Defining Scratch Baking

• Scratch baking refers to preparing and assembling all ingredients for a baked good. This includes gathering ingredients -- wet or dry -- sifting, mixing, creaming, melting and following a recipe.

Difference Between Boxed and Scratch

• Boxed mixes are sold in grocery stores and all you have to do is add a few ingredients to finish the recipe. For example, boxed cookie mixes typically require eggs, butter and water. Boxed cake mixes might require oil, water and eggs. The flavorings, mix-ins and all of the dry ingredients are already mixed and ready. With scratch baking, you must buy the ingredients at the store, separately, and bring them together at home.

Benefits of Scratch Baking

• Scratch baked goods have a different taste and texture than boxed goods. This is because baked goods made from boxed mix typically are sugary, have a chemical aftertaste and a distinct flavor. Baked goods made from scratch are richer, moister and have only the flavors you add to them. Scratch baked goods don't have added preservatives and use simple, whole ingredients. And, when it's from scratch you're in control of what you put in your recipe, which means you can control the types of sugars, fats and flours you use.

Pitfalls of Scratch Baking

• It might take a little more time to precisely measure ingredients from a scratch recipe compared to a pre-mixed recipe, but baking times for similar recipes are almost always the same. The downside is that baking from scratch is easier to mess up. If you inaccurately measure, your cake could be inedible, while this is much less likely if you're using a boxed mix. Baking from scratch requires complete attention and more effort. And, because you have to buy every ingredient, you are likely to spend more on a scratch recipe than a boxed mix.

Tips for Success

• Scratch baking doesn't have to be daunting. For successful results, always follow the ingredient measurements and instructions in the recipe. If you need to substitute an ingredient, make sure the substitute amount is equal to the ingredient you're omitting and that it won't alter the taste or texture of your final product. Lastly, always use the correct type and size pan your recipe calls for.