In the olden days, baking started as a method of food preparation using heat on hot stones or in hot ashes. However, the modern-day baking style has changed, and bakers use dry heat or the oven for baking purposes. The most commonly baked food is bread. Recent times have transformed the baking industry through specific evolving trends, with cookies, puffs, desserts, pizzas, and cakes as everyday items for baking apart from bread. These items do not limit baking because, in general, all kinds of food can be baked. Heat transforms the batter and the dough into having a firm, dry crust for a soft centre. Baking is also combined with grilling for a barbecue variant, produced by using both these methods. These methods are related because the concept of a masonry oven goes hand in hand with a smoke pit. Initially, baking was not industrialized; women traditionally performed it at home for regular meals. Later, the process developed, and production was industrialized.

Baking is simultaneously a work of art and remains fundamental in the economic and cultural domain. One who picks up baking as a profession is known as a baker, and food items that have been baked are called baked goods. Baked items are generally small in size, mainly when these items include meat and vegetables. A range of food items with varying tastes can be produced through baking, including delicate items like eggs. The entire baking process requires attention, control, and specific time limits.

Commercial baking is widespread today, and the baking industry witnessed massive marketing success, especially with the making of snacks such as crisps or potato chips. Baking is also a good alternative for deep frying as it reduces fat and calorie content. The texture and aroma of baked goods are enormously appealing too.