As a young mum I never baked. I’d send shop bought cakes to my kids school fetes and admire others who had baked their own, never thinking I’d ever be able to bake. I told myself I didn’t have the time, equipment, or even a big enough kitchen, but really they were excuses. If this sounds familiar then read on.
The trick? Having the right tools without overcomplicating things
In this blog, I’m sharing the simple baking essentials you actually need for easy, everyday bakes like the recipes on this website. You don’t need a kitchen full of gadgets or expert skills to get started, just a few basics and recipes that are straightforward to follow.
If you’ve not baked in years, or you’ve always thought it looked too much hassle, start small. Most home baking is much simpler than people think, and once you’ve made a few easy recipes, your confidence quickly builds.
Start with the Essentials (not everything)
- Mixing Bowls , (2-3 sizes) you’ll use these very single time you bake, nothing fancy required, but I like the silicone based ones which keep the bowls from moving around
- Measuring Cups & Spoons, If you want consistent results, accurate measuring really matters. Some recipes use cups rather than spoon measurements, so it’s worth having both to hand for different bakes
- Scales, are a must, weigh everything as accurately as possible
- Wooden Spoon, something else you will use each time you bake
- Silicone Spatula, perfect for scraping every last bit of batter from the bowl and one of the most useful tools you’ll own. Spatula sets are great value and handy to have in different sizes
- Baking tins, you don’t need every shape, a standard round and square tin is where I started. Maybe wait until you have chosen a few simple recipes and see whats required
- Baking Paper, (parchment) prevents sticking and is used in many recipes, sold in all high street supermarkets
- Electric Mixer, I think this is a must, but you can use a balloon which or hand held whisker
- Cooling Rack, essential for cooling sponges, cakes, and other baked goods evenly
Mason Cash Large mixing bowl
If you love to match you kitchen equipment, Mason Cash have some lovely collections
Mason Cash Measuring spoons
Here are the matching spoons, if you don’t like stoneware then a stainless steel set will do the same job
Le Creuset 23cm Round Spring Form Tin
I know Le Cresuet is a premium brand but they are such good value for money
Le Crueset Square Tin
This is a great tin and just the right size for brownies
Nice-to-Haves (but not urgent)
Once you’ve baked a few times and you know you enjoy it, you might want to add:
- Sieves for lighter cakes and icing sugar topping
- Muffin tins, muffins are great simple bakes, and come in silicone or metal. Check out this very easy delicious apple & banana muffins bake which is on our website
- Rolling pin if you get into biscuits or pastries
Stand Mixers: Investment Equipment
I have had a stand mixer for a couple of years now, they speed up the baking process and save aching arms but they are NOT essential for kicking off your baking hobby. Although, if you fancy one from the get go I recommend the Kenwood Kmix is great mid range mixer. Alternatively, a KitchenAid can be turned into a multi-purpose kitchen tool with a range of attachments, all sold separately. It’s a real investment mixer, built to last and highly versatile. I’ve used both, and while the KitchenAid is a real statement piece, my current mixer does the job perfectly for how and when I bake
kENWOOD KmIX
A fabulous value first stand mixer purchase, which has served me well over the years
KitchenAid
The creme de la creme of stand mixers, built to last and has 10 optional attachments
If you really fancy the KitchenAid take a look at Sophie’s Video
Final Thoughts
Baking doesn’t need to be complicated or intimidating, with a few reliable tools, simple ingredients, and a bit of patience, anyone can create something homemade and satisfying. Whether you’re starting fresh or picking it back up after a break, this starter kit is all about building confidence in the kitchen and making baking feel easy, enjoyable, and completely achievable.
For more inspiration, check out our ‘very easy recipes’ on this website
