There’s something to be said about being able to bake to your heart’s content without having to run to the store to get the tools and ingredients you need (we’ve all been there). I’ve been baking in my own home for years, and I know having the right home baking essentials makes all the difference. From sturdy mixing bowls to yeast and flour, this guide will walk you through everything you need to start baking at home with confidence.
Kitchen Essentials Every Baker Needs
Mixing Bowls
Investing in bowls of different sizes will be helpful when you’re in the middle of a recipe. I’m not sure how many times I needed an extra bowl I didn’t have before I purchased my set of nesting bowls. Stainless steel or glass is a durable, easy-to-clean option.
Here’s the ones I can’t live without: 6 Nesting Bowls with Lids and Grater Attachment
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accuracy is key while baking. A good set of dry and liquid measuring cups ensures your recipes turn out every time.
I’ve lost these an embarrassingly large number of times (where do they go, who knows?), but when I do, I return to these.
Digital Kitchen Scale
Now this is a recent purchase I made for when I make candles, but now I can’t live without it. I use it all the time for recipes, and it allows me to be as accurate as I can be.
This is the one I have: Kitchen Scale – it still works perfectly after 6 years of abuse!
Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand)
I have both, but I got a stand mixer as a Christmas gift from my brother, and I can’t turn back after using it. It makes baking and kneading dough a breeze (although I think I’ve lost some arm muscle since I stopped kneading by hand).
This is mine: Techwood Stand Mixer
Baking Sheets and Pans
Start with a few basics. I’ve been using the Rockwood sheet and muffin tins, and I really like them:
- Sheet pan for cookies and roasting
- 9×9 or 9×13 pan for bars and cakes
- Loaf pan for quick breads
- Muffin tin for cupcakes or muffins
Parchment Paper
Something I don’t live without, this makes cleanup nonexistent when using sheet pans.
The brand I use: Parchment Paper
Cooling Rack
This is needed when you need baked goods to cool and set before going into storage. Whether or not they make it off the cooling rack is up to you.
The Cooling Rack I use
Basic Hand Tools
The essentials every baker needs.
- Rolling Pin
- Spatulas
- Whisk
- Oven Thermometer – all ovens are different, and sometimes the reading on the oven itself isn’t accurate, so a second reading is always a good idea
- Sifter – for lump-free ingredients
- Bench Scraper – for handling dough
- Pastry Brush – for glazes and egg wash on baked goods
Essential Home Baking Ingredients
I’m going to make a list for the essentials, so everything you’d need for basic recipes. Although some creative recipes might need more, this list will get you started.
- Flour
- Sugar – brown and white
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Yeast – Instant or Active
- Butter
- Neutral Oil – Vegetable or Canola
- Eggs
- Milk and Heavy Cream
- Vanilla Extract
- Spices – Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Allspice
- Salt
Once your pantry and tools are stocked with these home baking essentials, you’ll be ready to bake anything from a simple loaf of banana bread to a batch of flaky pastries. I hope this list helped you feel more comfortable with stocking your kitchen. A reminder that if all of this seems overwhelming, you can start with what you have and a few basics and work your way to having more luxuries. Let me know in the comments how your baking journey is going and if you have any questions!
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