Not checking the proportions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 92 views

Scaling Up a Recipe: A Math Problem

When it comes to baking, scaling up a recipe can be a daunting task. In this article, we will explore how to scale up a recipe for Coca Cola cupcakes, specifically Sarah's recipe, to make 28 cupcakes.

Understanding the Original Recipe

Sarah's recipe for Coca Cola cupcakes calls for two thirds of a cup of Coke and makes 15 cupcakes. To understand the relationship between the amount of Coke and the number of cupcakes, we need to calculate the ratio of Coke to cupcakes.

Let's break down the original recipe:

2/3 cup of Coke
15 cupcakes

To find the ratio of Coke to cupcakes, we can divide the amount of Coke by the number of cupcakes:

(2/3 cup) ÷ 15 cupcakes = 2/45 cup/cupcake

This means that for every cupcake, we need 2/45 cup of Coke.

Scaling Up the Recipe

Now that we understand the ratio of Coke to cupcakes, we can scale up the recipe to make 28 cupcakes. To do this, we need to multiply the amount of Coke by the ratio of Coke to cupcakes.

Let's calculate the amount of Coke needed for 28 cupcakes:

(2/45 cup/cupcake) × 28 cupcakes = 2.67 cups of Coke

So, Sarah will need approximately 2.67 cups of Coke to make 28 cupcakes.

Why is Scaling Up a Recipe Important?

Scaling up a recipe is important because it allows us to make a larger quantity of food while maintaining the same flavor and texture. In this case, Sarah wants to make 28 cupcakes for her class, and scaling up the recipe ensures that she has enough Coke to make the desired number of cupcakes.

Tips for Scaling Up a Recipe

When scaling up a recipe, it's essential to keep the following tips in mind:

Maintain the ratio: Make sure to maintain the ratio of ingredients to the number of servings. In this case, we maintained the ratio of Coke to cupcakes.
Use a multiplier: Use a multiplier to scale up the recipe. In this case, we multiplied the amount of Coke by 28/15.
Check the proportions: Check the proportions of ingredients to ensure that they are correct. In this case, we checked the proportions of Coke to cupcakes.

Conclusion

Scaling up a recipe can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it's achievable. By understanding the ratio of ingredients to the number of servings and using a multiplier, we can scale up a recipe to make a larger quantity of food while maintaining the same flavor and texture. In this article, we explored how to scale up Sarah's recipe for Coca Cola cupcakes to make 28 cupcakes.

Mathematical Formulas Used

Ratio: (2/3 cup) ÷ 15 cupcakes = 2/45 cup/cupcake
Scaling up: (2/45 cup/cupcake) × 28 cupcakes = 2.67 cups of Coke

Mathematical Concepts Used

Ratios
Scaling up a recipe
Proportions

Real-World Applications

Baking
Cooking
Scaling up a recipe for a large event or party

Further Reading

"Scaling Up a Recipe: A Guide to Baking for Large Groups"
"The Art of Scaling Up a Recipe: Tips and Tricks"
"Math in the Kitchen: Scaling Up a Recipe"
Scaling Up a Recipe: A Q&A Article

In our previous article, we explored how to scale up a recipe for Coca Cola cupcakes to make 28 cupcakes. Now, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about scaling up a recipe.

Q: What is scaling up a recipe?

A: Scaling up a recipe means increasing the quantity of ingredients to make a larger quantity of food. This can be done to make a larger batch of food for a party, event, or to feed a larger group of people.

Q: Why is scaling up a recipe important?

A: Scaling up a recipe is important because it allows us to make a larger quantity of food while maintaining the same flavor and texture. This is especially important when making food for large groups or events.

Q: How do I scale up a recipe?

A: To scale up a recipe, you need to multiply the amount of ingredients by the ratio of ingredients to the number of servings. For example, if a recipe makes 15 cupcakes and you want to make 28 cupcakes, you would multiply the amount of ingredients by 28/15.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when scaling up a recipe?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when scaling up a recipe include:

Not maintaining the ratio: Make sure to maintain the ratio of ingredients to the number of servings.
Not using a multiplier: Use a multiplier to scale up the recipe.
Not checking the proportions: Check the proportions of ingredients to ensure that they are correct.

Q: How do I know if a recipe can be scaled up?

A: Most recipes can be scaled up, but some may require adjustments to the cooking time or temperature. If you're unsure, it's always best to test the recipe on a small scale before scaling it up.

Q: Can I scale up a recipe that has a lot of liquid ingredients?

A: Yes, you can scale up a recipe that has a lot of liquid ingredients. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time or temperature to ensure that the food is cooked properly.

Q: Can I scale up a recipe that has a lot of dry ingredients?

A: Yes, you can scale up a recipe that has a lot of dry ingredients. However, you may need to adjust the mixing time or technique to ensure that the ingredients are properly combined.

Q: How do I adjust the cooking time when scaling up a recipe?

A: When scaling up a recipe, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure that the food is cooked properly. This can be done by increasing the cooking time by the same ratio as the ingredients.

Q: How do I adjust the temperature when scaling up a recipe?

A: When scaling up a recipe, you may need to adjust the temperature to ensure that the food is cooked properly. This can be done by increasing the temperature by the same ratio as the ingredients.

Q: Can I scale up a recipe that has a lot of complex ingredients?

A: Yes, you can scale up a recipe that has a lot of complex ingredients. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time or technique to ensure that the ingredients are properly combined.

Q: How do I know if a recipe has been scaled up correctly?

A: To ensure that a recipe has been scaled up correctly, you should:

Check the proportions: Check the proportions of ingredients to ensure that they are correct.
Check the cooking time: Check the cooking time to ensure that the food is cooked properly.
Check the texture: Check the texture of the food to ensure that it is correct.