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Becoming a baking pro is all about two things: following recipes and using great ingredients. Stocking up on baking ingredients might feel like a big task but most of what you need lasts a long time, so once you buy them, you'll likely be able to make multiple batches of cakes, cookies, muffins, and other baked goods. Let's dive into the key ingredients every baker needs.
You'll need flour for everything from bread to cakes and even cookies and pie dough. It's good to have different types on hand. Essential ones include all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and bread flour. Depending on your recipes, you might also want specialty flours like cake flour, gluten-free flours, finely ground corn flour, and others.
The best way to balance the flavor of your baked goods is to use plain iodized table salt. Some bakers may prefer to use kosher salt or sea salt, depending on the recipe. If your recipe doesn't say which salt to use, assume that it's table salt.
This is another essential. Baking soda is a base, meaning it needs to be mixed with an acid to produce carbon dioxide, which is what gives baked goods their flavor. As a result, it's often used along with other ingredients like natural cocoa powder, lemon juice, cream of tartar, yogurt, and so on.
Baking powder contains bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar, which makes cakes rise. When you mix it with water or any liquid, the cream of tartar activates the bicarbonate of soda, releasing carbon dioxide and making the cake aerate. It's popular in baking, particularly in creamed cakes.
Butter is what brings it all together, adding richness and texture to soft, flaky bakes, like cakes or shortcrust pastries. Although it's common to use unsalted butter, using salted butter isn't a bad idea. When added to a baked good, the salt in the butter brings out the flavors brilliantly. If nothing is mentioned in the recipe, go for salted butter.
For most baked goods, ingredients like sour cream, yogurt, whipped cream or buttermilk are commonly used. However, when it comes to essential dairy for baking, plain old milk, preferably whole milk, is a must-have. Also, you'll need cream cheese as well. Although not a must-have, it's worth having on hand since it's versatile and doesn't have a convenient substitute. Plus, it has a long shelf life.
Lastly, it's a good idea to keep a can of evaporated milk in your pantry. It can be used as a substitute for heavy cream in most recipes.
Granulated sugar is a common ingredient in baking, but it's also handy to have brown sugar, white sugar, dark brown sugar, coconut sugar, and powdered sugar in your kitchen. It's also good to keep sweeteners like corn syrup and maple syrup on hand for various baking needs.
Just like flour, eggs are crucial in baking as they give structure and texture to baked goods. They also hold everything together after baking, preventing it from crumbling.
For the best type of eggs, go for the organic type. These eggs are hormone-free and don't contain any harmful substances. You can usually find them at farmer's markets or from local farmers nearby. If a recipe doesn't specify egg size, it's safe to assume that it means large eggs.
Cinnamon is a common spice used in both savory and sweet foods. You'll need both cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon to give your pastries a unique aroma and flavor.
Vegetable oil is a must-have in many recipes and is great for greasing pans before baking since it doesn't add flavor. If you want a healthier option, you can use canola oil.
Many people who love sweets absolutely love chocolate. It's one of the most popular ingredients in pastries, next to fruits. Depending on your recipe, you can use cooking chocolate, chocolate chips, or cacao powder. Cacao powder is used as a dry ingredient while cooking chocolate or chocolate chips are used as melted ingredients. It's a good idea to get some high-quality cacao powder and chocolate - you'll taste the difference!
For a more intense, less sweet flavor, go for dark cooking chocolate instead of milk chocolate, and make sure to use unsweetened cacao powder.
When you're setting up your baking cupboard, pure vanilla extract is a must-have. It makes everything you bake taste richer and more flavorful. We suggest using pure vanilla extract, not imitation. While it might cost a bit more, it's definitely worth it.
It's useful to have a few common baking nuts on hand, such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios. Refrigerate them to keep them fresh (you can store them in the freezer as well).
If you enjoy fruit cakes, having a bag of currants, sultanas, and raisins on hand is a must. There are many dried fruits to choose from, so stock up on what you need or customize a recipe using your favorites.
Following recipes accurately and using high-quality ingredients are key. Make sure to measure ingredients properly and don't overmix the batter.
Most baking ingredients should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness. Items like nuts and flour can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for extended shelf life.
Properly grease the baking pan with butter, oil, or cooking spray. Also, line the pan with parchment paper. To prevent burning, keep an eye on your baked goods while they're in the oven and adjust the temperature or baking time as needed.
Yes, you can. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
With these essential baking ingredients in your baking pantry and refrigerator, you'll always be prepared to whip up something sweet and delicious. And if you're looking for a convenient way to kickstart your baking journey, check out the Pepe Nero Decorating Kit. Packed with all the essential tools you need for decorating, it's the perfect solution for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Shop with us today.
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