Best baking hacks
Heather Davis • April 15, 2023
The best baking hacks

Here are some baking hacks that can help improve your baking game:
- Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheets and cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Room temperature ingredients: Most recipes call for ingredients to be at room temperature for a reason. When baking with room temperature ingredients, they incorporate better into the recipe and can create a smoother batter or dough.
- Use an oven thermometer: Ovens can vary in temperature and may not always be accurate. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure your baked goods are cooked at the correct temperature.
- Use a kitchen scale: Weighing your ingredients instead of measuring them with cups and spoons can help ensure accuracy and consistency in your baking.
- Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop can help make uniform sized cookies and can also be used for other items like muffins or cupcakes.
- Freeze dough: If you don't want to bake a full batch of cookies or muffins at once, freeze the dough or batter and bake it later.
- Use a pastry brush: Use a pastry brush to brush melted butter, egg wash, or glaze onto your baked goods for a more even distribution.
- Use a silicone baking mat: A silicone baking mat can be used instead of parchment paper and is reusable.
- Add an extra egg yolk: Adding an extra egg yolk to your recipe can make your baked goods richer and more tender.
- Use a water bath: A water bath can be used for custards or cheesecakes to help prevent cracking and create a smoother texture.
Remember, baking is a science and small changes can make a big difference. So experiment and have
Pu mpkin spice season has officially arrived, and at Chic Sweets Bakery in Northwest Houston, we’re celebrating with one of our most beloved treats—Pumpkin Spice Bars. These bars are soft, flavorful, and topped with sweet cream cheese frosting, making them the perfect way to welcome autumn. Whether you’re cozying up at home or sharing with friends, Pumpkin Spice Bars bring comfort and joy with every bite. The popularity of pumpkin spice has grown tremendously over the years, but our recipe holds true to the homemade flavors Houston families love. With just the right balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, each bar tastes like a slice of pumpkin pie in handheld form. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the season without waiting for Thanksgiving dinner. At Chic Sweets Bakery, we bake Pumpkin Spice Bars fresh for our 1960/Champions neighbors every fall. They’ve become a tradition for many of our customers, who stop by year after year as soon as they return to the menu. We’re proud to keep that tradition alive, honoring both the flavor of the season and the community that supports us. Pumpkin Spice Bars are also versatile—they make wonderful additions to office gatherings, school events, and weekend brunch tables. If you’re hosting guests, bringing a tray of these bars guarantees you’ll leave with an empty dish and plenty of compliments. They’re easy to serve, easy to share, and impossible to resist. Our bakery loves being part of Houston’s fall celebrations, from football season get-togethers to church functions and neighborhood block parties. Pumpkin Spice Bars are one of those desserts that make everyone smile, no matter the occasion. They capture the warmth of fall in each delicious square. If you’re craving the flavor of autumn, stop by Chic Sweets Bakery in the 1960/Champions area today. Whether you take home a few bars for yourself or a box to share, our Pumpkin Spice Bars are the ultimate fall dessert for Houstonians who love seasonal sweets.








