High-Elevation Baking Calculator
Are you Higher than most when you bake?
I know we are. Here at Incline Bak'd, we are used to baking above 6000ft of elevation, and we know some of you are higher than us! Here are some cake recipe adjustments to help you get baked at home!
These adjustments will stop your cakes from over-rising in the oven and stop your cakes from sinking in the middle as they cool.
Along with these recipe adjustments, we also recommend you turn the oven up 10-15 degrees and reduce your baking times by 10-15% (everyone's oven is different).
Why Do Recipes Need Adjustment at High Elevations?
At higher elevations, the air pressure is lower, which affects baking in several ways:
- Liquids evaporate faster, which can dry out your baked goods
- Leavening agents (like baking powder) react more quickly, causing baked goods to rise too fast and then collapse
- Water boils at a lower temperature, affecting cooking times and moisture content
- Sugar becomes more concentrated as moisture evaporates
Our calculator helps you make the necessary adjustments to ensure your cakes, cookies, and other baked goods turn out perfectly at your elevation.
Reference Tables
| Adjustments for single batch | 5000ft | 6000ft | 7000ft | 8000ft | 9000ft* | 10000ft* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decrease Baking Powder by X per tsp: | 1/8 tsp | 3/16 tsp | 1/4 tsp | 5/16 tsp | 3/8 tsp | 7/16 tsp |
| Decrease Sugar by X per cup: | 1 Tbsp | 2 Tbsp | 3 Tbsp | 4 Tbsp | 5 Tbsp | 6 Tbsp |
| Increase Liquid for each cup add X: | 2 Tbsp | 3 Tbsp | 4 Tbsp | 5 Tbsp | 6 Tbsp | 7 Tbsp |
White Sugar is 200 grams per cup
1 tsp Baking Powder is 4.8 grams
*Values for 9,000ft and 10,000ft are extrapolated estimates
Additional High-Elevation Baking Tips
Flour
At higher elevations, you might need to add a little extra flour to strengthen the structure of your baked goods. Start with an extra tablespoon per cup and adjust as needed.
Eggs
Eggs can help add moisture and structure. For very dry conditions at high elevations, you might want to add an extra egg to your recipe.
Oven Temperature
Increasing your oven temperature by 10-15°F can help set the structure of baked goods before they overexpand. Just be sure to check for doneness earlier than the recipe suggests.
Yeast Breads
Yeast breads rise more quickly at high elevations. You may need to decrease the amount of yeast and allow for shorter rising times. Punch down the dough once or twice more than the recipe calls for.