Final answer:
The three stages of mixing dough or batter are mixing, where ingredients are combined; proofing, where the dough rises; and shaping, where the dough is formed before baking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three stages of mixing dough or batter in baking are mixing, proofing, and shaping. During the mixing stage, dry and wet ingredients are combined until they form a uniform mixture. Proofing, also known as fermentation, is when the dough is allowed to rest so the yeast can produce gases, which cause the dough to rise. Finally, shaping is the stage where the dough is formed into specific shapes before it goes into the oven for baking.