the spoon and level method, the measurements will vary by a few grams, which is close enough to get consistent results from batch to batch.
However, measurements may vary Significantly If you measure flour by cup using other methods, and the recipe was not designed for that method. If you pour the batter directly into the cup instead of spooning and leveling it, you may end up with 25% more flour.
That’s a lot of dough. This will destroy the texture of your baked good, making it dry and dense. This will affect the baking time, requiring more time to cook in the oven and get golden on top. The result will be less flavorful.
The bottom line? Measurement is important!
How to Measure Flour Using the Spoon and Level Method
Measuring flour is easy when you know how to measure it.
- Stir in the flour with a large spoon. If it’s been sitting in your pantry for a while, the dough has cured, and we need to raise it a bit.
- Working with a bowl of flour, gently pour large spoonfuls of flour into your measuring cup until the cup overflows slightly. Do not tap the cup to dissolve the flour.
- Level the top with the flat side of a butter knife. Allow the excess flour to fall back into the container. Repeat as needed.
See How to Measure Flour
Other measurement methods
Although this is my preferred method for measuring flour (and King Arthur’s Flour, Bob’s Red Mill, Sally McKinney And Stella Parks agree), other recipes have been developed for other methods of measurement.
Some recipes are preferred by manufacturers. Allison Roman And America’s Test Kitchen Use the dip and sweep method (pour the batter directly into the cup and level the top).
That’s why it’s important to determine the preferred measurement method for each prescription source before you begin. If the measurement is provided in grams, you can bypass the problem by using the scale.
Normal flour by weight
Here are the most common flours I use in my recipes.
- All purpose flour: 122 grams per cup (normal range is 120 to 125 grams)
- Whole wheat flour, including white whole wheat flour: 122 grams per cup (normal range is 120 to 125 grams)
- Whole Wheat Pastry Flour: 115 grams per cup (normal range is 110 to 120 grams)
- Oat flour: 88 grams per cup (normal range is 85 to 91 grams)
- Almond flour: 92 grams per cup (normal range is 85 to 100 grams)
Baked goods to enjoy
Now that you know how to measure the dough correctly, let’s turn on the oven and start baking. Here are some of my favorite recipes:
Please let me know what you think in the comments! I love hearing from you.
