10 Must-Have Baking Essentials for Mom

I’m a sucker for kitchen gadgets. I welcome anything that helps make my life a little easier in the kitchen, because I’m always experimenting with recipes and ideas. I can’t resist a good specialty kitchen store, but you have to start with the basics. Here is my list of the top 10 must-have baking essentials that everyone should own, whether you’re an occasional baker or an aspiring pastry chef. Great ideas for Mom :)

#1 – Kitchen Aid Mixer

I received my 5 Qt Artisan Kitchen Aid Mixer as a wedding shower gift and after 9 years it is still going strong. This is one appliance that works harder than any other. The initial price might take a chunk out of your wallet, but with lasting power like this I’d consider this a great value. I use all three attachments interchangeably for different things – the whisk for liquids, the flat beater for cookies and cake, and the dough hook for, well dough! There are a ton of color options now, too, so it’ll fit with any decor and it looks oh so pretty on the kitchen counter.

#2 – Mixing Bowls

Mixing Bowls. Two words have never been so important. You can’t have enough mixing bowls and they’re also useful for serving and display.  I have recently added the OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set to my inventory; they have easy grip handles, non-slip base and a pour spout. Pretty colors, too!

#3 – Long Oven Mitts

I am a pro at burning myself, even while wearing oven mitts. After my 1,000th forearm burn I decided to invest in a set of extra long gloves like this 24″ Long Oven Mitt. Best. Decision. Ever. Only I wish I bought this one above because I overspent.

#4 – Silicone Spatula

It’s my favorite tool to use with mixing bowls and is most effective at scraping every last bit of batter from the bowl. Because I don’t like to waste – I want it all! Mine is white and it works great but it has stained so I wish I went with a black one like this KitchenAid Silicone Spatula.

#5 – Silicone Baking Mat

Silicone is where it’s at, y’all. No more soaking and scraping pans means more time for other fun things I’d rather be doing – like eating and shopping! This Silpat Non-Stick Baking Mat is currently in my Amazon shopping cart.

#6 – Magnetic Measuring Spoons

I purchased these Progressive International Stainless-Steel Magnetic Measuring Spoons several years ago from a specialty baking store and I abolutely love them. They nest together like many other measuring utensils but the magnetic componnt really keeps them organized – no ring required! The magnetic measuring cups are on my list of things to buy now.

#7 – Standard Bakeware Set

Everyone should have one basic bakeware set like this Simply Calphalon 6-Piece Set in their kitchen. If you tend to bake any one thing more often, then buy a higher quality version of that thing. I make lots of cookies, so I invested in a nice set of jelly roll pans, but since I only make 2-layer cakes occasionally, the standard pans work just fine.

#8 – Icing spatulas

For years I used a dull knife to ice my baked goods. Probably shouldn’t be admitting that, but I feel better now. This 2-piece icing spatula set covers your basic icing needs. I also love my cookie spatula, which can be used for so many other things too. These tools make life so much easier – and at such great prices!

#9 – Pyrex Measuring Cup

I use my Pyrex 2-Cup Measuring Cup for so many things, from heating gravy to melting butter and measuring both wet and dry ingredients. What’s great about the Pyrex version is the fact that it can withstand temperature changes without cracking or breaking. Like my mixer, this has lasted so long and doesn’t owe me a thing but it just keeps keepin’ on.

#10 – Stackable Cooling Rack

I own this exact Cooling Rack Set by Wilton. What I love about them is that they are stackable. No matter how much counter space I have, it’s never enough. I need my cooling rack area to be as compact as possible, and the only way to do that is to stack. They work great, and store easily.

What is your favorite baking tool? Is it on this list?

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