Hi friends! 💕 If you’ve ever hung out with me in the kitchen (virtually or IRL), you’ve probably heard me say it a thousand times: use room temperature ingredients when baking cakes! Today, I want to break down exactly why room temperature ingredients matter when baking cakes and how it can make the difference between a dry, dense cake and a soft, fluffy masterpiece.
So grab your apron, and let’s dive in!
What Are Room Temperature Ingredients?
When a recipe calls for room temperature ingredients, it’s usually talking about anything that’s been in the refrigerator:
- Butter
- Eggs
- Milk
- Sour cream or yogurt
- Buttermilk
- Cream cheese
These ingredients should sit out on your counter for about 1 to 2 hours before baking—or until they no longer feel cold to the touch. Pro tip: If you’re short on time (aren’t we all?), I’ve got quick fixes for you below!
Why Room Temperature Ingredients Are a Cake Game-Changer
Let’s get nerdy (but just a little)! Here’s why using room temp ingredients matters so much in cake baking:
1. Better Emulsification = Better Texture
Room temperature butter and eggs mix more easily and evenly with sugar and flour. This creates a smooth batter that traps air. That air expands in the oven and helps your cake rise beautifully. Cold butter or eggs? Not so much. They can cause the batter to curdle, resulting in a dense, uneven texture.
2. Even Baking
When your ingredients are all the same temperature, they blend into a consistent batter. That means your cake bakes evenly from edge to center. Cold ingredients can cause your cake to bake unevenly—cooked outside, undercooked inside. No thank you!
3. Moist, Fluffy Cake Every Time
Room temp ingredients make it easier to incorporate air, which gives your cake structure and softness. That’s how we get those moist, tender crumbs that melt in your mouth. Cold eggs or dairy = less volume and a tighter crumb.
Common Cake Baking Mistake: Using Cold Ingredients
If you’ve ever had a cake turn out too dense, flat, or dry, this might be the culprit! A lot of beginner bakers skip the room temp step without realizing it’s one of the biggest keys to cake success.
How to Quickly Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature
Short on time? Here are my favorite quick tips:
- Butter: Cut it into small cubes and let it sit out for 15–20 minutes.
- Eggs: Place in a bowl of warm (not hot!) water for 5–10 minutes.
- Milk, buttermilk, sour cream: Microwave in 5-second intervals, stirring in between, just until the chill is gone. You can also place the measured ingredients in a warm water bath too.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip This Step!
I know it’s tempting to dive right in when you’re ready to bake, but taking a few extra minutes to bring your ingredients to room temperature is one of the best ways to set your cake up for success.
Remember, baking is a science and a little bit of love—and room temperature ingredients help you get the perfect balance of both.
🎥 Watch: Why Room Temperature Ingredients Matter (Video)
Prefer to see it in action? I’ve got you covered!
I created a YouTube video where I walk you through exactly why room temperature ingredients matter and show you the difference they make in real cake batter. If you’re a visual learner or just love baking content (hi, you’re my people!), you don’t want to miss this one.
👉 Watch the video here: “Why Room Temperature Ingredients Matter” on YouTube
I break down:
- What happens when you use cold vs. room temp butter and eggs
- How it affects your cake’s texture
- Easy ways to get your ingredients to room temp fast
💡 Pro tip: Subscribe to my channel while you’re there so you never miss a cake tip, tutorial, or behind-the-scenes bake with me!
Want More Cake Baking Tips?
If you found this helpful, be sure to check out my Cake Camp, where I take you through 6 different cakes and teach you all the baking basics. You’ll also find more cake-baking tips, tutorials, and recipes to help you bake with confidence on my YouTube channel (linked above) and my Instagram.
📌 Pin this post so you never forget why room temperature matters!
📧 And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for weekly cake tips and recipes straight to your inbox.
Happy baking, my friends!
xo,
Courtney 🎂