Baking Image: Pixabay
Baking Image: Pixabay

When you are new to baking, you may find it overwhelming when it comes to ingredients, tools and equipment, but it doesn’t have to be scary at all.

Baking does not have to be complicated, it is just like chemistry, but at the comfort of your home.

Baking can always be a fun solo project, with family or friends.

Muffin baking pan Image: MARGARET WANJIRU
Muffin baking pan Image: MARGARET WANJIRU

Baking pans

Of course you will need baking pans depending on what you are baking. Be it cakes, muffins or cookies.

I would recommend at least 3 9 inch cake pans, 1 muffin pan and at least 1 loaf pan.

You should have at least round, square and rectangle shapes.

Measuring spoons. Image: Pixabay
Measuring spoons. Image: Pixabay

Measuring cups, spoons and scale.

Baking is a form of science, just like a science experiment, to get the chemical reactions to work well, you need them to turn out perfect and be consistent in your results every time.

Imagine if baking companies did not use any form of measurements, they would have different results every time.

Without consistent measurements, the consistency and texture will be lacking.

Sift Image: Pixabay
Sift Image: Pixabay

Sifter

Some recipes will require you to sift dry ingredients like flour, sugar and some chemical leaveners. Sifting ensures that the ingredients is aerated, preventing it from getting lumpy while you are baking.

Ensure you get a sturdy stainless steel sifter as it is easy to clean and rust free.

Kitchen whisk Image: MARGARET WANJIRU
Kitchen whisk Image: MARGARET WANJIRU

Whisk or a hand mixer

A hand mixer is ideal for beginners and is ideal for simple, speedy jobs like preparing pancakes, muffins and beating eggs

Kitchen spatula, whisk and pastry brush Image: MARGARET WANJIRU
Kitchen spatula, whisk and pastry brush Image: MARGARET WANJIRU

Spatula

If you want to put icing on a bake, or spreading the cake mix in the baking pan, a spatula is essential for smoothing the ingredients out until a smooth appearance is achieved.

Cookies on a cooling rack Image: Pixabay
Cookies on a cooling rack Image: Pixabay

Cooling rack

A cooling rack is an essential tool for cooling cakes a it elevates the food to prevent moisture from forming underneath the baked goods which can make them mushy.

A pastry brush at Quickmart supermarket Image: MARGARET WANJIRU
A pastry brush at Quickmart supermarket Image: MARGARET WANJIRU

Pastry brush

If you don’t want to get your hands ‘dirty’ a pastry brush is helpful in applying sauces, oils, glazes and other liquids during and after the cooking process.

A pastry brush gives you control over the ingredient before you add.

Have fun!