Two ‘magical ingredients’ to make lighter, fluffier cakes, muffins, and pancakes are…

The secret to a perfect bake lies in adhering to precise measurements. But, some baking hacks can come in handy — one of which was shared by baking expert Yogita Khanna.

“The secret ingredients are buttermilk and apple cider vinegar! These magical ingredients are my favourite for wholegrain baking: be it vegan or gluten-free,” Khanna shared on Instagram. According to her, the acid in buttermilk reacts with baking soda helping create tiny air bubbles that make the bake rise better, resulting in a lighter and more tender texture. “The acidity of the buttermilk helps to tenderise the gluten in the flour, which gives the bakes a soft and tender crumb,” Khanna added.

So does this trick always work?

Manvi Lohia, head of holistic health and International Business, Ekaanta shared that combining buttermilk with apple cider vinegar (ACV) can indeed be a secret weapon for enhancing baked goods.

“When you mix buttermilk with ACV, the acidity increases. This acidity, when combined with baking soda, creates bubbles, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture in baked goods like cakes, muffins, and pancakes. Moreover, buttermilk adds a rich, tangy flavour to baked goods that complements both sweet and savoury recipes,” said Lohia.

Should you use apple cider vinegar? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

According to Lohia, the addition of ACV enhances this tanginess without overpowering other flavours.

“Additionally, the acid in buttermilk and ACV helps tenderise gluten in baked goods, resulting in a softer texture. This is especially beneficial for items like biscuits and scones, where a tender crumb is desired. Buttermilk is also known for its ability to add moisture to baked goods, keeping them moist and preventing them from drying out. The combination of buttermilk and ACV helps lock in this moisture, ensuring your bakes stay fresh for longer,” said Lohia.

 

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A post shared by Yogita Khanna|Healthy Baking Expert & Instructor|Thane|Mumbai (@bakewithyogita)

Furthermore, while the amounts used in baking may not provide significant health benefits, ACV is believed to have various health benefits, including aiding digestion and stabilising blood sugar levels. “When using this combination in baking, remember to let the mixture sit for a few minutes before incorporating it into your recipe to allow the acid to react fully. Additionally, you may need to adjust the amount of other liquid ingredients in your recipe to achieve the desired consistency. Overall, buttermilk and ACV can be a dynamic duo in the kitchen, elevating your baked goods to new heights of flavour and texture,” said Lohia.

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