Over the years, as we have been growing this website and shared recipes with all of you, a lot of people have asked us a simple question “What tools do I need to have to be able to easily make desserts at home?” and then they add something like “I wanted to make that recipe but I didn’t have the pan I needed, or a spatula, etc. So, because of that, and to make clear what you would need to be comfortable making pretty much any recipe, here we bring you, 6 basic tools for making desserts at home.

*This article includes affiliate links.

However, we need to make clear, here in this article, we are not talking about someone who wants to sell their baked goods, or start a business with this. For that, we would actually recommend some other tools, that make working with big batches better. Here we will focus on the regular person who just wants to have the basics to be able to make most dessert recipes they come across at home. We will not touch on the more specific things you would need for particular recipes, but focus on the ones you will use over and over again. These, are pretty much enough to be able to pull off most homemade desserts recipes. So here you have it, 6 basic tools for making desserts at home.

1.Measuring cups

This had to be the first one. As you may already know, when it comes to desserts, we don’t have as much freedom as with savory cooking in general. Meaning, here we have to measure ingredients to get the results we want. When you change proportions, you change the result, and it takes just a slight change to make or break a dessert, so you have to measure. And for that, we need measuring cups. These are standard measurements that help both for solid and liquid ingredients. As for the material, we have found we like them to be stainless steel. We feel like the plastic ones retain smells and flavors somehow, call us crazy.

Here you have our favourites available in Amazon. Really similar to the ones we show you in our youtube video. Stainless steel Kitchencraft measuring cups set, Copper finish stainless steel Masterclass measuring cups, Stainless steel measuring cups Lacor,

2.Measuring spoons

This is the same idea as the measuring cups, and they work too for both solid and liquid ingredients. However, spoons are intended, of course, for smaller quantities. Similarly to cups, measuring spoons usually also come in sets. When it comes to spoons you have two different main sizes: tablespoon and teaspoon. So the sizes in these sets go something like this: 1 tablespoon, 1/2 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1/4 teaspoon, and some have the 1/8 teaspoon too. As for the material, the same as the measuring cups, we find stainless steel to be the best bet so far.

Our Amazon favourites, similar to the ones we show in our youtube video. Stainless steel measuring spoons Vicloon, Stainless steel measuring spoons Aoosy

NOTE: We know a lot of people prefer using a kitchen scale for measuring ingredients instead of measuring cups or spoons. That’s why here, and in all of our recipes, we give you both measures of all ingredients, so you can use whichever way you feel the most comfortable with. We, however, do like cups and spoons better.

Here you also have a stainless steel measuring cups and spoons set and a stainless steel and plastic set, if you prefer it, that we find so charming! And here a set that we fell in love with, if you’d rather go for looks, a golden and wood set. So pretty!

3.Rubber spatula

Now, when mixing a batter for a cake you’re making, and then pouring it into a pan. Are you as annoyed as we are when you see you weren’t able to get a lot of the batter out of the bowl? and can’t seem to be able to make it go down and into the pan with the spoon you’re using, unless you use your fingers? Well this is what a rubber spatula is for. It helps you make sure you get all that goodness out of the bowl and into the pan, to then bake and enjoy.

A rubber spatula is a staple. You have to have one. It makes scrapping any batter or mixture out of a bowl or pan so easy. In addition, we can assure you, even if you don’t end up making as many desserts as you would like, you will use this a lot. As it is not only great for making desserts, but for cooking in general too. It will make your life way easier. We recommend buying a set of three spatulas in different sizes each, you will see how useful it is.

Here you have the exact rubber spatulas we show in our youtube video, the set we use all the time. Then here is another set of three spatulas (as we like to have three) that is really pretty. And here a single one if you only want one (it is really all you need) the 3 claveles rubber spatula. Now if you want to feel more like a pro, here you have this set that also comes with a frosting spatula.

4.Bowl

And what are you mixing the batters in? you need a bowl. Now we know you may have a bowl you normally use for this. However, if you don’t or if you want something a bit better for desserts, we recommend a bowl with rubber underneath, as it makes the bowl hold on to the kitchen countertop, and makes beating easier. From our point of view, talking about basics, you only need a medium sized one and that’s it. Make sure to choose one that makes your life easier. And as for the material, we recommend a good quality plastic, as it is safer than glass for example. Or, you could also use a stainless steel one, they are also safe and withstand a lot.

Here you have a stainless steel with a non-slip base that is so functional. Now if you’re feeling fancy here you have a set of three bowls by Kitchenaid that we find adorable. Next a glass bowl like the one we show in our youtube video, and here you have the glass and the stainless steel Ikea bowls.

5.Hand whisk

You have to have a hand whisk. This had to be in this list, no doubt. A hand whisk helps with beating a lot of differente mixtures. We like a hand whisk because we use it is quick and simple to use. However, if you want a step up from this, and would like something more efficient, we recommend a hand electric mixer. It is basically the same idea, but electric. Plus, most of the hand electric mixers have different attachments that are best either for meringues, regular cakes or mixtures and another for making bread. A regular hand whisk won’t help you knead a dough, so choose the option that suits you best.

Here’s the exact same hand whisk we show you in our youtube video. And here you have another one we really like and use too. Plus, here you have the philips hand electric mixer we show in the video and here another option that looks really good and functional.

6.Round springform cake pan

We like the idea of having a round cake pan like this because it works for cakes, cheesecakes, pies, tarts and even brownies or bars if you don’t mind the round shape. Moreover, we recommend this to be the first cake pan you buy, assuming your oven comes with a baking sheet, like many do. That way you can use the baking sheet for cookies, for example, or some breads and cover all you need. Even better if you can get your hands on a springform round cake pan. This term “Springform” means that the walls of the pan can come off when you need them to. That is great for turning out the baked goods seamlessly. This is a great first pan to have and it works for a lot of things.

Here you have a springform cake pan similar to the ones we have and use, here a carbon steel springform cake pan, a red springform cake pan, and this pink and really pretty pan by Dr. Oetker.

With these tools you will find you can make most of the dessert recipes you come across with. Tell us what you think. Did we left something out that you think is also a staple?