Adjusting Oven Times and Temperatures
Have you ever wanted to speed up a 45-minute casserole by blasting it at a higher temperature? Or perhaps you are baking two different dishes at the same time and need to compromise on the oven temperature? Our Cooking Time Adjustment Calculator tells you exactly how to adjust the time.
The 25-Degree Rule
While baking is a science, adjusting temperatures doesn't perfectly scale linearly. However, culinary experts use a reliable rule of thumb:
- Increase Temp by 25°F: Decrease time by ~20%
- Decrease Temp by 25°F: Increase time by ~20%
Our calculator uses a specific mathematical curve to calculate these exact adjustments for any temperature change, whether you use Fahrenheit or Celsius.
When NOT to Change Temperatures
While you can easily adjust the temperature for roasted vegetables, casseroles, and meats, you should be very careful when baking pastries, cakes, and breads. High temperatures create rapid steam and cause the outside of a cake to set and crust over before the inside has finished expanding, resulting in a cracked, volcanic cake.