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Chemistry ConnectionsA student-run chemistry podcast Author: Hopewell Valley Student Publication Network
The Chemistry Connections Podcast is a student-run podcast that examines the chemistry behind real-world topics that interest Mr. Johnson's AP Chemistry students. Students talk about an array of topics such as food, art, history, medicine, and much much more. Language: en Genres: Chemistry, Education, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Chemistry of Cupcakes
Episode 18
Friday, 14 June, 2024
Hopewell Valley Student Podcasting NetworkChemistry ConnectionsCupcake ChemistryEpisode #18 Welcome to Chemistry Connections, my name is Amelie Bass and I am your host for episode #18 called Cupcake Chemistry. Today I will be discussing how the ingredients of a cupcake form the magical dessert we all know and love.Segment 1: Introduction to CupcakesCupcakes: the delicious dessert baked for a celebration or eaten as a late-night snack. But like what goes into the cupcake to give it a moist and fluffy cake? I love baking a variety of treats but cupcakes are always a classic. Ok, let’s start with the key ingredients of any good cupcake:FlourButterSugarEggsVanillaLeaveners, like baking powder and baking sodaDairy, like sour cream and milkAnd of course a good frosting and decorationsIn this episode we will be discussing the chemistry behind 2 of these ingredients, starting with….Segment 2: The Chemistry Behind Baking PowderLeaveners (like the thing that gives the cupcake a light fluffy texture) are probably the most important ingredient in a cupcake. It is used to help the cupcake rise, giving it a light and fluffy texture.So what is a leavener, like what is the ingredient that is doing the rising. Baking soda and baking powder are what recipes will commonly call for. Now some will call for both of these leaveners. But wait, why is that, why do I need 2? Hold onto that idea later and we will come back to it later. Let's first analyze what these two substances even are.Baking sodaSodium bicarbonate is a base, used to neutralize any acidic components (chocolate or citrus) in the batterWhen the cupcakes are baked, the baking soda or NaHCO3 in the batter turns into sodium carbonate, water, and carbon dioxideThe carbon dioxide which is released in bubbles, causing the batter to rise.Baking powderA dry mixture that contains baking soda, acid salts, and cornstarchThe baking soda reacts with the acid salts in the powder only when the mixture is moistenedThe...
