When I first moved to the mountains, I thought baking would be the same old story: measure, mix, bake, enjoy.

Turns out, altitude has other plans.

I can’t tell you how many cakes collapsed, cookies turned into puddles, or muffins overflowed before I finally figured out how to make it work up here in Evergreen, CO.

So here’s my honest list of 5 things I wish someone had told me before I ruined my fair share of banana bread:

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🏔️ 1. Recipes Lie (When You’re 7,000 Feet Up)

That cute cookie recipe from Pinterest? Written for sea level. Up here, lower air pressure means everything rises faster — and then collapses. Knowing how to tweak baking powder or soda makes all the difference.

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💦 2. Your Bakes Dry Out — Fast

Moisture is a constant battle at altitude. I wish I’d known to add a splash more liquid to almost every recipe. It’s a tiny tweak, but it’s why my banana bread is finally moist, not crumbly.

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🔥 3. Your Oven Is Not Lying to You — Probably

Baking times can be shorter at altitude, but here’s the twist: your oven might run colder than it says. I learned (the hard way) to get an oven thermometer and check for doneness early. Saves so many burnt edges!

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📏 4. Small Adjustments Matter

When I started, I’d mess with a recipe like I was doing a science experiment — huge changes, big fails. The secret? Tiny adjustments: reduce sugar a smidge, bump up flour, add a tablespoon of water. It works!

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🧁 5. Kits Save My Sanity

I wish I’d known how much stress a pre-measured kit could save me. No guessing, no redoing math for altitude tweaks, no “will this rise or sink?” anxiety. It’s part of why I started Sweet Start Kits in the first place — so you can skip the trial and error and just bake.

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🎂 Your Shortcut to Mountain Baking Success

High-altitude baking can be fun — once you know the tricks. And if you’d rather not risk a cake fail, our Sweet Start Kits have every adjustment built in.

Because you deserve cookies that don’t puddle and muffins that don’t explode. Promise.

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Ever had a high-altitude baking fail? Tell me your story below — I bet I’ve been there too!