Skip to content

Top Navigation

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • News
  • Fashion
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Vice President Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Career
    • Charity
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore InStyle

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The 8 Breakout Hair Color Trends of Winter 2021

      Expect to see these shades all over Instagram. Read More Next
    • What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? 10 Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Closet

      Fashion designer Misha Nonoo weighs in on the essential items that'll make your 'nothing to wear' days a thing of the past. Read More Next
    • "Maskne" Is a Thing — Here's How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts

      As if stress breakouts weren't bad enough. Read More Next
  • News
  • Fashion

    Fashion

    See All Fashion

    How to Find the Best Color to Wear For Your Skin Tone

    It's not as tricky as you think.
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity

    Celebrity

    See All Celebrity

    The 39 Most Naked Dresses of All Time

    Naked dresses are perhaps the most impressive of all red carpet feats. While they may not always make the best-dressed list, they do require a certain breed of celebrity to pull off. Not only do you have to have the balls to risk a wardrobe malfunction, but you have to do it with enough confidence that you look fierce — not terrified — in the photographs. Take Naomi Campbell's appearance in Valentino's couture show during the spring/summer 2019 presentation. The legendary model gracefully strutted down the runway in a see-through gown with a ruffle skirt. (Click through the gallery for the NSFW photo).  Get the inside scoop on all your favorite celebrities with our FREE daily newsletter, InStyle Celebrity. Breaking news, relationship updates, hairstyle inspo, fashion trends, and more direct to your inbox! Let's not forget Rihanna’s infamous CFDA dress either. The girl rocked a completely sheer dress without a bra — and later remarked that her only regret was not wearing a bedazzled thong to match. That, my friends, is dedication. Then, there was the year 2015, when the Met Gala saw not one nor two but three naked dresses on the red carpet, all worn by Hollywood’s hottest A-listers. Jennifer Lopez, above, bared her famous curves in a custom Atelier Versace illusion gown. Beyoncé was nearly naked in Givenchy. And Kim Kardashian West almost looked modest in comparison in her sheer Roberto Cavalli dress, because no one’s getting naked without KKW joining in. Click through to see the best naked dresses of all time.
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See All Beauty

    How to Treat Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Dermatologists

    If you're struggling with breakouts on your chin and jaw area, read this.
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair

    Hair

    See All Hair

    The 5 Haircut Trends That Will Dominate 2020

    The beginning of the new year comes with the irresistible urge to start over fresh, which means it's a great time to get a haircut.  This decade's first big hair trends include looks at every length that can be tailored to your hair texture and personal style. For anyone with a blunt bob — the most popular haircut of the past few years — you probably already guessed that the cut will still be going strong into the next decade. But there will be a few tweaks. As seen on Kerry Washington, 2020's bob has textured, softer edges, and looks amazing whether you part it down the middle or off to the side.  RELATED: The 10 Hairstyles You'll See Everywhere This Winter But if you swear that 2020 is going to be the year you finally grow out your hair, let Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian's extra-long lengths be your inspiration. Or, you can get the look instantly with the help of some clip in extensions.  To help you figure out how to wear your hair in the new year, we've rounded up the five biggest haircut trends of 2020, so you'll be sure of what you want before you head to the salon in January.  VIDEO: The Five Biggest Haircut Trends of 2020
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See All Lifestyle

    Your Essential Keto Grocery List

    If you're embarking on the keto diet, here are the must-have items to add to your cart.
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues

    Politics & Social Issues

    See All Politics & Social Issues

    Joe Biden Broke Barack Obama's Nationwide Popular Vote Record

    Obama's record goes back to 2008.
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Vice President Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Career
    • Charity
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture

    Pop Culture

    See All Pop Culture

    Introducing InStyle's First Podcast: Ladies First with Laura Brown

    Join editor in chief Laura Brown as she talks to trailblazers like Emily Ratajkowski, Michelle Pfeiffer and Storm Reid about their historic "firsts" in the industry.
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping

    Shopping

    See All Shopping

    The 13 Best Shapewear Pieces to Shop, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews

    Upgrade your lingerie drawer with these top-rated body shapers.
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Lifestyle Chevron Right
  3. Food & Drink Chevron Right
  4. 24 Baking Gadgets That Will Transform the Way You Bake

24 Baking Gadgets That Will Transform the Way You Bake

By Anne Vorrasi
Updated Dec 08, 2017 @ 12:30 pm
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Courtesy

Want to create something as beautiful and mouthwatering as the cake you see above? For all you aspiring pastry chefs out there, we’ve got a flurry of gadgets to recommend that will take your skills to the next level. As a baking enthusiast and a pastry school grad, here’s a list of the gear that’s used on the regular in my kitchen. Some may be upgrades to what you already have, some will help to optimize the simplest of tasks like scraping a bowl, and others may be used less frequently, but are essential to amping up your presentation. Check out the shopping list below, and to create the beauty above from food stylist Judy Kim, click here.

