The 3 Baking Supplies I Can’t Live Without (And Why You Need Them Too)
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: baking isn’t just about skill, it’s about the tools you use. Sure, you could try making a perfectly layered cake with a butter knife and a hand whisk, but why make life harder when the right supplies can take your baking from good to bakery-level amazing?
Over the years, I’ve tested just about every baking gadget and tool out there. Some were fun for a season, others ended up collecting dust in the back of the cupboard. But a few? They’ve earned a permanent spot in my kitchen, the ones I’d grab first if I ever had to bake in someone else’s kitchen from scratch.
Today, I’m sharing the three baking supplies I absolutely cannot live without, why they matter, and how they’ll change your baking game for the better.
1. My Stand Mixer
If there’s one tool that has paid for itself ten times over, it’s my stand mixer.
Why I Love It
From whipping up fluffy buttercream to kneading bread dough, it saves time, energy, and gives you consistent results every time. Unlike a hand mixer, you can let it run while you prep other ingredients, which makes the baking process smoother and faster.
What It Does Best
- Creaming butter and sugar until perfectly fluffy
- Kneading bread or pizza dough with even consistency
- Whipping egg whites into stiff peaks in minutes
Pro Tip
Invest in the extra attachments. A paddle attachment with a scraper helps you incorporate ingredients evenly, and the dough hook makes bread-making effortless.
2. Offset Spatula
If you’ve ever tried to frost a cake with a butter knife, you know the struggle. An offset spatula is a small, angled wonder that instantly makes you look like a pro decorator.
Why I Love It
It’s all about control and smoothness. The angle keeps your hand out of the frosting, giving you clean, professional-looking finishes. Whether you’re spreading batter evenly in a pan or smoothing buttercream on cupcakes, this tool gives you precision that a flat knife just can’t.
What It Does Best
- Leveling frosting on cakes and cupcakes
- Spreading batter evenly before baking
- Transferring delicate cookies from a sheet without breaking them
Pro Tip
Get two sizes, a small one for cupcakes and detail work, and a longer one for large cakes. You’ll use both more than you think.
3. Stainless Steel Cake Turntable
When I first started decorating cakes, I would use a plastic Wilton turntable (which was basically a glorified lazy susan). The result? Wobbly edges, uneven layers, and a lot of frustration. Then I got my hands on a stainless steel cake turntable, and my decorating life changed forever.
Why I Love It
A good cake turntable gives you smooth, effortless rotation, allowing you to apply frosting and decorations evenly from every angle. Stainless steel models are especially sturdy, which means no wiggling while you work. Whether you’re making a wedding cake or a simple birthday dessert, this tool makes precision easy.
What It Does Best
- Achieving perfectly smooth frosting finishes
- Creating even borders and piped designs
- Helping with crumb coating for a cleaner final look
Pro Tip
Pair it with your offset spatula for the ultimate cake-decorating combo. And always choose a non-slip base so your cake stays put while you work. I personally use painters tape
How These Three Tools Changed My Baking
Before I had these, I was constantly frustrated. Cakes came out lopsided and my frosting looked more like a snowstorm than a smooth layer. But once I invested in a stand mixer, an offset spatula, and a stainless steel cake turntable, everything shifted.
- My recipes became more consistent.
- My decorating looked professional.
- I actually enjoyed baking more because I wasn’t fighting with my tools.
These three tools are the foundation of my cake decorating process. Everything else piping tips, silicone mats, extra attachments is wonderful to have, but these are the MVPs that keep my kitchen running.
Why Good Tools Are Worth the Investment
Cheap tools might work at first, but they often break, warp, or give inconsistent results. Quality tools, on the other hand:
- Last for years (sometimes decades)
- Give you consistent, professional results
- Make the baking process faster and more enjoyable
Think of them as an investment in your craft and your sanity.
The Takeaway
If you’re ready to step up your baking game, start with the basics:
- A stand mixer for speed and consistency
- An offset spatula for flawless decorating
- A stainless steel cake turntable for smooth, professional finishes
With these three tools, you’ll see immediate improvement in your baking results, whether you’re making cupcakes for a birthday or a three-tier wedding cake.