Last updated on May 21st, 2023 at 04:55 pm
Baking Essential Ingredients for Baking with Kids
It’s time to start baking, so stock up your kitchen with these baking essential ingredients. Baking is a fun activity for both adults and kids. In this article, you will find some handy ingredients that are great to keep on hand for most baking activities.
If you or your child have any allergies or aversions to any of these items listed, there are some simple substitutes that you can keep on hand instead. For example, almond flour instead of wheat flour, or plant-based milk instead of animal-based milk.
After you read this list, be sure to download our free Cooking with Kids Basics Guide for easy tips on getting started.
Pantry Staples for Baking
Pantry Staples for baking include salt, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
Refrigerated Items for Baking
Refrigerated Items for baking include eggs, butter, and milk.
Shopping Tips for Baking Ingredients
1. Stock up on pantry items when they go on sale. Items such as baking soda, baking powder, and sugar tend to have a longer shelf life. This is especially helpful before the holiday season when baking is more plentiful.
2. Be mindful of expiration dates of the refrigerated items.
Storage Tips for Baking Essential Ingredients
1. Keep the pantry items in a cool dry area of the kitchen, away from heat and moisture.
2. Once opened be sure to keep them tightly sealed. You may even want to consider a storage bin to keep them in. If it is a small package, sometimes double sealing in a ziplock bag can work.
Top 10 Essential Pantry and Refrigerated Staples for Success in Baking
As mentioned, baking can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it’s important to have the right ingredients on hand to ensure success. Therefore, here are 10 baking essential ingredients:
Flour:
All-purpose flour is the most common type of flour used in baking. It’s used in a wide range of baked goods, from cakes and cookies to bread and pastries. Alternatively, if you prefer other types of flour such as almond, rice, cake flour, bread flour, you can grab those instead or in addition. It may also depend on what you will be preparing such as a pastry.
Sugar:
Granulated white sugar is the most commonly used type of sugar in baking. It’s used to sweeten cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. However, if you prefer to use a sugar alternative , such as erythritol, keep in mind this may affect the outcome of the baked good flavor or texture. I usually recommend if altering a recipe with a sugar alternative, use a 50/50 method for a trial batch. For example, half regular sugar and half sugar alternative.
Baking Powder:
Baking powder is a leavening agent that’s used to help baked goods rise. It’s a combination of baking soda, cream of tartar, and a starch, such as cornstarch.
Baking Soda:
Baking soda is another leavening agent that’s used in baking. It reacts with acidic ingredients, such as buttermilk or lemon juice, to help baked goods rise. If you are using a small box, once opened, keep it in the refrigerator to help absorb odors.
Salt:
Salt is an essential ingredient in baking. It enhances the flavor of baked goods and also helps to control the fermentation of yeast. Salt also helps assist with the activation of other rising agents such as baking soda and baking powder.
Eggs:
Eggs are used in a wide range of baked goods, from cakes and cookies to bread and pastries. They add moisture, structure, and richness to baked goods.
Vanilla Extract:
Vanilla extract is a flavoring that’s used in a wide range of baked goods. It adds a sweet, fragrant flavor to baked goods.
Milk:
Milk is used in many baked goods, including cakes, cookies, and bread. It adds moisture and richness to baked goods.
Butter:
Butter is used in many baked goods, including cakes, cookies, and pastries. It adds flavor, richness, and moisture to baked goods.
Vegetable Oil:
Vegetable oil is a versatile ingredient that’s used in many baked goods, including cakes, cookies, and muffins. In addition, it adds moisture and helps to keep baked goods tender.
Additionally, for a list of great ideas for using these ingredients, check out our kids cooking ideas list.
Finally, now that we have gotten you excited about baking, here are a few additional ingredients that you may want to consider.
Additional ingredients for baking:
Cocoa Powder
Flax Seed
Apple Sauce
Bananas
Whole Oats
Chocolate Chips
You can find more ideas for additional baking ingredients here.
In conclusion, by having these 10 essential pantry staples on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle a wide range of baking projects. Your baking journey make take you to want to get more additional ingredients.
Need help with kitchen tools? Check out Cooking Party Mom’s Kitchen Tools page.
Happy Baking and I hope this list helps you in your baking journey.