How will a Fan assisted oven effect baking cakes and scones?

- Due to the circulation of hot air, a fan-assisted oven is more efficient at distributing heat compared to a conventional oven. This allows for quicker baking times, approximately 10-20% less than in a conventional oven.

2. Even Browning and Crispy Textures:

- The constant air flow in a fan-assisted oven helps circulate hot air evenly around the food. This leads to more consistent browning and crispier textures.

3. Delicate Baked Goods:

- For delicate baked goods such as sponge cakes or angel food cakes, where structure and height are important, using a conventional oven is generally preferred. The sudden rush of hot air in a fan-assisted oven can cause these cakes to deflate or to rise unevenly.

4. Scones and Cookies:

- Scones and cookies benefit greatly from the fan-assisted oven's ability to create crisp exteriors while maintaining tender interiors due to the even air circulation and distribution of heat.

5. Drying Effect:

- The circulating air in the fan-assisted oven has a drying effect, so it's less suitable for baking moisture-rich goods such as cheesecakes or custards.

6. Yeast-based Goods:

- Fan-assisted ovens can affect the rising process of yeast-based goods like bread or cinnamon rolls. The quicker baking time may result in a smaller rise, so adjustments to the recipe or rising times may be necessary.

7. Temperature Adjustment:

- Because of the faster cooking times and increased circulation of air, it is generally recommended to reduce the temperature by about 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit (5-10 degrees Celsius) when using a fan-assisted oven.

8. Baking with Multiple Items:

- Since the heat is distributed evenly in a fan-assisted oven, multiple sheet trays can be used at once without affecting cooking times or evenness of browning.

9. Baking with Steam:

- If recipes require steam-assisted baking, this should be done with a tray of hot water placed on the oven floor when the oven reaches the desired temperature. This adds moisture to the environment and helps mimic steam-injected ovens.

10. Adjusting Recipes:

- When using a fan-assisted oven for the first time, it is advisable to consult recipes specifically designed for this type of oven or to make slight adjustments to standard recipes.

Overall, fan-assisted ovens can enhance the baking process, resulting in evenly baked, crispy cakes, scones, cookies, and other baked goods. However, be sure to consider the properties of the food being baked and adjust recipes as needed to achieve optimal results.