Exactly How to Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients (2024)

• Recipes & Cooking
• How to Cook
• How to Bake

Proper measuring doesn't just apply to home improvement projects. Baking is a science, so it's just as important to correctly measure your ingredients to ensure terrific results every time. When a chocolate cake recipe says to mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking leaveners, and salt) in one bowl and the wet mixture (butter, milk, and sugar) in another before combining, there's a reason. Before you start, ensure you have the proper measuring tools and techniques for measuring the dry and liquid ingredients.

How to Combine the Wet Mixture and Dry Ingredients

Once you've got the baking recipe and ingredients gathered, measure the dry ingredients and wet ingredients into separate mixing bowls ($24, Bed Bath & Beyond). From there, follow these steps for mixing wet and dry ingredients:

Step 1: Stir Together Dry Ingredients

Stir the dry ingredients (flour, leavening, salt, spices) together. Then use a spatula or wooden spoon ($3, Target) to gently push the dry ingredients against the sides of the mixing bowl to make a well (pictured above). Once you've made a well in the dry ingredients, gently pour wet ingredients into the center.

Step 2: Slowly Stir Together Wet and Dry Ingredients (aka Folding Ingredients)

When the wet mixture is thoroughly combined using your recipe's method, pour it into the well. Use a rubber scraper ($11, Target) to mix. Run the scraper around the edge of the bowl and to the bottom, pulling dry ingredients over and into the wet mixture. If you've ever wondered what it means to fold in baking, this is it.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients Until Combined

Stop mixing when the batter is just barely combined. If you stir out all the lumps, your finished product may have peaks on top and a tough texture.

As noted above, a rubber scraper is a must-have tool for mixing ingredients. Make sure your kitchen is stocked correctly for every recipe with our essential list of baking tools.