The Secret to Perfect Baking: Cups vs. Grams
Baking is often described as a science rather than an art — and for good reason. The balance between flour, sugar, butter, and liquids determines whether your cookies are chewy or crispy, and whether your cake rises or flops. At the heart of that balance lies one critical skill: **measuring accurately**.
Why Cups Aren’t Always Reliable
In many regions, recipes rely on “cups” for measuring ingredients. But not all cups are equal. A U.S. cup equals 240 ml, while a U.K. cup equals 250 ml — and that 10 ml difference can affect delicate recipes like soufflés or macarons. Even within the same kitchen, how tightly you pack flour can change the actual amount by up to 20%!
Grams: The Global Standard for Precision
Professional bakers and chefs prefer grams because they provide **consistent, reproducible results**. Using a digital kitchen scale ensures you’re using the same amount of ingredients every time. 100 grams of sugar is always 100 grams, no matter where you bake.
How to Convert Cups to Grams Easily
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour = 120 grams
- 1 cup of sugar = 200 grams
- 1 cup of butter = 227 grams
- 1 cup of milk = 240 grams
You can use Convertly’s unit converter to quickly change between cups, grams, and ounces without losing precision.
Pro Tips for Consistent Results
- Always use a scale for dry ingredients.
- Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly.
- Weigh liquids in milliliters rather than relying on visual marks.
Conclusion
When it comes to baking, accuracy is everything. Switching to grams may take a little extra effort at first, but it guarantees consistency, saves ingredients, and delivers delicious results every time. So next time you bake, grab your kitchen scale — your taste buds will thank you.