Homemade All-Purpose Baking Mix

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8

This Homemade All-Purpose Baking Mix is a versatile staple for any kitchen, perfect for whipping up pancakes, biscuits, and more with ease. Crafted with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a cost-effective solution to store-bought mixes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Convenient: Makes baking a breeze with a ready-made mix.
  • Cost-effective: Save money by making it yourself.
  • Customizable: Adjust the salt or add spices like cinnamon for variety.
  • Long-lasting: Store it for up to three months — perfect for busy schedules.

Ingredients

6 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup vegetable shortening

Ingredients Explained

All-purpose flour forms the base of the mix, providing structure to your baked goods. Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, ensuring your creations rise beautifully. Salt enhances flavor, making every bite more balanced. Vegetable shortening incorporates fat into the mix, contributing to the tenderness of the final product.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your baking powder is fresh; it’s key to the effectiveness of the mix.
  • For a healthier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
  • Use a food processor to cut in the shortening if you prefer a quicker method.

Detailed Instructions

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl; you'll need the space to combine everything. Pour in the flour, baking powder, and salt, then whisk them together until they're well combined. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is crucial for proper rising.

Next, add the vegetable shortening to the bowl. This part can get a little messy, but it's worth it. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the shortening into the dry ingredients. Aim for a texture that resembles coarse crumbs — it should look a bit like sand at the beach.

Once your mix is ready, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it somewhere cool and dry, and you’re all set for the next three months of easy baking adventures.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the vegetable shortening to the bowl.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the shortening into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Store the mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months in a cool, dry place.

Serving Suggestions

This mix is perfect for pancakes topped with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries, or fluffy biscuits served alongside a hearty stew. Try it for quick muffins by adding sugar and your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can, but keep it in the fridge instead of storing it at room temperature.
How do I know if my baking powder is still good?
Mix a teaspoon of baking powder with hot water. If it bubbles vigorously, it's still effective.
Can I make this mix gluten-free?
Sure! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

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