The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Baker's percentage questions

Larry Clark's picture
Larry Clark

Baker's percentage questions

 

I have a vague recollection of reading (somewhere) that for baker's precentage purposes, sugar is considered a liquid. Is that true?

If I have a formula that calls for 1% oil, and I want to add eggs do they count as an oil? I'm sure either is counted as a liquid but

what about honey - liquid or solid?

 

Larry

subfuscpersona's picture
subfuscpersona

I never heard of sugar being considered a liquid for bakers pct. I would consider it a solid.

Before modifying the recipe I would make it at least once so you have a feel for the dough, the process and the final product.  

Re substituting/adding eggs...I keep them in their own category, but, since the yolk contains fat, if you're also using oil, you could reduce the % of oil a tiny bit. Maybe also reduce the % water (or other liquid) a tiny bit also to compensate for the eggs. Eggs are really in a class by themselves. You can tweak the bakers percents to adjust the recipe but basically, I'd be prepared to add more flour (or water) if the dough doesn't feel the way it did in the original formula (which is why I think its important to make it as written so you have a basis for comparison).

Re substituting honey...I often replace sugar with honey in bread recipes. I consider honey a liquid, and reduce the % water somewhat but not on a 1:1 replacement (by weight).  However, I don't do this in a sweet dough bread, since, if the recipe calls for a lot of sweetener, and you want to use honey, its better finding a recipe formulated for honey from a reputable source than going ahead with subbing honey for sugar if sugar is a significant % of the overall formula.