Last Updated on March 1, 2023
Whether you’re familiar with baking or not, it’s important to know what the best ingredients are to use. We’ve included a list of the top 8 baking ingredients that every baker should have in their arsenal and how to store them properly.
Top 8 Essential Baking Ingredients
1) Flours
Flour is going to be the basic ingredient of all your baking desires. It’s the building block to bake most goods. There are a plethora of different types of flour available depending on what you’re looking to bake. Although flours are relatively cheap, I wouldn’t recommend buying the cheapest brand available.
STORAGE: You should store flour in a cool, dry spot away from the sun. It will last up to 6 months if stored in the pantry.
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2) Chocolate
Baking with the right kind of chocolate can be difficult to understand at first if you’re not acquainted with the intricacies. Since there’s a lot of different types of chocolates to bake with we’ve included some very helpful articles that will help you better understand the fine details when using chocolate for baking.
STORAGE: Seal in an airtight container and store the chocolate in a cool, dry place away from any sunlight and never refrigerate.
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3) Cocoa Powder
You might be wondering what the differences between cocoa powder and chocolate are? Aren’t they the same? No, they are quite different. Cocoa powder is going to be a more powerful flavor of chocolate as it contains more cocoa solids and less cocoa butter than what comes in baking chocolate.
STORAGE: Store in an airtight container in a dark, cool, dry place is perfect for storage.
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4) Baking Chips, Essential Baking Ingredients
Want to add some more flavor to your home-baked goodies? Try using a variety of different flavored baking chips. Baking chips are a perfect way to add extra delicious mouthwatering flavor to your scrumptious baked goods.
STORAGE: Place the chips in a room between 60°F – 75°F and tightly close the package. If the temperature is constantly above 75 it’s ok to store in the refrigerator or freezer.
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MORE ESSENTIAL BAKING INGREDIENTS
5) Vanilla & Extracts
Vanilla extract is widely considered one of the best extracts available to use when baking, but don’t let that stop you from experimenting with other extracts. Extracts are designed to enhance all the other flavors of your baked goods and can be done so by using many other extracts besides just vanilla.
STORAGE: You can easily store your extracts in the kitchen cupboard (room temperature should be between 60°F – 80°F).
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6) Spices
Using spices is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor of your baked goods! Spices will add a ton of flavor without having to worry about adding any additional salt or fat. Here is a guide we’ve provided for you to learn all about the different types of spices you can use when baking.
STORAGE: Storing spices in a cool, dry place around 70°F is ideal and never store above any direct heat sources.
7) Dried Fruit
Baking with dried fruit is a great way to keep things interested while you’re baking. Make sure you always moisture back into the dried fruit before baking or it will take most of the water out of the other ingredients in the recipe.
STORAGE: To store dried fruits use airtight containers or freezer bags. Avoid any sunlight and vacuum sealing them will give them the longest shelf-life possible.
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8) Nuts
Adding nuts when you’re baking is a great way to add texture and more flavor. Here’s a cheat-sheet of the best nuts to use and how to bake with them.
STORAGE: Before storing nuts make sure they’re dry. Nuts should be stored in an airtight container. You can store your nuts in or out of the refrigerator.
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Conclusion for Baking Ingredients
These are the most essential ingredients you’ll need when it comes to making delicious tasting home-baked goods. Make sure to share this article with anyone else you know that loves baking as there’s a wealth of information to learn from.
Leave a comment below with any questions you have!
Karen is a passionate pastry chef who loves to create delicious baked goods. She has been in the culinary arts for over 10 years, honing her skills and perfecting her craft. Karen is known for her creativity and attention to detail, creating unique desserts that bring a smile to everyone’s face. She is always looking for ways to challenge herself and come up with new recipes that are both tasty and visually appealing. Karen loves to experiment with different flavors and textures, and she is committed to providing the highest quality of products to her customers.
