Creaming fat and sugar, whipping egg whites, or whipping heavy cream are examples of what type of leavening?

The correct answer is Mechanical leavening.Key Points

• Mechanical leavening:-
  • It refers to the physical process of incorporating air into a mixture to create lift and volume.
  • Creaming fat and sugar, whipping egg whites, or whipping heavy cream are examples of mechanical leavening.
  •  This is different from chemical leavening, which involves a chemical reaction to produce gas and create a rise
  • Creaming fat and sugar involves beating the two together until they are light and fluffy.
  • This creates air pockets in the mixture, which will expand when heated and create a leavening effect in baked goods.
  • Whipping egg whites and heavy cream are similar processes that also incorporate air into the mixture.
  • In the case of egg whites, the proteins in the egg form a network that traps air bubbles.
  • Heavy cream contains fat globules that can also trap air.

Additional Information

• Organic leavening:-
  • It refers to the use of natural fermentation to create lift in dough or batter.
  • This can be achieved through the use of sourdough starter, for example.
• Physical leavening:-
  • It​ refers to the use of steam or other physical processes to create lift.
  • This can be seen in the use of steam in bread baking, or in the expansion of popcorn kernels when heated.
• Chemical leavening:-
  • It​ involves the use of baking powder, baking soda, or other chemical agents to create gas and lift in baked goods.
  • This is often used in conjunction with other leavening methods to achieve the desired texture and rise.