Whether you’re just getting started with some easy cake recipes or are a star baker who loves to make gorgeous layer cakes, you’ll need a few cake supplies to make these desserts. A few basics like good pans and spatulas can get you far with any recipe you choose. Check out our cake-making must-haves.
Round Cake Pans
Layer cakes are the pride and joy of many bakers. Be sure to stock up on enough round cake pans to make baking up these beauties a bit easier. Start with a pack of two from Taste of Home‘s new bakeware line and go from there.
Bundt Pan
For an impressive-looking cake without all the fuss, grab an elegant Bundt pan. The gorgeous designs give your cakes all the decoration they need, though a dusting of powdered sugar never hurts.
Cake Pan Spray
If your cakes are prone to sticking, a specialty cake spray is the way to go. This brand has flour included in the spray and works on even the most intricate nooks and crannies.
Cupcake Pan
There are so many adorable cupcake recipes out there to try. Be sure you’re ready to bake some up with a good cupcake pan or two.
Parchment Baking Cups
These cute paper liners give bakers the best of both worlds: Your cupcakes will pop out of each cup with ease and your baking pan will be simple to clean.
Mini Cupcake Pan
If you have a cupcake pan, you’ll surely want a mini cupcake pan, too. It’ll come in handy for making bite-sized desserts of all kinds.
Sheet Pans
Feeding a crowd? Try a simple but tasty sheet cake. Since you’ll be turning to these recipes again and again, you’ll want a good sheet pan. This one from Nordic Ware is our Test Kitchen’s favorite.
Cake Turntable
Serious cake bakers and decorators will never regret adding a decorating turntable to their collection of cake supplies. This lazy Susan-like tool allows you to spin your layered cakes to help achieve even layers of icing and beautiful finishes. It makes decorating even a simple cake such a breeze.
Piping Bags and Tips
If you want to go above and beyond with your decorating, invest in a few simple cake supplies. Piping bags and a few pastry tips can really give your bakes that professional touch. Really serious about decorating? Check out these frosting tools. Also check out how to use a piping bag the right way.
Cake Leveler
To level off the top of a cake or to split a layer into two, you can rely on a good eye, a steady hand and a serrated knife. For those that don’t want to risk uneven layers, rely on a cake leveler. It’ll help you get even layers every time.
Cake Tester
Yes, you can absolutely test cake doneness with a toothpick. However, if you’re baking a thicker cake like a Bundt, you’ll struggle to hit the center of the cake with a small toothpick. That’s where a cake tester really comes in handy.
Cake Lifter
Moving a cake from your turntable onto a cake stand can be pretty nerve-wracking. Make the job easier with a cake lifter. This extra-wide spatula slides under your cake and makes it easy to move from plate to plate.
Cake and Cupcake Carrier
Baking a cake or a batch of cupcakes? Surely you’re taking them somewhere to share. Invest in a cake carrier—this one also can carry cupcakes—to transport your goodies safely.
Decorative Pan
If you don’t have time to frost your cake, let a decorative pan do all of the work for you. With this pan, the design bakes directly into your sponge. Get more cake decorating tips here.
Cake Stand
Display your finished cake with pride! This retro-inspired stand (which comes in three sizes) is perfect for showcasing one of our top 10 cake recipes.
If you like trying different cake recipes also try making Faith Hill’s coca-cola cake and Ina Garten’s mocha chocolate icebox cake.