You know those recipes that call for things like 1 3 cup plus 1 3 cup of sugar plus another 1/3 cup of flour? No problem – as long as you’ve got measuring cups. But what if you’re just eyeballing it? Can you actually visualize what 1/3 plus 1/3 equals?
Time for a math lesson – in the kitchen! Grab your ingredients and measuring cups and let’s see how fractions like 1/3 and 2/3 work when you’re baking up something tasty. With just a little hands-on experience, you’ll get the hang of adding fractions and be freestyling recipes in no time. Stir up some learning along with your cookies or pancakes as we explore the math behind fractional measurements.
Understanding Fractions: What Do 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup Mean?
When a recipe calls for 1/3 cup plus 1/3 cup, it simply means two portions of 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup, which together equal 2/3 of a cup. Confused? Don’t worry, we’ll break it down.
A cup is made up of thirds, so 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup cup is the same as saying one portion plus one more portion out of the three that make up a whole cup. Each 1/3 cup is one-third of the total cup. Add the two fractions together and you get 2/3 cup.
To visualize this, imagine splitting a cup into thirds. Each third represents 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup. Now take two of those thirds and combine them. Two out of the three portions is 2/3 of the total cup.
Another way to think about it is that 1/2 cup is half of the total cup. So if 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cupis half, then 2/3 cup must be slightly more than half. Specifically, it’s two of the three portions that make up a whole cup.
- 1 cup = 3 portions of 1/3 cup
- 1/3 cup = 1 portion of a cup divided into thirds
- 1/3 cup + 1/3 cup = 2 portions of a cup divided into thirds = 2/3 cup
Whether you’re an expert baker or just learning, understanding fractions is essential in the kitchen. Don’t let 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup trip you up – just remember that together they equal 2/3 of a cup, and you’ll be whipping up recipes in no time!
Why Add Fractions in Baking?
Baking requires precision. If the measurements are off, your baked goods won’t turn out right. Fractions are crucial for getting the exact amounts of ingredients.
When a recipe calls for 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup of sugar, that specific amount is necessary for the chemical reaction to happen properly. Too little sugar and your cookies won’t be sweet enough. Too much, and they’ll be overly sugary. Fractions provide exact specifications so your creation comes out perfectly.
- Fractions are the building blocks for scaling up or down recipes. If you want to make a double batch of brownies, you simply double all the fractions. For half the batch, halve them. Easy peasy!
- Many ingredients in baking are measured in fractions, especially for smaller amounts. Things like baking powder, salt, vanilla extract—all frequently measured in fractions of teaspoons or cups. Knowing how to add, subtract and measure fractions is a must for any home baker.
- Once you understand fractions, you’ll gain confidence in the kitchen. No more guessing if 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup is a 1/2 cup or 3/4 cup (it’s 3/4 cup, FYI). Fractions demystify baking and help you bake like a pro.
With practice, adding and measuring fractions will become second nature. Your friends and family will be amazed at your newfound baking skills. And it’s all thanks to fractions—the building blocks of baking.
Step-by-Step: Adding 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup
To add 11 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup, here’s what you do:
First, gather the two measuring cups with 1/3 cup markings. Make sure they’re clearly labeled so you know which amount is in each cup.
Next, pour the ingredients from one of the cups into a larger mixing bowl or measuring cup. This will give you your first 1/3 cup amount.
Then, pour the ingredients from the remaining 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup measuring cup into the same larger bowl or measuring cup. Combine the two portions thoroughly by stirring, mixing or whisking – whatever is appropriate for what you’re making.
Once the two 1/3 cup amounts have been combined, you’ll have 2/3 cup total of the ingredient in your larger bowl or measuring cup.
For example, if a recipe calls for 1/3 cup of flour and 1/3 cup of sugar, measure out the flour and pour it into your mixing bowl. Then measure the sugar and add it to the same bowl. Mix everything together and you’ll have 2/3 cup of the combined dry ingredients to add to your recipe.
Or, if you need 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup of milk and 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup of cream, measure each amount and pour both into a 2-cup liquid measuring cup. Give it a quick stir or swirl to combine and you’ll have the needed 2/3 cup amount of the mixed dairy to proceed with the recipe.
