Altitude Adjustments

Appears in
Professional Cooking
Professional Cooking

By Wayne Gisslen

Published 2014

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At high altitudes, atmospheric pressure is much lower than at sea level. This factor must be taken into account in cake baking. Formulas must be adjusted to suit baking conditions over 2,000 or 3,000 feet (600 or 900 m) above sea level.
Although general guidelines can be given, the exact adjustments required vary for different kinds of cake. Many manufacturers of flour, shortening, and other bakery ingredients supply detailed information and adjusted formulas for any given locality.

In general, the following adjustments must be made above elevations of 2,000 or 3,000 feet (600 or 900 m). See Table 33.3 for more specific adjustments.