In 2020, sales of home baking products increased by around 24% from the year before. Since everyone had to stay inside, many learned how to bake as a way of staying productive and connecting with others.
Here is some news for you: it’s still a fantastic hobby and a great way to spend time with your loved ones!
But it’s difficult to be a spontaneous baker if you don’t keep the baking essentials in your kitchen. Most recipes have the same basic baking ingredients, so it’s a simple task and will save you a lot of time.
Not sure what those ingredients are? This shopping list has you covered, so read on.
Flours
All-purpose flour has that name for a reason. It is without a doubt one of the top baking essentials because you can use it to bake cookies, pancakes, muffins, and more.
Here are some other flours you should think about keeping in your pantry depending on what you like to bake:
- Whole wheat flour
- Bread flour
- Cornmeal flour
- Pastry flour
Opt for smaller bags of the types of flour you use less often. Self-raising flour is popular, but it’s just all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt mixed in. You can make this yourself in two minutes.
Vanilla
Is there a more prominent baking flavor than vanilla? It’s a key ingredient in birthday cakes, pastries, and puddings. And it’s one of those pastry essentials you always assume you have somewhere but you can never find it.
Invest in a big bottle of the good stuff so you’re always stocked. Shop here if you’re only interested in the highest quality vanilla extract.
Leaveners
Leaveners are ingredients like baking powder, baking soda, and yeast. These help your bakes rise and take shape. Lucky for you, they have long expiry dates, so you should keep all three in your kitchen.
Sugars
Some bakes are savory, but most recipes demand sugar. Keep traditional sugar, confectioner’s sugar, and brown sugar in your cupboard. If you prefer to bake with natural sugars, then honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup are your friends.
Dairy
These baking essentials have the shortest expiry date, and they need refrigeration. But eggs, milk, and/or butter are in most baking recipes, so you should always keep all three in stock. Plus, if they are about to go bad, then it’s a great excuse to start baking.
Natural Flavors
Aside from vanilla extract, you should check your spice rack to see if you have the key ingredients in many baking recipes. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and even cloves are all worth having in stock. You’ll be thankful you did when you start baking for the holidays.
Add-Ins
Your add-ins are all the fun ingredients that offer an extra burst of flavor and texture. These are baking essentials like nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, nut butters, and preserves.
It’s unlikely you’ll need to keep all those in your pantry. Ask yourself which three you bake with most often so you don’t go overboard.
Stock up on These Baking Essentials Today
You won’t be able to keep everything you need to bake in your pantry. But as long as you have these baking essentials in your supplies, you’ll always be able to whip up a delicious treat whenever the mood strikes.
Need more baking recipes to add to your repertoire? Browse our website for tons of food inspiration and ideas!
