Must-Have Baking Equipment: Tools I Can’t Live Without!
Whether you’re just starting your baking journey or you’ve been whisk-deep in sponge for years, having the right tools can make all the difference. I’ve found a few game-changers that I absolutely couldn’t bake without — they save time, improve results, and make baking and decorating so much smoother.
Here’s my list of must-have baking equipment — tested and loved in my own kitchen.
1. Cake Release Spray
If you’ve ever wrestled a cake out of a tin (and lost), this one’s for you. No more faffing around with parchment circles or greasing every corner — just a quick spritz and your cake is good to go. I use PME Cake Release Spray, and it’s a total lifesaver. It gives a clean release every time and saves me so much time during prep. There are other brands out there too, so it’s worth trying a few to see what works best for you.
2. PME Aluminium Tins
These are my go-to tins for baking sponge cakes. Why? Because light-coloured aluminium promotes more even baking. It prevents the edges from over-browning and helps cakes rise more evenly. Darker tins can sometimes cause your sponge to cook too quickly around the edges while staying underdone in the middle. The PME tins bake beautifully every time and are sturdy enough to last for years.
3. Stand Mixer
A stand mixer is a total baking upgrade. From whipping up buttercream to kneading dough or mixing cake batter, it saves both time and effort. It gives a more consistent mix, especially with batters that need longer creaming or stiffer peaks (like meringue or royal icing). I love being able to multitask while the mixer does its thing — and my arms are definitely grateful for it when I’m prepping large batches!
4. Cake Wire Leveller
If you want even, professional-looking layers, this tool is essential. A cake leveller slices your sponge at a consistent height, so your tiers are the same all the way through. No more eyeballing it with a knife (and hoping for the best!). It makes stacking so much easier and gives your finished cake a much cleaner look.
Metal Palettes, Spatulas & Turntable
For smooth buttercream finishes, a good set of metal tools is essential. I use both a straight and offset palette knife for applying and smoothing buttercream—the metal helps spread it evenly, and you can warm it slightly for an extra-smooth finish. Pair them with a sturdy metal cake scraper for sharp sides and neat edges. A metal turntable adds even more control and stability, letting you spin the cake smoothly as you work for a flawless finish.
6. Simple syrup is important in cake making because it helps keep cakes moist and flavourful. Here's why it's used:
Moisture retention: Brushing simple syrup on cake layers adds moisture, especially useful for cakes that will be stored or decorated over time.
Even texture: It helps balance out dryness in over baked or naturally drier cakes.
Flavour enhancement: You can infuse simple syrup with flavours (like vanilla, citrus, or liqueurs) to add an extra layer of taste to your cake.
Final Thoughts
Great tools don’t have to break the bank — but investing in a few essentials can make baking more enjoyable, efficient, and give you a more professional finish. These are the tools I use every single week at Cake With Me, and they’ve made a world of difference to how I bake and decorate.
Got a baking tool you swear by? I’d love to hear about it! Share your favourites over on my Instagram @cakewithme_05, and keep an eye out for more behind-the-scenes tips and tutorials.
With Love
Cake With Me.
