A Baker's Must-Have Equipment and Ingredients

To achieve baking success, having the right equipment and quality ingredients is crucial. In this blog, I will break down the essential tools and ingredients that every home baker should have in their kitchen. Get yourself organized before beginning, read the recipe, gather your equipment and ingredients. It will make the experience so much easier and stress free!

I. Baking Equipment:

Mixing Bowls:

Always great to have various sizes for different ingredients/ recipes.

Stainless steel or glass for easy cleaning and durability.

Measuring Cups & Spoons:

Accurate measurements are key. Always level off the excess.

Recommend glass measuring cups for liquids.

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer:

A versatile tool for mixing batters and dough.

I will always recommend investing in a stand mixer especially for big batches and doughs.

Saves time and effort compared to manual mixing.

Baking Pans:

Different shapes and sizes for various treats.

Non-stick for easy removal of baked goods.

I will recommend parchment on the bottom of pans. 

Always spray!

Rolling Pin:

Essential for rolling out cookies, pie crusts and dough.

I recommend a French rolling pin for multiple reasons: 

-Allows for more precision, gives a better “feel” of the dough, tapered-ends offer more flexibility in the dough.

Oven Thermometer:

Ensures your oven is at the correct temperature.

Vital for consistent baking results.

Silicone Baking Mats:

This is something I never thought to use as a home baker but now I cannot go a day without it.

Reusable and non-stick surface for easy cleanup.

Perfect for cookies and other baked goods.

Rubber Spatula & Whisks:

Can be used for high heat.

Scrapes every bit of batter from your bowl or cup.

Whisks dry ingredients together more evenly to get clumps out.

Incorporates air in batter. 

Sheet Pans:

A must-have!

Used for baking and cooking.

Most baked goods will be baked on them.

Stainless steel is the most durable but there are other types and sizes.

Dry Food Storage:

Not exactly essential but I believe it can be worth the time and money.

It looks beautiful.

It helps you see if you are getting low on ingredients.

Prevents moisture.

Helps with shelf life. 

II. Essential Baking Ingredients:

Flour:

All-purpose flour for general baking.

Specialty flours like bread or cake flour for specific recipes.

Different brands come with different amounts of protein which can affect your dough recipe.

Sugar:

Granulated, brown, and powdered sugar for sweetness.

Honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness in certain recipes.

Leavening Agents:

Baking powder and baking soda for rising.

Yeast for bread and other yeast-based recipes.

Butter:

Unsalted butter for better control of salt content.

Alternatives like margarine, shortening or oil for specific dietary needs.

Eggs:

Provide structure and moisture to baked goods.

Always recommend whole eggs but carton eggs can be used as well.

Cornstarch can be used as an alternative for specific dietary needs.

Milk and Dairy:

Milk, cream, or buttermilk for moisture and richness.

Yogurt or sour cream for tangy flavor in certain recipes.

Flavorings and Extracts:

Vanilla extract, almond extract, and other flavorings.

Zest from citrus fruits for a burst of flavor.

Salt:

Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Equipped with the right tools and top-quality ingredients, any aspiring baker can turn their kitchen into the perfect bakery. Investing in the essentials ensures that your baking will be a success. So, preheat the oven, gather your ingredients, get organized and get ready to bake! 

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