Start Slideshow

1 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Stand Mixer

Credit: Courtesy
$300
SHOP IT

If you have the counter space, it’s totally worth it. It will do all the hard work for you—mix up batters, doughs, meringues and frostings—so that you can clean as you work.

1 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Candy thermometer

Credit: Courtesy
$15
SHOP IT

When a recipe calls for this tool, there’s a good reason why. Not only will it help you hit the right temperatures for your more sensitive projects (like marshmallows or caramels), but it also clips to the sides of your pot, making it much easier to use than a handheld thermometer which can just get in the way.

2 of 24

3 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Scale

Credit: Courtesy
$Starting at $24
SHOP IT

Any baking pro knows that for the most consistent results, you gotta measure by weight. Escali's easy-to-clean digital options come in a range of colors that will suit your kitchen decor.

3 of 24

Advertisement

4 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Valrhona Cocoa Powder

Credit: Courtesy
$14
SHOP IT

There is no excuse for compromising quality when it comes to cocoa powder for your chocolatey creations. Valrhona is the brand that pastry chefs favor across the board.

4 of 24

5 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Silpat

Credit: Courtesy
$25
SHOP IT

These sturdy, reusable silicone mats are great for baking anything on a sheet pan, and super easy to clean. You can also find specialty ones that are specifically made for making macarons. 

5 of 24

6 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Microplane Grater

Credit: Courtesy
$15
SHOP IT

This super sharp grater delivers the finest grind results from citrus zests, whole nutmeg seeds, and blocks of Gruyère—the latter for whipping up addicting gougères. Plus, they barely take up any space on and off the counter.

6 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Narrow Measuring Spoons

Credit: Courtesy
$21
SHOP IT

Narrow “spice” measuring spoons actually fit in the openings of all your spice containers, making measuring all those wintery spices, like nutmeg and cinnamon, a breeze. This set even comes with dash, pinch, and smidgen amounts.

7 of 24

8 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Marble Slab

Credit: Courtesy
$130
SHOP IT

Sugar cookies and pie crusts are actually quite sensitive to temperature--that’s why you need to keep returning them to the fridge. This marble slab fits in your fridge and freezer, so you can chill it before rolling your shape-sensitive doughs on it, making them easier to work with.

8 of 24

9 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Offset spatula

Credit: Courtesy
$From $13
SHOP IT

I use this tool for everything, from icing cakes, to releasing baked goods from the pan, and transferring anything, i.e. cookies to cake layers, from one place to another. I have it in every size available and they all come in handy for sweet and savory occasions.

9 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Baking Bible

Credit: Courtesy
$55
SHOP IT

This book published by my alma mater is basically the whole curriculum I went through at pastry school, and I’ll revisit it often to recreate the recipes. It’ll teach you how to make sculptural croquembouche cakes for your next event, temper chocolate for fancy bonbons, make croissants from scratch, all with detailed step-by-step photos.

10 of 24

11 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Textured Rolling Pins

Credit: Courtesy
$22
SHOP IT

These artful rolling pins will churn out beautiful cookies in a snap. Use them to roll out your sugar or cookie doughs and then cut shapes out.

11 of 24

12 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Restaurant Bowl

Credit: Courtesy
$9
SHOP IT

These bowls are lightweight, quick to adapt to various temperatures (which is great when melting chocolate, making whipped cream, and making ganache) and wider than traditional mixing bowls, making it easier to fold ingredients together. The latter is especially important when dealing with sensitive batters, like for macarons.

12 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Acetate

Credit: Courtesy
$10/roll
SHOP IT

Acetate is so helpful when it comes to stacking trendy naked cakes, Momofuku Milk Bar style, and also for ice cream cakes. Line the edges of a cake ring with acetate before assembling your dessert, let it all chill in the fridge to set, and simply slide the ring off without disturbing your creation. When ready to present and serve, simply peel the plastic off the dessert.

