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Baking Essentials: Equipment for every Italian cook

17 Feb 2020
Baking Essentials: Equipment for every Italian cook

I have a confession to make – I love baking! ❤❤❤

Italian Spoon has a recipe to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth for breakfast, afternoon tea or dessert. If you have an Italian background, chances are that your Nonna (grandmother) used to make sweet Italian desserts for you growing up. Are you looking to maintain Nonna’s tradition or start a new one? You don’t need to have Nonna by your side to make perfect desserts. We reveal or favourite cake tins, baking trays, appliances and other baking essentials to make sweet delights from cookie recipes through to showstopping desserts. This post has links below to purchase products that we recommend from Amazon. My shopping experience with Amazon is always fantastic. I love buying products online at Amazon with fast shipping that see your new items on your doorstep in no time.

Just a heads up that we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.



Must have Baking appliances❤

Baking is definitely an art and I love it! Every artist requires the right tools to make a masterpiece and baking is no different. Here is a guide to our favourite and Must have Baking appliances.

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer, Empire Red
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– 10 speed Artisan Stand Mixer which is perfect for combining both wet and dry ingredients, kneading bread, whipping cream and much more!
– Choose from all other color options to find the one that best matches your style and personality.
– The power hub turns your stand mixer into a culinary center with more than 15 optional attachments available.

KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer, Empire Red
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– 5 Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer
– Lock the cord into either the left or right side of the mixer so you can approach ingredients from any angle. The round cord is easy to wipe clean
– Easily and quickly remove any accessory from the hand mixer with the single-handed press of a button
– The Stainless Steel Turbo Beater Accessories are ideal for mixing heavy ingredients
– Easy to clean and Dishwasher safe

Cuisinart Duet Blender/Food Processor, Brushed Chrome
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe)

– Features 7-Speed touch pad controls with LED indicators (off, on, pulse, stir, chop, mix, puree, food processor and ice crush)
– 3-Cup food processor attachment with Feed tube and pusher, slicing/shredding disc and chopping blade
– Powerful 500-watt motor
– Large 48-oz. Glass blender jar, clear 2-oz. Measured pour lid
– All removable parts are dishwasher-safe
– Cord length 36 Inches
– Not available from Amazon.com.au however product can be shipped to Australia. Select ‘Buy from Amazon US and Europe’ to see today’s price.




Cake tins, Pans, Cookie sheets and other Must Haves❤

If you’re anything like me, you like to bake until your heart is content. I can’t stress enough that good cakes come to those who bake with the right cake pan! I always use aluminium metal baking pans. Why? They bake dishes evenly which is especially important for cakes. They are also very lightweight and durable. My preference is to use a lighter cake pan for cakes. This is because dark cake pans absorb more heat and therefore bake the cake more quickly and create a darker crust. I tend to mostly use round cake tins however different recipes call for different baking pan sizes so it is important that you have a variety. My tip is to, where possible, use the same size cake pan as recorded in the recipe. To determine a cake pan’s dimensions, measure the inner edge of the pan. If a recipe requires a removeable base, that’s what you need to use. For example, a loose-bottom cake pan is essential for making cheesecake.

Are you ready to step up your baking game? Here is our guide to baking Must Haves from Amazon. Which one will you buy?

1.Must have Round Cake Pans
PME 9 Inch Round Seamless Professional Aluminum Baking Pan
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– Round Cake Pan dimensions: 9 x 3 inches (22.9 x 7.6 cm)
– Made from high quality anodised aluminum
– Created with even wall thickness and seamless construction gives you a smoothed straight edge cake
– Hand wash with a sponge and warm soapy water
– Silver colour

PME 10 Inch Round Seamless Professional Aluminum Baking Pan
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– Round Cake Pan dimensions: 10 x 3 inches (25.4 x 7.6 cm)
– Made from high quality anodised aluminum
– Created with even wall thickness and seamless construction gives you a smoothed straight edge cake
– Hand wash with a sponge and warm soapy water
– Silver colour

Wilton Performance Pans Large Round Cake Pans Set, 4-Piece
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

Why buy one when you can have 4?
– 4 Piece Round cake pan set for making different size cakes or one show-stopping graduated tiered cake
– Generous 3 inch depth for higher cakes and high quality aluminum construction for even-heating and durability
– Color: Silver
– Includes: 8 x 3 inches (20.3 x 7.6 cm), 10 x 3 inches (25.4 x 7.6 cm), 12 x 3 inches (30.4 x 7.6 cm) and 14 x 3 inches (35.6 x 7.6 cm) size pans
– Wash before first and after each use in warm, soapy water

2.Must have Square Baking Pans
PME 10 Inch x 10 Inch x 3 Inch Square Anodised Cake Seamless Professional Aluminum Baking Pan
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– Created with even wall thickness and seamless construction gives you a smoothed straight edge cake
– 3 inches deep (7.6 cm)
– Square cake pan dimensions: 10 x 10 inches (25.4 x 25.4 cm)
– Made from high quality anodised aluminum
– Hand wash with a sponge and warm soapy water

3.Must have Muffin and Donut Pans
Wilton Non-Stick 6 Cup Jumbo Muffin Pan, Set of 2
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– Quick release, non stick coating for easy cleanup. Heavy gauge construction spreads heat evenly and prevents warping
– Each pan has 6 cups measuring 3.5 x 1.75 inches (8.9 x 4.45 centimeter)
– Limited 5 year warranty
– Dishwasher safe; however for best results, wash in warm, soapy water before first and after each use
– Quantity: Includes 2 pans total

Silicone Muffin and Cupcake Baking Pan - BPA Free Nonstick Heavy Duty - Professional Grade 100% Non-Toxic - 2 Piece Set 12 Cup and 24 Cup Pan Set
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– Contains 24-cup pan x1 and 12 cup pan x1

Wilton Non-Stick 6-Cavity Donut Baking Pans, 2 Piece
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– Make up to a dozen healthier baked donuts for breakfast with this donut baking pan set
– Made of steel, non stick coating for easy release and quick cleanup
– Each donut pan is 12.5 x 8 inches (32 x 20.3 cm)
– Quantity: 2 Pieces
– Dishwasher safe however for best results, wash in warm, soapy water before first and after each use

4. Must have Loaf Pans
Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick Long Bread Loaf Pan, 2 Piece set
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– Non-stick for easy release and easy cleanup
– Includes 2 loaf pans, each measuring 12 x 4.5 inches (30.48 x 11.43cm).
– Limited 5- year warranty
– Dishwasher safe

5. Must have Springform Pan
Wilton 9 Inch Round Aluminium Springform Pan
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– Springform (loose-bottomed) pan is great for making cheesecakes
– 9 inches diameter x 3 inches deep (22.8 cm diameter x 7.6 cm deep)
– Heavy gauge aluminium construction ensures even heating and long wear; waffled texture on bottom and sides makes food release easy
– Colour: Silver
– Wash in warm, soapy water before first and after each use for best results

6.Must have tart pan/pie plates
Fox Run 9 Inch Removable Bottom Non-Stick Tart and Quiche Pan
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– Bakes the perfect tarts, quiche and pies
– Loose bottom 9 inches (22.8 cm) baking pan features a removable bottom for quick cooling and easy removal of your favorite dessert
– Superior baking tray with even heat distribution to conduct heat quickly and evenly, perfectly browning your quiche or tart crust
– Constructed of durable carbon steel with our exclusive premium non-stick coating for easy release and cleaning up – tarts and quiche slide out with ease!
– Dishwasher safe however hand washing is recommended to extend the life of the product

Fox Run 11 Inch Round Tart/Quiche Pan with Removable Bottom, Tin-Plated Steel
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– Constructed of durable, sleek tin-plated steel
– Great for making tarts and quiche
– Features a convenient drop out bottom for quick cooling and easy removal
– Hand washing recommended

Ciroa 9 Inch White Porcelain Deep Pie Plate, for baking and serving
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– Versatile 9 inches (22.8 cm) pie dish is perfect for baking and serving savoury and sweet pie dishes. It is also great for baking Italian frittata. It has a capacity of approximately 6 cups.
– Made from quality porcelain, this pie dish is durable and made to last – they have been high fired for extra durability
– Safe to use for oven baking or cooking in microwave.
– Dishwasher safe and cleans with ease

Jamie Oliver 10 Inche Tart Pie Tin, Nonstick
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– 10 inches (25.4 cm) tart pan and 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) deep ideal for making pies, quiches and flans
– Bottom separates for easy release and even heat distribution
– Durable nonstick Quantum II coating on interior and Xylan coating on exterior keeps food from sticking
– Heavy-gauge 0.8mm carbon steel construction prevents warping even at high temperatures up to 475 degrees F
– 25 Year Jamie Oliver Guarantee – Hand wash only

7.Baking Trays and Cookie Sheets
Wildone Baking Sheet & Rack Set - Set of 2 Stainless Steel Cookie Pans + 2 Racks, Size 16 x 12 x 1 Inch
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– 4 Piece Baking Sheet & Rack Set including x2 baking sheets 16 x 12 x 1 inches, cooling rack 15.35 x 11 x 0.67 inches
– Perfect for use as cookie sheet or baking sheet for recipes cooked in your regular oven and toaster oven
– Deep sides to prevent food juice overflow and keep your oven clean
– Cleaning is a breeze – Hand wash only to maintain its finish

