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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Measuring Flour incorrectly is one of the most common mistakes people make in baking and cooking. At the University of Minnesota, we conducted experiments where we learned that the biggest variable in every recipe is the cook. So standardizing measuring techniques is the most important way to ensure that a recipe works.

This is the wrong way to measure flour. Scooping flour from the container or bag directly with the measuring cup will pack the flour into the cup and you'll end up with too much flour. Even with a properly leveled top, this method is wrong.


A cup of all-purpose flour, properly measured, should weigh 120 grams. As you can see, the flour measured incorrectly by dipping the measuring cup into the flour weighs 161 grams. This is more than 30% more flour than the recipe needs. A cookie or cake made with flour measured this way will be tough and dry. Sauces will be too thick, and pie crusts crumbly and dry.



To measure flour correctly, you need calibrated measuring cups made for measuring dry ingredients. Do not use a coffee cup or drinking glass. Lightly spoon the flour directly into the measuring cup from the container or bag. Do not shake the cup. Do not pack the flour down.




Keep spooning the flour into the cup until it mounds well above the top of the measuring cup.




Using a dinner knife, turn it so the flat side is down. Hold the cup with the flour in your left hand, and start sweeping the knife over the top of the cup to remove the excess flour.




You'll probably need to pass the knife over the measuring cup a few times to get a level surface. Do not shake the cup or pack the flour down.




As you can see, the properly measured flour weighs 121 grams. That's an accurate measurement, and the recipe will be perfect.

Other Measure Flours weigh different amounts. For the most accurate baking, you can weigh flour instead of measuring it. But with some practice, your flour measuring skills will become quite precise.

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