13 of 24

14 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pastry Blender & Pastry Wheel

Credit: Courtesy
$35
SHOP IT

Guilty confession: I like to whip up pie and tart doughs in my food processor. But scones still get the royal treatment and require a pastry blender because a fork just doesn’t do it for me. The pastry wheel I love for trimming any kind of crust before baking. Also, it’s used often to trim fondant and marzipan when decorating cakes.

14 of 24

15 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Parchment Paper

Credit: Courtesy
$10 for 100 sheets
SHOP IT

This makes baking life so much easier. Use it to line baking trays, and the bottom of cake pans for super quick release and cleanup. I also like to sandwich a disk of sticky cookie dough between it before rolling it out. If space allows, flat sheets are way easier to work with than curly rolls.

15 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hand Blender

Credit: Courtesy
$40
SHOP IT

If you don’t have the space for a stand mixer, invest in a good hand version. This new model from OXO can stand on its own, can be stored easily with the blades attached so you don’t lose them in a kitchen drawer, and has a light that illuminates when it’s in use so you can always see what’s happening inside the bowl. 

16 of 24

17 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Quality Butter

Credit: Courtesy
$4
SHOP IT

Favored by chefs, this flavorful, European-style butter is far superior than any generic brand. Just make sure you’re reaching for unsalted.

17 of 24

18 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Flavored Sugars

Credit: Courtesy
$26 for 2
SHOP IT

Lucky friends will love the subtle flavors that are achieved with flavored sugars. Use them to toss homemade donuts, or sprinkle them on iced cookies for a sweet surprise.

18 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

All-Purpose Scraper

Credit: Courtesy
$4
SHOP IT

Rather than metal bench scrapers, which are prettier, I love the easy going plastic options that have a flat edge on one side for scraping flat surfaces, and a curved edged on the other so you can use it to efficiently get every last drop from mixing bowls.

19 of 24

20 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Flour Sifter

Credit: Courtesy
$8
SHOP IT

Sifting dry ingredients can be so frustrating when the strainer you’re using is too small, or the sifter keeps getting jammed. This large sieve makes the whole task a breeze: Plop it in a wide bowl or on a flat piece of parchment, toss in all the dry ingredients, and make it snow.

20 of 24

21 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Gel Paste

Credit: Courtesy
$3
SHOP IT

I always prefer gel paste over the runny, liquid food coloring you find at the grocery store. The paste allows you to achieve a more saturated color, which is great when you’re trying to make something really dark and adding too much liquid changes the consistency of whatever you’re mixing. Plus it comes in tons of shades.

21 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vanilla Bean Paste

Credit: Courtesy
$12
SHOP IT

More powerful than vanilla extract, this pantry staple infuses real vanilla flavor into your baked goods and gives you the beautiful black speckles of real vanilla that you don't get from using extract.

22 of 24

23 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Piping Tips

Credit: Courtesy
$27 for 55 pieces
SHOP IT

An array of tips comes in super handy obviously for decorating cakes and icing cookies. Some unexpected uses for them include: using a large star tip to make homemade churros, or a large round tip to quickly and evenly frost the icing layers in a layered cake.

23 of 24

24 of 24

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Serrated Knife & Cake Slicer

Credit: Courtesy
$59
SHOP IT

Want perfectly even cake layers every time? This nifty set will do the trick. It includes a serrated knife for cutting, a slit ring to guide your knife, and a large disc spatula to help you transport layers.

24 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Anne Vorrasi

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 24 Stand Mixer
2 of 24 Candy thermometer
3 of 24 Scale
4 of 24 Valrhona Cocoa Powder
5 of 24 Silpat
6 of 24 Microplane Grater
7 of 24 Narrow Measuring Spoons
8 of 24 Marble Slab
9 of 24 Offset spatula
10 of 24 A Baking Bible
11 of 24 Textured Rolling Pins
12 of 24 Restaurant Bowl
13 of 24 Acetate
14 of 24 Pastry Blender & Pastry Wheel
15 of 24 Parchment Paper
16 of 24 Hand Blender
17 of 24 Quality Butter
18 of 24 Flavored Sugars
19 of 24 All-Purpose Scraper
20 of 24 Flour Sifter
21 of 24 Gel Paste
22 of 24 Vanilla Bean Paste
23 of 24 Piping Tips
24 of 24 Serrated Knife & Cake Slicer

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
InStyle InStyle

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Accolades Licensing
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab