Baking Tips and Tricks

Common Cookie Baking Mistakes (and How to Fix Them) Wondering why your cookies turned out flat, hard, or spread too much? Discover common baking mistakes, troubleshooting tips, and expert solutions to help you bake perfect cookies every time. Cookies might look simple, but even seasoned bakers know things can go wrong fast — too flat, …

Unlock the secrets to better sourdough with tips on building a strong starter, feeding and storing it properly, and adding flavorful inclusions like cinnamon, herbs, and cheese. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike!

Not sure which sourdough method is right for you? Learn the difference between traditional sourdough, same-day natural sourdough, and a same-day hybrid method with yeast—so you can choose the one that fits your time, skill level, and flavor goals.

If you’re looking for a simple chocolate cake with the texture of velvet, this is the recipe for you. This easy doctored cake mix uses a fun and interesting addition - mayonnaise. 

If you're in the market for a new oven, there are plenty to choose from--so many, in fact, that you might get confused. So, which oven is best for bakers? In this post we'll examine all of the popular oven types to help you on your way.

Welcome, fellow baking enthusiasts! Are you ready to kick your sweet treats up a notch? If you've ever stared at a box of cake mix and thought, "I can do better than this," then you're in the right place. Welcome to a world where a simple box mix is just the beginning of your baking adventure. At Out of the Box Baking you'll be given tips and tricks for mastering sweet treats, as well as some of the best recipes on the web! Best of all, all of this is yours. . .for free!

You've got a box of cake mix on hand but you're not sure what to do with. In this master list you'll discover dozens of different ways to bake up that cake mix into something delicious and unexpected!

Enjoy this fun, interactive baking quiz, sure to test your skills (and your memory)! You will find the answers after each question. Question 1: What leavening agent is most often used in most traditional bread recipes? The answer is D: Yeast. Yeasts are single-celled microorganisms classified as part of the fungus kingdom. (Sounds delicious!) But I …

This post will give you the formula you need to determine how many boxes of cake mix to purchase for your next project, large or small. Here at Out of the Box Baking we focus a lot of boxed mixes. A simple box of cake mix is useful for birthday cakes, wedding cakes, and all …

I don't know about you, but I love working with buttercream. And in this fun tutorial you'll get to step inside my cake decorating world for a few minutes to look at some of my favorite buttercream techniques. What Type of Buttercream Should I Use? This, my friends, is up to you! I usually start …

If you've been to the grocery store lately, you know that eggs are pricey! For most bakers, this is bad news. But it doesn't have to be. Here at Out of the Box Baking we've got a ton of egg-free recipes you're sure to love!

In today's economy we bakers need to do everything we can to cut back on our spending. With the cost of eggs going through the roof, this is especially important. In this post I'm going to give you several tips and tricks to save money and time by using egg substitutes.

Jazz up a Boxed Cake Mix

In this post I'm going to show you how to doctor an instant cornbread mix to make it moist and flavorful using a simple ingredient. . .heavy whipping cream.

Let's face it: everyone's looking for a quick fix these days. If you're short on time (and money) you'll want fast and cheap. The best way to accomplish this is to start with recipes that don't require a ton of ingredients. In this post I'm going to give you some of my favorite suggestions! ;'/{

Need to use up those ripe bananas? Check out these ten easy and tasty recipes from Out of the Box Baking.com

Enjoy a dozen sweet treats that start with a box of white cake mix but end up looking like anything but!

In this post I'm going to give you all of my favorite brown butter recipes--everything from frostings to cookies to cake. All you have to do is click on the pictures of the linked recipes to find everything you need to hit the road running!

Enjoy this master list of baking substitutions from Out of the Box Baking.com. You'll find a host of tips and tricks.

Baking with mayonnaise is a terrific idea. It's the secret ingredient that makes your baked goods turn out perfect every time! Whether you're making cake, bread, or biscuits. . .adding mayo will help! And if you're short on ingredients like eggs, butter, or oil, it's really going to come in handy! Don't believe me? Keep …

Bisquick is a versatile product, capable of baking a variety of things--from biscuits, to dumplings, to pancakes, to waffles. . .and more! With prices going up, you might be tempted to skip it when you're at the store. Now you can do that with a clear conscience! You can make your own DIY Bisquick Mix for pennies on the dollar. And, guess what? It's just as good (maybe more so)!

What's inside of the cupcake is important, but what's on top of the cupcake is just as critical. Decorate with style and folks will be tickled to dive right in! Cupcake decorating has come a long way in recent years, and it all comes down to having the right tip and knowing how to use it. In this practical tutorial I'm going to show you seven of my favorite decorating techniques using two Wilton tips--the 1M and the 6B

Cupcakes are the perfect choice for any special occasion. They're easy to bake, simple to transport, and sanitary to serve. Best of all, they're incredibly versatile. You'll find them at fancy, high-end weddings, at a toddler's birthday party, and even at your local farmer's market. In this post you'll learn all of the tips and tricks you need to whip up the perfect cupcakes for your event!

If you want to learn the zebra stripe cake technique, you've come to the right place! In this tutorial I'll give you all the tools you need to learn how to add layers of color to the inside of your cake.

You were absolutely sure you would eat those bananas before they started going bad. But here you are, facing a bunch of bananas that are completely speckled and you don't know what to do with them. Oh, sure, you could make banana bread. Everyone says you should. But you've done that a zillion times and you're ready for something different. . .something more.

You can become a better cake baker by following these 8 cake baking tips from Out of the Box Baking.

If you're looking to improve your cookie-baking skills you've come to the right place. Out of the Box Baking brings you all of the tips and tricks you'll need to bake up the perfect cookies every time.

Want to level up your baking game? These quick, practical tips will help you bake with more confidence and fewer flops—no fancy tools required. From measuring tricks to mixing techniques, learn how to get better results every time you preheat the oven!

Out of the Box Baking brings you their suggestions for the top 20 must-have items for cookie bakers and decorators.

In this post Out of the Box Baking offers you a comprehensive list of their top 20 must-have tools for cake bakers.

Learn how to tier a cake with this easy step-by-step guide! From choosing the right tools to stacking layers perfectly, you'll get pro tips for making a stunning tiered cake.

Looking for the perfect themed table for your holiday Christmas luncheon? Check this out!

Learn how to decorate cookies with royal icing! This easy guide walks you through piping, flooding, and adding beautiful details to sugar cookies like a pro.

Learn how to ombre a cake with this easy step-by-step technique. Create a stunning gradient effect using simple tools and tinted frosting — perfect for any occasion!

These holiday sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating. A classic Christmas cookie recipe that holds its shape and tastes as festive as it looks!