The coronavirus pandemic led to an increase in hobbies that people can do at home. Baking is one hobby that many people took an interest in during this time.
If you’re interested in baking more, as a result of the pandemic or any other reason, you might be preparing to stock your pantry with all the baking ingredients you’ll need.
What are the key ingredients to have on hand for baking? Well, there’s a lot of ingredients you can use for baking, but here are seven staples that you’ll need to have on hand all the time.
1. Flour
As you begin creating your list for stocking your pantry, you’ll probably want to begin with flour. Flour is one of the most basic ingredients you’ll need for most baked goods you’ll make.
Flour comes in many forms, and the most common type is all-purpose flour. You can use this type for most cookies, brownies, and cakes, but it’s not the only option you can use.
Here are several other types of flour that you might want to have on hand:
Cake Flour
If you’re trying to perfect your cakes, you might want to try using cake flour. The consistency of cake flour helps you make cakes that are lighter, fluffier, and moister.
Whole Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour is a healthy alternative to white flour, and you can use it as a substitute for white flour in most recipes. Wheat flour is also a great ingredient to use for homemade pancakes.
Almond Flour
Another healthy alternative is almond flour. Almond flour has a different texture and consistency than other flour types, but it is a lot healthier than all-purpose flour.
You can buy many other types of flour products, too, including gluten-free options.
2. Sugar
Sugar is another one of the top basic baking ingredients you’ll need to have, and you’ll probably want to have several types.
The first type is granulated sugar, which is the basic type of white sugar that you can use in most recipes. Brown sugar comes in light or dark options, and you might also want both of these types.
The third type is powdered sugar. If you want to make frostings and glazes, you might need powdered sugar.
Additionally, you can buy healthier sugar types too, such as coconut sugar and sugar substitutes.
3. Vanilla Extract
You might use extracts when baking cookies, cupcakes, pies, and other delicious baked goods. The most common one you can purchase and use is vanilla extract.
Vanilla extract is a staple for most cookie recipes, but you’ll want to buy a good brand. If you aren’t sure why you need a good brand, you might want to ask, “How is vanilla extract made?” When you learn this, you’ll know why.
Additionally, you can buy other extracts that you can use in recipes. Almond extract is one option, but you can also look for banana, cinnamon, anise, and lemon.
4. Baking Powder, Baking Soda, and Salt
Baking powder, baking soda, and salt are also essential baking ingredients your pantry needs all the time. Baking soda and powder are leavening ingredients, which means they help your baked goods rise.
Baking soda and baking powder are very similar. The main difference is that baking powder has an acid in it, which means it only needs a liquid to work. Baking soda requires adding an acid and a liquid to make it work.
Basic table salt is also a necessity for baking. You can buy other types, too, though, including kosher salt and sea salt.
Eggs also fall into this category, as they are considered a leavener like baking soda and powder. Eggs help bind mixtures together and add volume to help your baked goods rise.
5. Fat
To make delicious baked goods, you’ll need some type of fat. The fat in baked goods holds them together, provides flavor, and helps you achieve the desired consistency.
Butter is an example of a fat that people use when baking. Some people use butter substitutes, such as margarine.
Shortening is another option for baking, and you can also use lard and vegetable oil. If you’re looking for a healthy option, you can try coconut oil or olive oil.
6. Chips and Other Add-Ins
Baking also requires add-ins, such as chocolate chips. Chocolate chips are ideal for cookies, bars, muffins, and cakes.
You can also melt them to make frosting recipes or glazes. You can also melt them for dipping things, such as fruits or cookies.
Raisins are another add-in that you might want to have in your pantry. Adding raisins to cookies and muffins is very common.
Another add-in you might need is cocoa. Adding some cocoa to your recipes provides a chocolate flavor and look to cookies, cakes, and muffins.
You can also stock up on chopped nuts. You might notice that a lot of recipes call for chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans. If you have these on hand, you’ll be able to make wonderful baked goods.
7. Spices
Finally, you might need to stock up on some spices. Here is a list of the common ones you might need for baking:
- Cream of tartar
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Coriander
- Ginger
- Arrowroot
You can store most spices in a dry, dark place in your kitchen, such as your pantry. You can also store them in the refrigerator if you want to increase their shelf life.
You should check your spices at least once a year to replace the expired ones. Spices work best when they’re fresh!
Buy These Key Ingredients and Start Baking Today
While these are the key ingredients you’ll need to have on hand, you’ll probably need a variety of other ingredients, too. You can print some recipes to see what you have on hand and what you need before you start baking.
If you enjoyed learning about the main ingredients you’ll need for baking, you might enjoy other cooking-related articles on our site. Check it out today.
