Bullet Journaling for Bakers

Baking is both an art and a science, requiring careful planning, precise measurements, and thoughtful experimentation. Whether you’re a home baker or an aspiring professional, staying organised can make a big difference in your baking success. A bullet journal for baking is a fantastic way to keep track of recipes, schedules, ingredient substitutions, and personal baking notes—all in one place.

By using a bullet journal, notebook, or scrapbook, you can streamline your baking process, refine your techniques, and create a personalised baking archive. Here’s how to use bullet journaling to stay organised and enhance your bread-making skills.

1. Choosing the Right Bullet Journal for Baking

The first step is selecting the right journal for your needs. Consider:

• Dot-grid notebooks for flexibility in layouts.
• Lined journals for structured recipe entries.
• Scrapbooks to include printed recipes, photos, and handwritten notes.
• Hardcover notebooks for durability and long-term use.

A high-quality baking journal ensures your notes stay organised and easy to reference.

2. Setting Up Your Bullet Journal for Baking

A well-structured bullet journal helps you keep track of everything related to your baking. Here are some key sections to include:

Recipe Index

Create a table of contents at the beginning of your baking bullet journal so you can quickly find your favourite bread recipes. Use page numbers and categorise recipes by type (sourdough, whole wheat, sweet breads, etc.).

Baking Schedule & Meal Planning

Planning your baking sessions helps ensure fresh bread is always available when you need it. Use your bullet journal to create:

• A weekly baking plan with specific bake days.
• A meal planning section that pairs fresh bread with meals.
• A seasonal baking calendar for festive treats and special occasions.

Ingredient Substitutions & Baking Conversions

Every baker encounters moments when they need a quick ingredient swap. Keep a substitutions chart in your journal, listing alternatives for eggs, flours, sweeteners, and dairy. You can also include a measurement conversion table to adjust recipes quickly.

Recipe Development & Experimentation Logs

If you enjoy tweaking recipes, create a section in your baking journal to track:

• Ingredient changes and their impact on texture and flavour.
• Different hydration levels for sourdough.
• Variations in proofing and fermentation times.
• Final results and tasting notes.

Keeping track of adjustments helps refine your baking techniques and develop signature recipes over time.

3. Using Symbols and Trackers for Easy Organisation

Bullet journaling is all about efficiency, so using symbols and trackers can help streamline your baking process. Try these ideas:

• Checklists for ingredients and prep steps.
• Icons to mark recipes you want to retry or improve.
• Temperature and time logs to track baking conditions.
• Dough hydration percentage charts to help you perfect your loaves.

4. Personalising Your Baking Bullet Journal

Make your journal visually appealing by adding:

• Hand-drawn sketches of loaves, scoring patterns, and baking techniques.
• Photos of your baked goods to track progress.
• Stickers, washi tape, and colored pens to highlight key notes.

Bullet journaling is a powerful tool for bakers to stay organised, track recipes, and refine their craft. Whether you’re planning your baking schedule, experimenting with new techniques, or keeping track of ingredient substitutions, a well-structured baking journal makes the process easier and more enjoyable.