Learning chemistry can be as easy as pie, or maybe just a piece of cake. Explore the chemistry of baking cookies, bread, pie, and cake, and investigate the science that’s behind ingredients in your cupboard.
Sections
Food Chemistry
- ACS ChemClub Cookbook
It’s a cookbook! It’s a chemistry book! It’s both! Cook up something tasty while learning more about the chemistry behind the recipe.
- Periodic Table Celebration Cupcakes
2019 was the International Year of the Periodic Table. What better way to feature it than on cupcakes? - The Science of Baking
A blogger combines advice from bakers, chemists, and her grandmother to discover where her cheese puffs took a turn for the worse. - Developing a High School Food Chemistry Elective
Thinking about a food chemistry course? Read about one teacher's journey. - Food Chemistry in the High School Classroom
Cook up some chemistry learning. Start with the science of molasses cookies and bread, then move on to other recipes from this webinar. - The Science of Baking Infographic
Check out this break down of baking, one ingredient at a time. - Chemistry Is a Piece of Cake
Baking reactants combine to give you a delicious product. How?
Cakes
- Chemistry Cupcakes
Mix up one batch of cupcakes, then get ready for cupcakes 2.0. Hack your recipe and see the results. - Are Boxed Cake Mixes Foolproof?
Overmix, undermix, just right—is there actually any difference? - The Simple Ingredient That Can Make Any Cake Better
Is this title cake clickbait? Could be. But it's worth the light and fluffy payoff. - The Chemistry of Cake Baking
Love cake, but allergic to one or more of the typical ingredients? Research to the rescue. - Cake-Baking Secrets
Cakes falling flat? Food Network guru Alton Brown has solutions.
Powders
- Landmark Lesson Plan: Development of Baking Powder
Ready, set, rise! Baking powder makes it happen—learn about its history. - The Chemistry of Baking Powder
The right leavening equals light and fluffy. Learn about one of them, then answer questions. - The Difference Between Baking Soda and Baking Powder
Added baking soda instead of baking powder? Or vice versa? So what? Find out if it makes a difference to your cookie. - Baking Powder Wars: A History
A cutthroat war between rival baking powder companies? It’s true! This podcast gives you the scoop. - How Yeast Works
Will yeast work with just water? Water and sugar? What about artificial sweeteners? Experiment with these combos and more.
Baked Goods
- Sourdough for Science
Get started with starter, then share your sourdough data with researchers. - Baking Bread: The Chemistry of Bread-Making
Four ingredients combine into carb deliciousness. How? - The Aroma of Fresh-Baked Bread
What is it about the smell of fresh-baked bread that’s so appealing? Learn about the aroma compounds that waft to your waiting nose. - Flour Power
Is all-purpose flour one-size-fits-all? Or do you need another choice or two on your shelf? - Bread Science 101
“Goodness, gracious, great balls of gluten!” Visit this collection to learn about what makes dough stretchy, what gives it an airy texture, and more. - Bread Chemistry
Wheat or white? No matter the type of bread, there’s chemistry involved. - For a Proper Pretzel Crust, Count on Chemistry and Memories
Does a caustic alkaline solution sound like the perfect dip for your baked goods? You might be surprised. - Egg Foams
Make a perfect meringue, soufflé, or mousse by following these science-based egg-whipping tips.