Milk is such a common ingredient in baking; you wouldn’t even bat an eyelid to see a recipe that includes it. But have you ever wondered what milk actually does in baked goods? Before you think of skipping the milk, using milk alternatives or non-dairy options, it’s important to understand what makes milk crucial to the recipe.
After all, an excellent baker should possess good knowledge of the science behind baking, such as the different types of flour and when to use them. If you’re ready to get schooled, here’s what milk is doing when you use it in your bakes.
Adds moisture
The balance of dry and wet ingredients is a fundamental concept that every baker should know. Along with water, butter, and eggs, milk is one of those ingredients that adds the required moisture for the batter to form.
In recipes which call for milk, you can easily add splashes of milk to soften the mixture if you find the batter too dry or stiff.
Activates the ingredients
Besides simply adding liquid content to the batter, milk plays a crucial role in activating key ingredients in baking. Milk is a solvent for sugar, and the proteins contained in milk add structure and firmness to muffins and cupcakes.
Milk also activates gluten, triggering the wonderful chemical reactions that make bread soft and fluffy. When using milk for baking soft bread, you should warm up the milk first before use.
Adds sweetness
Thanks to naturally occurring fats and sugar, milk is helpful in adding a light sweetness and rich, full-bodied taste to your baked goods. Of course, the amount of fat also depends on the type of milk you use. Skimmed milk will result in a thinner batter and a flavour that is less rich. Some recipes will only work with certain types of milk – look out for the right type before reaching for the dairy shelf.
Aids browning
Milk plays a role in adding a touch of golden glow to your bakes. It may not be quite as shiny or glossy as an egg wash, but enough to impart some structure and a slight crunch to the outer layer. The browning effect is actually the same as caramelising sugar, and this is due to the sugar content in milk. So, the next time you wonder how your favourite online bakery in Singapore does that beautiful brown crust, now you know!
Conclusion
With the newfound knowledge of what milk does for your baking recipes, you are better equipped to decide if you should continue using it in your baking or omit it for other alternatives. If you find yourself running out of milk just before an important bake or simply wanting to choose an easier way out, we’ve got your back!
Polar Puffs & Cakes offers an extensive range of homegrown favourite pastries and cakes. We are now available for online pastry delivery in Singapore, meaning that preparing desserts and cakes for a home or office gathering is a matter of just a few clicks or taps!
*Please note that our cakes and pastries do contain milk, which may not be suitable for individuals with allergies or those on a vegetarian or vegan diet.