USA Pan Warp Resistant Non-Stick Aluminized Steel Bakeware Cookie Sheet, Medium size
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– Medium-sized cookie sheet with raised edge for a secure, easy grip
– Baking surface Dimensions: 12.5 x 11.75 inches (31.75 x 29.8 cm).
– Commercial grade and made using heavy gauge aluminized steel
– USA Pan features Non-stick Americoat coating – a patented silicone coating which is PTFE, PFOA and BPA free
– Provides quick and easy release of all baked goods and easy clean up. Wash with hot water, mild soap and gentle scrub brush or sponge

Wilton Easy Layers! Sheet Cake Pan, 2 Piece Set
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– 2 Piece non stick pans, 9 x 13 inches (22.8 x 33cm) and 0.75 inches (1.9cm) high
Non stick for easy release and quick cleanup
– Dishwasher safe

8.Ramekins
8 Piece Set of Ramekin Bowls, Sleek Porcelain White Ramikins for Pudding, Creme Brulee, Custard Cups and Souffle, Oven Safe
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia)

– Set of 8 Stylish white porcelain ramekins, 3.5 inches diameter (8.8 cm), Suitable for cooking Pudding, Creme Brulee, Custard Cups, individual pies, Souffle and other tasty dishes
– High quality Porcelain – FDA approved non-toxic healthy porcelain (Lead and Cadmium free)
– Microwave, oven, freezer and dishwasher safe, Sturdy and durable; fired at high temperature-healthy and environmental friendly




Essential Baking Accessories❤

It is time to think outside of the cake box and find the accessories you need for baking. I am talking about the baking tools that every home cook needs from beginner to the dessert queen. Here is our guide of baking must haves to set you up for success.

Etekcity Food Digital Kitchen Scale Baking and Cooking, measures up to 5kg
The French Pantry 3 Piece Baking Gift Set - Aluminum Sheet Pan, SIL-MAT Silicone Baking Mat & Stainless Steel Cooling Rack
Buy from Amazon (US and Europe) Buy from Amazon (Australia) – Contains x 1 Aluminum Half Sheet Pan 18 x 13 inches (45 X 33 cm), Heavy Duty 100% Commercial Grade Aluminum, Aluminum’s superior heat conductivity ensures that your foods bake evenly, Reinforced Rolled Rim to Prevent Warping, Rust Proof, Hand Wash Only,
– Contains x 1 SIL-MAT Silicone Mat 16.5 x 12 inches (42 X 29.5 cm, Food Grade Silicone with a Fiberglass Mesh, Non-Stick, Can be used at temperatures ranging from -40 degrees F to 500 degrees
– Contains x 1 Stainless Steel Cooling Rack 16.5 x 12 inches (42 X 30 cm), Commercial Grade 304 (18/8) Stainless Steel, Rust Resistant, No Artificial Coating, Dishwasher Safe

Your best chance of baking the perfect desserts starts with the right equipment. Other factors for your best chance at success with any dessert recipe are to carefully measure your ingredients. That means Nonna’s method of ‘quanto basta’ (meaning just enough in Italian) is not going to cut it for a constantly perfect dessert every time. If you haven’t already got one, invest in products to measure the correct portions of ingredients. Make sure you follow the recipe and use the correct oven temperature for baking desserts – it really matters! I prefer conventional cooking rather than fan-forced and keep an eye on cakes as they are getting close to the end of the suggested baking time.

Here you have the perfect Baking Essentials to create desserts for everyone’s taste! Italian Spoon has traditional Italian desserts that inspire and now you can make them too!

Happy Cooking X

Vanessa Bottaro

Author, Founder and Creative Director at Italian Spoon
In my eyes, Italian cuisine is love on a plate.

Vanessa is Creative Director of the Italian Spoon website and Author of The Italian entertaining cookbook, a collection of home-style Italian recipes and tips for entertaining in true Italian-style. In addition to cooking and taking photographs, Vanessa writes the recipes and blogs to bring the love of Italian cooking to life! The collection of recipes and blogs on the website have been inspired by travels to Italy and desire to share what she has learnt from the great ‘Mamma’s and ‘Nonna’s in her life!

Vanessa is an entrepreneur and wife to husband Simone and the mother of two beautiful kids Dante and Mia. Even so she was born and lives in Melbourne Australia, Vanessa has a deep connection to Italy. Perhaps it is the food, or maybe it is because it is the place where Vanessa met the love of her life, Simone to whom she has been happily married for so many years.
Vanessa Bottaro

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