The math is simple:
1/3 cup + 1/3 cup = 2/3 cup
But following the step-by-step process will ensure you end up with the accurate measurement the recipe intends. Baking, especially, requires precision – so take your time and be careful measuring and combining for best results. If you have any doubts, it’s also a good idea to double check the recipe to confirm the amounts.
Kitchen Tools for Measuring 1/3 Cup Accurately
When baking or cooking with fractions of a cup, having the right tools makes all the difference. For accurately measuring 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup portions, here are some recommendations:
- LEIFENY offers a stainless steel measuring cup that accurately measures 1/3 cup, with measurements in tablespoons, milliliters, cubic centimeters, and ounces. This versatile tool provides precise measurements for both wet and dry ingredients so you can make perfectly portioned recipes.
- The Norpro Grip-Ez Stainless Steel Measuring Cups are recommended as the best dry measuring cup set for accuracy and ease of use. It includes a 1/3 cup measure along with 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup sizes. The stainless steel cups have clearly marked measurements that won’t wear off, as well as soft, non-slip grips and handles.
- Tablecraft provides a stainless steel measuring cup that allows for precise measurements of dry ingredients, ensuring perfectly cooked dishes. Their 1/3 cup measure is clearly stamped with ounce and milliliter markings. The stainless steel construction means it’s durable and dishwasher safe.
When measuring out 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup portions, be sure to fill and level the measuring cup for the most precise results. Scoop ingredients from their container and pour into the measuring cup, then use a flat edge like a knife or spatula to level off the top. For sticky ingredients like brown sugar or flour, use the “spoon and level” method – spooning the ingredient into the cup and then leveling off with a knife.
With the right tools and techniques, measuring out 1/3 cup portions for your recipes can be simple and accurate. Happy baking and cooking!
Recipes Using 1/3 Cup + 1/3 Cup Measurements
When a recipe calls for 1/3 cup plus another 1/3 cup, you have a few options for measuring it out accurately.
You could measure 2/3 cup all at once, but for some ingredients, it’s best to add in stages. If the recipe specifies adding the ingredients at different points, measure 1/3 cup, add it, then measure the remaining 1/3 cup when directed.
Another method is to measure out 5 and 1/3 tablespoons for each 1/3 cup. Five tablespoons plus one teaspoon equals 1/3 cup. So for 1/3 cup plus 1/3 cup, measure out 10 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons. This works well for sticky ingredients like honey or molasses that can be difficult to measure in a liquid measuring cup.
As an alternative, you can use a 1/4 cup measure for each 1/3 cup. Since 1/3 cup is equal to 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (which is just over 1/4 cup), two 1/4 cup measures will give you a slightly generous 2/3 cup. This method works in a pinch but may affect the results slightly.
Muffins
For muffins, quick breads or cupcakes, 1/3 cup plus 1/3 cup of ingredients like mashed bananas, pumpkin puree or yogurt are commonly used. Measure out 2/3 cup of the ingredient and fold it into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, or the muffins can become dense.
Pancakes
Light and fluffy pancakes often call for 1/3 cup plus 1/3 cup of buttermilk or sour cream. Combine the wet ingredients, then gently fold them into the dry ingredients. Do not overmix, or the pancakes can become tough. Cook the pancakes on a hot griddle and serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit and whipped cream.
Salad Dressings
Creamy salad dressings and vinaigrettes regularly use 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup of olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice. Slowly whisk the oils into the acidic ingredients while seasoning with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. Chill before drizzling over your favorite salad.
Conclusion
You see, fractions aren’t as scary as they seem. In fact, they’re everywhere in our daily lives – even in the kitchen when we’re cooking and baking. So don’t run away when you see a fraction in a recipe. Embrace it! Break it down into pieces you understand and take it step-by-step.
Before you know it, you’ll be adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions like a pro. The next time you need 1 3 Cup plus 1 3 Cup of an ingredient, you’ll handle it no problem. Fractions aren’t so bad after all, are they? Give them a chance – you might even grow to like them.