Top 10 essentials for cake making
Baking a cake can be one of the most satisfying activities in the kitchen. Whether you are a professional baker, a hobbyist who loves creating beautifully iced cupcakes, or an enthusiastic amateur looking to level up, having the right tools can make all the difference.
Before you break out the recipe book and bake your next cake, read on. We have collected the top ten essentials that you need to make the perfect cake every time.
Scales
If you are just getting into baking, it can be tempting to be a little creative with your measurements - but be wary of this. The truth is that baking is as much a science as an art. You need to put a very specific amount of each ingredient into your creation. This is where a digital scale comes in. Classic kitchen scales are good, but a digital scale will give you the perfect measurement every time so you have the best chance of creating the best cake.
Measuring Spoons
Scales are fantastic for measuring large amounts of ingredients, such as flour or currants, but you also need to think about adding baking powder, spices, salt, and other ingredients. These are likely to be in much smaller quantities, yet they still need to be accurately measured. Measuring spoons mean you will never again accidentally make a cake too salty, or end up not being able to taste the ginger in your ginger cake!
Mixing Bowls
A high-quality mixing bowl is your best friend when baking. The shape of a mixing bowl allows you to whisk ingredients quickly without spilling over the sides, and also ensures that you can get a good even mix. You may want to think about owning several mixing bowls, as most ingredients need to be mixed separately before being brought together (for example, dry ingredients are mixed together first, as are wet ingredients).
Flour Sifter
With some cakes, you are able to use flour as it comes out of the packet. But some cakes, such as rock cakes, require flour to be sifted into a fine powder in order to achieve the best consistency for the end product. A sifter can make this easy, so you have the correct taste and texture for each cake.
Mixing Tools
Of course, no cake could be complete without mixing tools. You have several essential items that baking would be impossible without. You will want to make sure you have a whisk, a mixing paddle, and even a good old-fashioned wooden spoon for the best mixing ability.
Baking Moulds
Cakes might come in all shapes and sizes, but you need to ensure you have the right mould for the job. Silicone moulds can be easy to use, and non-stick moulds are a classic choice. You can choose moulds for layered or larger cakes, and cupcake moulds for smaller creations.
Baking Mats
If a cake mould isn’t suitable for your cake, then a baking mat can be a good alternative. These non-stick, heat-resistant mats are especially useful for large quantities and commercial bakeries, allowing different kinds of cake and pastry items to be easily put into the oven for an even bake.
Cooling Racks
Have you ever had a cake go stodgy and unpleasant after getting it out of the oven? Don’t leave it to cool in its tray! Cooling racks allow the air to evenly and quickly cool a cake down so that it retains its fluffy, light texture and also allows you to ice it a little quicker.
Icing Tools
Do you love to make your cakes look that little bit more special? Then icing tools are essential for your kitchen. Icing bags and different shapes and sizes of nozzles can create different effects, allowing you to get a little more creative with your baking and decorating.
Cake Boxes
Are you going to be serving your cakes to customers or gifting them to friends? The way you present your cakes can matter as much as the treat itself. If you are going to be transporting your cake at all, don’t stuff it in any old tin. A cake box is the best way to make a wonderful impression with your culinary work of art.
Baking is such a wonderful way to create something delicious and beautiful - and with these top ten baking essentials from Cooksmill, you will be well on your way to becoming a master baker!
If you wish to enquire about any of our products or services, or if you are just after some friendly, professional advice, contact us today using the form on our website, by calling 0161 886 4989, or by emailing info@cooksmill.co.uk.
