Must-have Baking Supplies for Certified Home Bakers

Baking is more than just a method of cooking. It is an art form, science, a fundamental skill, a way of linking the past and the present, and a culture rooted in tradition. But at its core, baking is a means of bringing people together and connecting with family through good food.

For some people, especially beginners, baking can be overwhelming and complicated because of all the tools, recipes, and techniques one has to perform to create edible and visually appealing baked goods. But once you have the proper tools, following a recipe will be a breeze.

Home-baking essentials

Whether you are a newbie or a pro, this list of baking tools will get you through any recipe and a great addition to the kitchen.

1. Oven.

Whether you use gas or an electric oven, the heat from it imparts the final characteristics of the baked products: flavor, texture, color, smell, and shelf life. It must be roomy enough to accommodate numerous baking trays or tall cakes.

Another thing to look for is the control panel for easy temperature control and a built-in timer so that it will automatically turn off after the programmed cooking time has elapsed.

2. Measuring spoons and cups.

These can be used for baking and other cooking methods. Have a set of measuring spoons ranging from one tablespoon to 1/8 teaspoon and measuring cups ranging from one cup to 1/4 cup for accurate baking.

Make sure that a keyring or a keyring-like loop connects them to avoid losing one or more. For cups, make sure that they have a flat base to allow them to stand by themselves on the counter. In addition, the handles shouldn’t be too long or heavy that they tilt backward.

3. Rubber spatula or scraper.

The spatula is a hand-held tool with a broad, flat and flexible blade that helps you scrape dough or batter out of the mixing bowl or pan. This can also be used to fold and mix wet or dry ingredients or spread icing and other ingredients.

4. Pastry brush.

A pastry or basting brush is often used to spread oil or butter into the pan before the batter is poured in, or coat or glaze dough with butter, egg wash, or milk that helps keep the baked goods get an even browning on top or moist.

5. Whisk.

A wire whisk that consists of a long handle with a series of wire loops is used to beat eggs, mix dry or wet ingredients, or make custard and icing. It incorporates air into the mix, making for a thick consistency, depending on the recipe's needs.

6. Rolling pin.

A rolling pin is a cylindrical tool used to roll pie crusts, cooking dough, or fondant icing to their desired thickness and size. You can also use this to crush cookies, chips, or crackers for other recipes.

Rolling pins can be made of wood, ceramic, marble, porcelain, glass, or metal, though wood is the most common and popular. It also comes in two types: rollers with handles on each end and rods with tapered ends.

7. Baking pans.

Rectangular and square baking pans are best for baking cakes, brownies, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and the like. A 9x9-inch aluminum or stainless steel square pan is best for beginners, while a 9x13 rectangular pan is the most basic option.

8. Cake pans.

Cake pans can be round, square, or rectangular. Get two or three of these of different sizes when making layer cakes; for instance, two-layered cakes require an 8-inch and a 9-inch pan or a pair of 8-inch pans. This will enable you to bake two cake layers at the same time.

9. Loaf pans.

Loaf pans are narrow, rectangular, and deep-walled. These can be metal, silicone, or even ceramic. The walls of the pan form the shape of the bread or cake as it rises during baking. Metal ones with non-stick coating are the most common.

10. Pie plate.

A pie plate is a round, shallow, slope-sided dish with either a flat or fluted rim that holds the edge of the pie crust. These can be stainless steel, ceramic, or glass. The standard size is 9 inches in diameter and 1 ¼ inch deep.

11. Wire rack.

Also called a cooling rack, this is used to cool down freshly baked goods as it allows air to circulate to reach room temperature.

12. Muffin pan.

A muffin pan is a mold used to make muffins or cupcakes. Get one with a non-stick surface for easy release and cleaning.

13. Baking sheet.

A baking sheet is a flat and rectangular metal pan. It is a multipurpose baking tool essential when baking cookies, pizza crusts, bread, and many more.

14. Mixer.

A mixer is a device that uses a gear-driven mechanism to rotate a set of beaters to automate the repetitive task of stirring, whisking, or beating. This can be a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Some mixers have different hooks or attachments for various uses, such as a dough hook for kneading dough.

15. Mixing bowls.

Combine and mix ingredients in a mixing bowl. This can be made of glass, plastic, ceramic, or stainless steel. Get a set that is lightweight and microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and can be used daily and bear the brunt of a mixer or beater.

16. Parchment paper.

Parchment paper is grease- and moisture-resistant paper used to line cake pans and baking sheets, wrap food, transfer ingredients, and pipe icing with. . It should fit the baking pan to a tee to prevent cakes and other pastries from sticking.

17. Wooden spoon.

A wooden spoon is typically used for stirring because of its durability. It doesn’t scrape pans and bowls, doesn’t react with acidic ingredients, and has a high heat tolerance.

18. Offset spatula.

Also known as cake or decorating spatula, this is a narrow metal blade with a handle used for layering and spreading frosting unto a cake or pushing batter into an even layer.

19. Mesh strainers.

Many recipes call for flour, sugar, and other ingredients to be sifted before mixing with wet ingredients. The mesh strainer is a sieve—not to be confused with a colander. The wire mesh in this type of strainer is fine, eliminating lumps or big pieces. It can also be used to make smoother sauce or purees.

Level-up your baking

As you gradually master using these tools and the recipes that require these, you can level up the tools you will need for baking. Nevertheless, these items are the basic and essential items you will ever need to create delicious bread and pastries.